Help + Wanted = Vinyl Scratch

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On the contrary from its normal scene of quiet relaxation, the Golden Oaks Library was currently experiencing an epic battle between dragon and pony.

“Oh, c’mon, Twilight! Please?”

“No, Spike. For the last time, that is a ridiculous waste of bits!”

Spike looked down at the advertisement in his hand for a new keyboard/sound system combo set. “It’s not a waste of bits. It comes with a new Maretronix Keyboard, two twelve inch sound bars, six surround sound stereo speakers, and a twenty-four inch mega subwoofer! Do you know how amazing the sound emanating from this will be?!” He threw his arms out, thrusting the advertised picture in the face of the purple unicorn.

“Spike, you don’t need it, though. And what's wrong with the keyboard you have now?” She roughly pushed the paper out of her face.

“Well, for one, it doesn't have an amazing surround sound system with it. And, two, it's like... old! Trust me. There’s a huge difference! You know how important this is to me. How am I supposed to keep up with the other musicians around if I can't even have decent equipment?" The young dragon gave his biggest puppy dog eyes.

“Spike, that’s not gonna work.” She gave her assistant an unamused look. “And besides, even if you did need this sound system…thingy, seven hundred bits-”

“Six-hundred and ninety-nine bits!”

“Fine, six-hundred and ninety-nine bits, is way too expensive! Do you know how long ponies have to work to make that much?”

Spike slumped down on their living room floor. “A long time?”

“Yes. Now, if you really want this, you’re going to have to buy it yourself.” She sent a matter of fact look in his direction.

“And how am I supposed to do that?” He gave her an annoyed stare.

“Hmm, why don’t you sell some of the gems that Rarity gives you for helping her?”

“What? No way! Those are special!” He said, defensively.

“Well, excuse me. I thought you didn’t have a crush on her anymore.” She flashed a slight smile.

“Well, I don’t, but still… Those were gifts, and she’s my best friend! You wouldn’t sell one of your books from Celestia, would you?”

Twilight’s stomach jumped at the mere thought of parting with one of her mentor’s gifts. “Point taken.” She quickly cast the thought away from her mind.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Spike mulled over the possible options in front of him. “What if I got a job?”

“A job? But Spike, you work here already.” Twilight gave him a surprised look.

“But you don’t pay me.” Spike shot her an unamused look.

“Spike, I do pay you. I give you place to live, make sure there’s food, and I even give you bits to go out with friends, occasionally. And besides, you don’t know the first thing about getting a job!”

Spike jumped back to his feet. “Well, you know what? I can easily get a job. I’m gonna go out and buy my keyboard combo pack without your help! Just you wait and see!” With a final smirk, he turned away and headed for the front door.

“Wait, Spike. You’re going already? You don’t want to rush into this,” Twilight said, a slight motherly tinge in her voice.

“Sorry. A rolling dragon gathers no moss!... or something like that.” He quickly opened the door and made his exit.

“Do you even know any places that are hiring? You might need some help!” she called after the dragon. He was too far away now to hear her, however. “Or not…”

* * * * * * *

“I need help!” Spike had wandered in and out of every shop in Ponyville, trying to find a place willing to hire him. And he always got the same answer. ‘We’re not hiring’, ‘dragons are bad for business’, or they’d just look at his size and laugh. He didn’t exactly look his age.

'Alright, I need a job, and I need help from a pony I trust.' Spike rolled his thoughts around for a moment, before arriving at a conclusion. '…And I know just who to talk to!'

Spike arrived at the Carousel Boutique, and firmly rapped his claw on the door.

“One minute!” He heard the musically accented sound of Rarity’s voice call out, before the door gently opened, revealing the beautiful white unicorn herself. “Who is- Oh, Spike! Do come in darling!” Rarity quickly opened the door fully, ushering the dragon inside.

Taking a seat on the couch, Spike quickly got to the matter at hand. “Rarity, I need your help.”

Seating herself next to him, Rarity’s eyes instantly widened at Spike’s statement. “You need my help? Whatever is the matter, Spike?”

“Well, me and Twilight got into a bit of an argument, and-“

“Oh, dear! It wasn’t anything serious was it?” She said, cutting off his sentence.

“Well, not really. It was just-“

“Because you know you’re always welcome to stay with me for a time when you two need some distance!” She gave the young dragon a friendly smile, and gently patted his claw.

“Thanks, Rares, but it’s nothing like that. I just wanted Twilight to buy something for me, but she refused. She said a new keyboard was, and I quote, ‘a complete waste of bits’.” He made quotation marks with his claws, his voice filled with sarcasm

“Oh, Spike, I’m sorry. Twilight can be a bit insensitive about things sometimes,” she said, with a nod of understanding. “How much is this, um, keyboard, was it?”

“Six-hundred and ninety-nine bits.” Spike laughed sheepishly.

Rarity’s eyes widened in shock. “Well, I suppose I can see Twilight’s point to an extent.”

Spike simply rolled his eyes in response. “Yeah, I know it’s expensive. But it’s totally worth it! I mean, music is something I'm actually good at, and if I can have some proper equipment, I could actually get somewhere. But the only way I’m ever gonna get it is if I buy it myself, and to do that I need a job. That’s what I need your help with.” He turned his gaze to the unicorn, shooting her a hopeful grin.

“Well, Spike, of course I’ll help you! That’s a very mature step you’re taking. Now, have you applied anywhere yet?” She cocked her head slightly.

“Heh, you could say that. I’ve tried Sofa and Quills, Sugarcube Corner, City Hall… a bunch of places, and I always get the same response. Rejection.” He cast his gaze down to the floor.

“Hmm, well, I think I know what the problem is. I’ll be right back, dear.” Rarity quickly got up and went into a different room.

Spike stayed on the couch, mind travelling to what remedy the unicorn could bring to fix his situation. His thoughts were cut short however, when she returned a few seconds later, levitating a newspaper above her head.

“Alright, Spike. Have you ever looked at the ‘classifieds’ section in the newspaper before?” The white mare quickly took her seat next to the dragon again, and flipped through the pages of the newspaper until she arrived at the aforementioned section.

“Um, I can’t say that I have. Twilight doesn’t allow the newspaper to get delivered to our house. Something about newspaper articles and fanfiction being the end of intelligent literature as we know it.” Spike shrugged, and turned his gaze to the open document in front of him.

“That sounds like Twilight,” Rarity chuckled to herself. “Anyhow, this section is a list of employers that are hiring workers at the moment, and the skills they look for in an employee!”

“Wow, this sounds like just what I need! Umm, I don’t suppose you’d be willing to help me with this, would you?” Spike asked, with a slight sense of pleading.

“Of course, dear. You don’t even need to ask. Now, let’s see what we have here…” The two browsed through the various job advertisements. “There’s an opening at the spa for a mud bath custodian… no, that doesn’t sound like its right for you. How does one even clean a mud bath?” Rarity and Spike both laughed at the idea.

“What about this? ‘Musician’s Assistant Needed – No Experience Necessary’. That sounds perfect!” Spike sported a huge grin, while pointing to the job ad.

“Let me see.” Rarity quickly scanned over the full description of the job.

Assistant needed for an up and coming DJ, aka, me. Position requires basic errand running, help setting up and preparing for shows, and basically doing what I tell you. Benefits include backstage passes for all shows and performances, food and beverages, and travel. Work is primarily on nights and weekends, and I pay bits, too.

For full details, ask for 'Vinyl Scratch' at Ponyville Music and Sound.

Spike couldn’t believe it. Not only was there an excellent job opportunity in front of him, but it revolved around one of his favourite subjects – music! “Rarity, this is it! This is totally the job for me!” Spike began involuntarily jumping up and down in his seat.

“Now, hold on for a moment,” she said, using her magic to levitate him back down. “I’ll admit, this does sound like a great job for you, but you should probably speak with the employer about the specifics before making any final decisions. I mean, what if the schedule gets in the way of prior engagements. I mean, you help Twilight still, and I’d certainly hope you’ll still be able to come and visit me, from time to time.” She gave him her signature sweet smile.

“Don’t worry, Rarity. The schedule will apparently be on nights and weekends, so it won’t interfere with my chores at the library.” ‘Not that Twilight appreciates them anyway’, he mumbled to himself. “And of course I’ll still visit you. You’re my best friend, and that comes first.” He leaned over and gave the unicorn a tight hug.

“Alright, Spike, but I’m holding you to that,” she said, gently unwrapping her hooves from around the drake. “Now, where did it say to meet the employer?”

“Uhh, ‘Ponyville Music and Sound’. I think that’s actually the store that sent me the advertisement for the equipment I want.” This kept getting better and better.

“Oh, yes, I know that shop. One of my clients, Octavia Melody, recently opened it.”

Spike quickly got up from the seat, and headed for the door. “Well Rarity, I’m gonna head out. I want to get there before someone else does.”

“Alright, Spike. Do you know the way?” Spike shook his head in response. “Okay, you go to town square, take a left at Sofa and Quills, and it’s behind City Hall. Understood?”

“Yea, thanks!” The unicorn got up and gave him a quick hug. “You’re awesome, Rarity! Wish me luck, alright?”

“Definitely! Go get ‘em, Spike!” She gave a final wave and smile as he darted out the door.

* * * * * * *

Spike made a decision right then and there that he would never get directions from Rarity again. Ever. The way she told him led to a particularly boring patch of grass, and he spent the next hour scouring the town for this building, only to find it was merely one building away from the Carousel Boutique itself.

“Well, here goes nothing.” Spike took a deep breath and stepped into the mid-sized building.

As soon as his eyes made contact with the inside of the store, he was flabbergasted. The store was basically one large room outfitted wall to wall with music accessories.

It was heaven!

There were all kinds of guitars hanging on the walls, ranging from classic style acoustics to modern electric, drum kits spread across the room, keyboards, amplifiers, sheet music – if it was related to music, it was here.

It was all Spike could do to not faint on site. He strongly repressed his desire to play around with every instrument he saw, even the ones he had no idea how to play. But he had a mission to complete, and time was valuable.

“Alright, I need to find this, ‘Vinyl Scratch’, pony. I wonder what they look like.” Spike realized the job description gave no clue as to who the employer was. He didn’t even know what gender they were. “I suppose I should find an employee and ask.”

The dragon looked around until he spotted the front counter, and he began to make his way over to it. However, something quickly caught his eye.

“No way!” Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the album section of the store. And it was a massive selection. ‘Okay, I’ve got to take a quick look, and then I’ll get back to the mission,’ he told himself, as he travelled over to the musical banquet before him.

His eyes grew wider the more he browsed. “Oh my gosh, they have everything!” Colt-182, CelestiaShallBurn, A Neigh To Remember, Of Mice & Mares… they had all his favourites! “Wow, I can’t believe I’ve never been here before now.” He picked up an interesting looking album and scanned his eyes over it.

“Whatcha' looking at?”

Spike nearly jumped out of his scales at the sound of another pony behind him. He turned around to find a white unicorn with an electric blue mane looking at him through a pair of stylish sunglasses.

“Oh, I’m just looking at this album. The band is called, ‘Everyone Dies In Canterlot’. I’ve never heard them before.” He flipped the case over in his palm, scanning the song titles. “It seems pretty cool.”

“Yea, they’re alright. Every song is pretty much the same though. Dubstep intro followed by an insane amount of breakdowns. It’s probably worth a listen.” The mystery pony gave witty smile to the purple dragon.

“Awesome. Unfortunately, I’m broke at the moment.” Spike set the album back on the shelf in dejection. “But that’s why I’m here. I don’t suppose you’d know anyone by the name of Vinyl Scratch?”

The white pony smirked, and gave a suspicious glance at the dragon. “I might. Who’s asking?”

“Oh, sorry, I forgot to introduce myself! My name’s Spike.” He quickly gave a traditional gentlemanly bow to the unicorn. “I saw an ad in the paper that said I could meet whoever this pony is here at this music shop and talk about a job. I kinda need one.” He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head.

“Well, it's your lucky day. You’re looking at her!” The unicorn gave a cocky grin and pushed her glasses up to her forehead revealing a pair of deep magenta eyes.

“Wait, you're Vinyl Scratch?” Spike said slightly taken aback.

“Yep, that’s me! Ponyville’s premier DJ, soon to be Equestria’s top star! I hope. Anyway, to the business at hoof, I take it you’re interested in my job offer?” She gave him a curious look.

“Uh, yeah! I kinda need some extra bits, and frankly, I’ve got none. And I can’t count on my only family to help me when I need something, apparently.” Spike grumbled.

“Been there, done that. My friend Octavia runs this place, and we’ve been roommates for a while. But whenever I was broke and asked for something, I got the short end of the stick.” She looked up at the ceiling with an annoyed sigh.

“I know right! And it was important, too! I needed a new keyboard and sound system, but she said it was just a waste of money!” Spike threw his arms up in annoyance.

The unicorn’s jaw dropped at hearing this. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! Anything involving music is never a waste of money! The keyboard is a classic instrument, and a good sound system is important, no, vital, to your music listening experience. She insulted my entire profession!”

Spike couldn’t help but grin at her words. He’d known her for all of five minutes and he liked her. “Thank you! I’m glad somebody gets it! But, she said I have to buy it myself if I want it, so I need to get a job.”

“Hmm, I can probably help you. But, first I gotta ask, what makes you the material I need for an assistant?” She scanned her eyes over him several times.

“Well, I like music. I actually play the keyboard pretty well."

"Hmm," Vinyl said with a smile. "An aspiring musician, huh?"

"Well, kind of," Spike said sheepishly.

"Well, you've gotta start somewhere," she replied. "Anything else?"

"Oh, umm, I’m good at assisting with… stuff.” Spike shrugged his shoulders.

"Awesome, just what I need. But, there is one other thing. A lot of the clubs I play at have an age requirement to get in, so... how old are you, exactly?"

"Don't worry, I'm eighteen," Spike responded with a chuckle. "I just look young. Comes with the territory of draconic aging. But don't worry, I'm an adult."

“Perfect! You’re hired.” She stuck out her hoof and gave Spike a firm hoof/claw shake.

"Really, that quick?"

"Sure. You seem pretty nice and responsible. I'll give you a shot."

“Awesome! Thanks so much!” Spike wildly shook her hoof with excitement.

“And besides, having a dragon around at my shows is bound to turn some heads."

She started walking toward the front counter of the store. “C’mon, Spike. We can discuss the details of the job in the office room back here.”

Spike walked with her behind the counter back to a small room where a grey earth pony was sitting at a desk, glancing over some papers.

“Hey, Octavia! I want you to meet someone,” Vinyl casually called out, causing the earth pony to glance up from what she was doing. “This is Spike! He’s gonna be my new assistant at my shows and stuff!” She pushed him forward with a hoof, forcibly introducing the two.

“Vinyl! He’s a dragon!” Octavia shouted, a tinge of fear in her voice.

“Yeah, and you’re a pony. Take a chill pill, girl. He’s cool, and has an excellent taste in music.” She gave the dragon a sly wink and playfully nudged him. “And besides, having a dragon at gigs is bound to build me some popularity!”

“I suppose that is true,” Octavia said, giving a questioning glance at the new assistant. “I suppose I owe you an apology, uh, Spike, was it?”

“Yeah, Spike.” He gave a graceful bow. “It’s nice to meet you, Octavia. You have an awesome store!”

“Oh, well thank you, Spike. I’m hoping to bring some of the musical culture I picked up from Manehatten here.” The three heard the sound of a doorbell chime from the store. “Now, if you two will excuse me, I have a customer to attend to. It was wonderful meeting you, Spike.” She gave him a polite smile before exiting. She quickly turned around before leaving, however. “I just hope you can handle Vinyl. She’s a firecracker.” With a chuckle, she turned around and left to attend to whoever had come into the store.

“Alright, Spike, let’s talk business.” Vinyl slumped down into the desk chair Octavia was previously occupying. “I have a regular job at the local club on weekend nights, and if I’m lucky, I can get booked by other places throughout the week. You know, opening for other artists, playing at parties, stuff like that. As my assistant, you’d of course get passes to all my shows, which includes getting to meet lots of other artists and famous people.” She cracked a smile at the dragon.

“Whoa, that sounds awesome!” Spike was elated at the opportunity.

“Yeah, it’s pretty sweet, right? Anyway, your job will basically be helping me set up my speakers, amps, microphone, etc. I’ll also need your help with booking gigs, filing receipts and stuff. You think you can do that?”

“Pssh, yeah. I do paperwork and stuff like that all the time.”

“Awesome. Now, of course, we need to talk bits.”

Spike was so psyched by everything else, he almost forgot the base reason he was there. “Oh, yeah. What’s the pay rate?”

“Ten percent of what I make from the gig itself, and five percent of all the tips I receive. Sound good?”

It sounded alright, but from what Spike knew, tips were the primary means of cash flow with jobs like this. “It sounds good, but how about twenty percent of the gig price, to make up for the small tip pay?”

Vinyl’s mouth contorted into a small grin, and she let out a quick laugh. “Huh, a dragon who knows what he wants? I like that! How about we do fifteen percent of the gig price for the first couple shows while I see what you’re capable of, then we’ll talk raising it to twenty. Sound fair?”

“Deal!” Spike shook her hoof once again, finalizing the arrangement.

“Alright, it’s a deal then. We’re gonna have lots of fun, trust me!” She shot a huge grin at the young dragon. “My next show is tomorrow night at the local club, Pop Rocks, alright? I need you there by five to help set up.”

“Gotcha. I’ll be there!”

“Awesome. Now you can go back home and say that you have a job.”

“Alright, awesome! Thanks so much, uh, Ms. Scratch?”

“Blech! Call me, Vinyl, please.”

“Oh, alright. Thanks, Vinyl! I’ll see you tomorrow night!”

“See you then, my friend!” Vinyl lazed back in her chair with her hooves behind her head as her new assistant ran out the door. Her lips turned into a smile while thinking about the small dragon.

“Man, I like him.”

Smokahontas

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It was late in the day when Spike finally returned home.

He had stopped by the Carousel Boutique right away to deliver the good news of his new employment. Rarity was excited for him, but of course made him promise to still stop by from time to time. She also requested he stop by before his first day of work the next day, and she would have a present for him. He wasn’t sure what it was, but he was excited either way.

Spike charged through the front door of his library home, a spring in his step and a smile on his face.

“Twilight! Oh, Twiiiilight!” He glanced around the living room, seeing no sign of the unicorn in question.

“Spike, I’m in the study!” Twilight’s voice rang out from the next room over.

The young dragon wasted no time in making his way over to the room. He walked in to find her sitting at a desk, engrossed in a rather large book.

“How did your day go, Spike?” She turned her head to face her dragon assistant.

“Well, I went looking for a job.”

“And how did the hunt go?” Twilight said, with a slight grin.

“Well, I got rejected at every place I visited…”

“You see, Spike. I told you going off on impulse like that was a bad-“

“But then someone hired me! I have a job now!” Spike jumped up and down in place, letting his excitement loose. “You said I couldn’t do it, but I did!”

Twilight’s mouth hung slightly agape.“Well, I’m impressed, Spike! I honestly thought you wouldn’t be able to find one by yourself.”

“I didn’t actually do it by myself, per say. Rarity kinda helped me.” He grinned sheepishly. “But I did all the actual talking and stuff with the employer by myself!”

“Well, that’s great, Spike. I still think it was a bit rushed, but at least it worked out. I have to ask, where did you get hired at?” Her eyes widened in curiosity. “Sugarcube Corner?”

“Nope. Guess again.” Spike spread a smug grin on his face.

“Sofas and Quills?”

“Wrong.”

“The spa?”

“Not even close.”

“Oh, c’mon, Spike, there aren’t even that many businesses in town for you to get hired at.”

“Well, it’s not a business, necessarily…”

“Wait. You work for a private employer? Who is it?” Twilight asked. her voice laced with concern.

“Have you ever heard of Vinyl Scratch?”

Twilight stood there contemplatively for a moment. “Wait a second… She’s that DJ, right? White unicorn with blue hair?”

“That’s the one!”

“What do you do for her?”

“Same thing I do for you. I’m her assistant now. I’ll help her at shows, handle appointments… you know, assistant stuff. I get free passes to the clubs she plays at and everything!”

“Wait a minute… You’ll be going to dance clubs? On a regular basis?!”

“Yep. This job itself seems way cooler than the keyboard I wanted to get in the first place. I’m so excited. My first show with her is tomorrow night!”

Twilight wasn’t sure how to respond. On one hoof, she didn’t agree at all with his employment choice. On the other, this was her fault for telling him he needed to earn bits for himself. “Spike, clubs are dangerous. And how much do you even know about this pony? I mean, are you sure you can even trust her as your boss?”

“Well, I know she has awesome music taste.” Spike let out a small chuckle. “She was really nice, too. So, yes, I think I can trust her. If you don’t believe me, you can talk to Octavia, the mare who owns Ponyville Music. They’re good friends from what I could tell.”

“Being nice and liking music doesn’t make someone trustworthy.” Twilight let out a long sigh. “But I did suggest you try to earn bits for yourself, so it would be hypocritical to try and stop you. Just… be careful, alright?”

“Of course, Twilight. I mean, careful is my middle name!” He winked at her with a proud smile.

“No, Spike. Amadeus is your middle name.” Twilight let out a small chuckle.

“I thought we agreed you would never use that name!"

“Sorry, Spike, but you stepped right into that one. Now, when did you say your first show was?”

“Five O'clock tomorrow at Pop Rocks.”

“And this job won’t interfere with your duties around the library, will it?” she said with a scrutinizing look.

“Nope! It’s pretty much going to be on weekend nights, so I’ll be able to still take care of my chores,” he said with a smile.

“Huh. Well, Spike, this definitely looks like an excellent opportunity for you. I’m very proud.”

“Thanks, Twi. I think I’m gonna have a lot of fun with this job.” Spike quickly hugged Twilight before quickly turning around to exit the room. “Well, it’s getting late, so I think I’m gonna turn in early. Have a good night!”

“Alright, Spike, have a good night. I’ll see you in the morning.” Twilight let out a quick smile before turning back to her book.

After Spike made his exit, Twilight’s thoughts began to wander to the mare that Spike would be spending his weekend nights with from now on. "Maybe I will talk to Octavia… just to be safe."

* * * * * *

“Oh, Spike, darling! Thank you so much for stopping by!” Rarity quickly led the dragon inside.

“No problem, Rarity. You said you needed to give me something?” Spike glanced at her curiously.

“Yes! Wait right here, will you?” With a quick smile, the unicorn dashed into a different room, leaving Spike confused.

As quick as she left however, she returned, carrying a small brown bag in her magic.

“Here you are, dear!” She levitated the mystery bag to Spike’s hands. “Go on, open it!”

Spike carefully looked in the bag, and recoiled slightly at what he found. He pulled out a small black fedora with a dark purple wraparound centerpiece. He placed the hat onto his head, to find that it fit perfectly, head scales and all.

“Do you love it?!” Rarity’s eyes grew wide with excitement.

“Rarity, this is wonderful!” He stepped forward and wrapped her in a tight hug.

“Oh, I’m so glad you like it! As soon as you told me you’d be working in the music scene, I knew it was of the utmost importance for you to look the part. So I special made this fedora just for you! They’re really in fashion right now.” She giggled, shooting him a wink.

“Thanks, Rarity! I love it!” Spike looked at himself in a nearby mirror. “Now I can look sexy and stylish!” he laughed, earning a small laugh in return.

“That you will, Spike. So, you ready for your first night of work, with uh, what was her name?” Rarity walked over to her couch and took a seat.

“Vinyl Scratch.” Spike turned to face his friend. “And yea, I’m ready. I’m kind of nervous, though. I’ve never been to this club before.”

“Pop Rocks, correct? I’ve never been there either, but I know it’s relatively popular with the ponies in town. Especially the younger crowd. Cloudchaser and Flitter are regulars there, I hear.”

“Well, hopefully I’ll see some ponies I know. Either way, Vinyl said this job is really fun! And maybe there will be a local band or something playing too, and I’ll get a free concert out of it.” Spike thought to himself about the possibilities of his first day of work.

“Well, I am happy for you, Spike! I wish I could come see your first show tonight, but I’m just so swamped with work right now.” She sent a sad look in the young dragon’s direction.

“Don’t worry about it, Rarity. There’ll be a lot more in the future. Plus, I’m not sure this is exactly your ideal hangout place.”

“Perhaps you’re right. But I will make sure to come see you, soon. It’s my responsibility as your friend!” She shot a warm grin at Spike. “Now, it’s almost time for you to be at work, and you mustn’t be late on your first day! That’s terrible form.”

Spike quickly glanced at a clock hanging on a nearby wall. “Whoa! I only have thirty minutes to get there!” Spike took stock of himself in the mirror one final time. “I gotta go, Rarity. Thanks for the awesome hat!” He quickly gave the mare a tight hug and made his way to the front door.

“No problem, dear! Have a good first day, and do let me know how it goes!”

* * * * * *

Spike looked around the empty room from his location on the stage. It was a relatively small club with a bar on one end, a small stage on the other and a dance floor in between.

He had just finished setting up the music equipment to Vinyl’s specifications, and there was still forty-five minutes until the club opened. He ventured off to the prep room behind the stage where the unicorn was at.

He glanced around the small room, quickly spotting her looking through a stack of music albums. “Hey, Vinyl? Everything is set up.”

“Really? You’re awesome!” She lifted her hoof up, giving Spike a quick hoof bump. “I’ll come out and make sure everything’s right in just a second. I’m just looking over some music to find some new material to add to my playlist.” She looked over a couple more albums before selecting two and walked toward the exit. “These should do. Alright, Spike, let’s see if everything looks good.”

Spike followed her through the door to the stage. She quickly scanned over the speaker wiring, the keyboard, synthesizer and the computer system. He twiddled his thumbs, awaiting her response.

“Well, Spike. Looks great! Awesome job. We’ll be able to rock this place tonight!” She flashed him a smile of approval.

“Thanks!” He shot her a proud smile. “So, what’s on the agenda tonight? Are there any other artists playing or anything?”

“Actually, I’m glad you asked! We’re actually just playing warm-up tonight for a different band. They’re an underground band from Manehatten called I See Sombra.”

Spike searched his memory banks for any information he might know about this band. “Huh, I don’t think I’ve heard them before.”

“Doesn’t surprise me. They’ve never played any shows in this area before. But, I went to school with a couple of the dudes in the band, so I know them pretty well.”

“That’s cool. What kind of music do they play?” Spike asked, curiously.

“They’re pretty much your basic metalcore band. Breakdowns, slam riffs, melodic choruses… you get the gist,” she said nonchalantly.

“Well, there’s nothing wrong with that in my book.” Spike chuckled lightly. “But wait a sec. If we’re only playing warm-up, how long on stage do we get?”

“Thirty minutes, so we’re not getting a whole lot of pay from the club tonight. But, one of my friends in the band asked me if I could write and perform a synth lead for a new song they’re playing tonight! So, you know what that means?” Her mouth grew into an excited grin.

“You get to play on stage with them?!”

“Yep! And there’s supposed to be a decent turnout for their show tonight, so it’s an awesome chance to get some notoriety!”

“That’s so cool! I’ve always wanted to be able to rock out with a band on-stage.” Spike grin fell ever so slightly.

“Well, you’ll be up there with me, of course!” She shot him a warm smile. “Besides, I’ll need some help with the keyboard section I wrote in to their song, and you said you can play the piano, right?”

“Uhh, yeah! Well, kind of.” Spike shuffled his feet nervously.

“Can you read sheet music?”

“Yes, I can!”

“Perfect! You’ll do great. It’s just a simple synth filler for the background. Nothing complicated. I’ll be rocking the complex stuff.” She winked at him with a cocky smile. “Now, we’ve got about thirty more minutes before the doors open, so I’d like to know a bit more about you,” she stated, while walking back into the prep room with Spike.

“Um, okay. What do you want to know?”

“Well, if I remember correctly, you had something to do with fixing that disaster in the Crystal Empire a few years back, right?” Vinyl said, taking a seat on of the chairs in the room.

“Ha, yeah, that was me.” Spike blushed slightly, surprised that she was actually bringing up such old news.

“I thought so. I was looking through some old news magazines and stuff last night, and I found an old article about it. They had a picture of the Element Bearers, and you were in it, too. Your face was covered up by an advertisement, but I assumed it was you.”

Spike silently cursed the magazine editor, remembering that article far too well.

“Well, what I was gonna ask is, what’s it like to be famous? Like, you live with a princess, and you helped save an empire. That’s pretty sweet. And that means something coming from me.” She gave him a small smirk.

“Actually, I’m not famous at all. Sure, I live with Princess Twilight, but pretty much all the attention goes to her. I’m just the tag-along as far as the public eye is concerned. Like, the Princess of the Crystal Empire herself pretty much said ‘thanks’ once, and that was it. Twilight and the other elements got parades, medals, news stories and mass media attention.” Spike looked down at his feet. “But, that’s just how it goes when you’re an assistant.”

Vinyl looked at him with a tinge of sympathy. “I know that feeling. Trust me.”

“You do?” Spike looked up with a curious expression.

“Yea. But that’s another story for another time.” She waved the thought away with a swipe of her hoof. “But don’t worry, Spike. As my assistant, I’ll make sure you get your props. Nobody gets left behind with me.” She gave the dragon a friendly smile.

“Thanks, Vinyl. I appreciate it.” He returned with his own warm smile.

“Now, if you’re gonna be on stage though, you gotta have presentation.”

“Presentation?” Spike scratched his head.

“Yeah. You gotta have a look, and a name that people will remember. For example, mine stage name is DJ PON-3, and I always wear these when performing.” She pointed up at the sunglasses hanging on her forehead. “I noticed you were carrying a pretty sweet hat when you came in.”

Spike looked over to the desk in the room where he set it down when he arrived. “Yea, one of my friends made that for me.”

“Well, it’s a great look for you, so that’s gonna be your signature style, alright?” She levitated the hat over to him with her magic. “Now, you just need a wicked stage name…” Vinyl put her hoof to her chin, turning the gears in her mind. “If we can bring something about your… dragon side to light, that’d be perfect.”

Spike thought for a moment. “Ooh, I got it! How about, ‘The Big D’?”

“Umm, let’s not use that,” she said, trying to stifle a laugh. “Well, as far as dragons go, you’re pretty awesome, so how about… the ‘Bad Baby Dragon’?!”

“Oh, come on. I’m not really a baby anymore. I’m only a couple years younger than you.” Spike gave her an annoyed look.

“Well, I know that, but it has a ring to it, and it’s easily abbreviated! It’s perfect! DJ PON-3 and the BBD rocking the crowd.” She sat back with a content smile. “It just rolls off the tongue.”

As much as he detested being referred to as a baby, it sounded pretty good. “Alright, that’ll do. Now, what do you want me to do during our warm-up show?” Spike sent her a questioning glance.

“Your job is gonna be volume and equalizer control. Basically, if you think it’s too loud, too quiet, or needs a change in sound effects, you fix it how you want. Think you can do that?”

“Definitely!” Spike couldn’t help but smile. He was actually gonna be on stage, rocking out for a crowd in just a few minutes. “And during the performance with the other band, I just play the synth piece you wrote?”

“Yep. I have the keys and everything mapped out in my computer you set up, so you’ll have everything you need.” Vinyl glanced at a nearby clock. “We’ve still got ten minutes left, so I want you to hear something before we get on. Follow me.”

Spike followed her out to the stage again, where she began typing something into her computer. “I’m gonna play you a song from I SEE SOMBRA. This is one I provided some electronic noise for off their first demo album. Wasn’t very popular, though.” A couple seconds later, she found and selected the desired track, whilst making sure the volume was on full blast.

Spike stood at a comfortable distance as the song started up. He was greeted with a simple, yet haunting synth lead. “It sounds pretty good, but it’s nothing sp-”

He didn’t get to finish that sentence as a bone crushing riff shook the entire room, followed by possibly the heaviest synth vibration he had ever heard.

‘PUT YOUR HOOVES WHERE I CAN SEE THEM!’

Spike stood slack-jawed at the pure aggression of the music and the vocals. Every beat, every riff and every drop made his heart stop.

The song eventually settled into a modern rock sound, allowing a much needed breath of air from the brutality at the beginning. And then came Vinyl's amazingly catchy dubstep break.

“Vinyl!” Spike tried to shout over the ear splitting ear assault she was playing. “This is amaz-”

Spike forced himself quiet, as out of nowhere, the music lulled, leaving nothing but the haunting synth lead once more. That could only mean one thing.

‘PUT YOUR HOOVES WHERE I CAN SEE THEM!’

Spike found himself falling to the floor from the floor shaking beneath him. All the while, Vinyl was at her computer, a huge grin plastered on her face, completely lost in the music she helped create.

The song eventually ended in a breathtaking breakdown, and Spike was left, mouth agape on the ground.

“So, Spike! What’d you think?” Vinyl walked over and closed his mouth with a hoof.

“That. Was. INSANE! I didn’t even know a synthesizer was capable of producing something like that.” Spike shot her a look of amazement. “How is that not a massive hit?!”

“Eh, most ponies don’t buy into the genre mixing thing too much. I’m hoping to change that eventually.” Her lips curled into a confident smirk. “But I gotta tell you something, Spike.”

“What’s that?” he said, returning to his feet.

“If you liked that, just wait ‘till you see what I have planned for tonight. You haven’t heard anything yet.” She put her sunglasses on as the first customers began walking into the room. “It’s showtime!”

Spike gulped down his excitement. This was going to be a wild night.

Blood, Breakdowns, and Bass Drops - Everything You Need

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Spike’s first taste of a live performance was exhilarating. Granted, Vinyl was the one doing most of the work, and they only played for thirty minutes in front of fifty ponies who were there for the headlining band, but that didn’t matter. It felt amazing! The feel of the bass pulsating through the room, the crowd dancing and moving in time with the music, getting to stand right next to the artist behind it all— it was one of the most exciting moments of his life.

Spike and Vinyl were relaxing in the prep room after the initial performance. It went off without a hitch, and Spike was proud of himself.

“Thanks for the help. You rocked it out there on stage!” Vinyl pushed her sunglasses to her forehead and winked at the dragon.

“Thanks,” Spike responded with a blush. “But it’s not like I really did anything besides fixing the volume and stuff. You were the one playing the awesome music! Everypony out there was loving it.”

“Yeah, but volume control is just as important! Trust me on that one.” Vinyl chuckled to herself while taking a seat in one of the chairs. “But just wait until we get out on stage with I.S.S. tonight. Then you’ll see what a real show looks like.”

Spike wondered what it was going to be like performing with an actual band. The crowd screaming, jumping, chanting the lyrics. Maybe he’d even crowd surf! “This is going to be so cool!” Spike jumped in place, sporting a wide-eyed grin.

“Yep! Oh, that reminds me. Did you get a chance to look over the sheet music?” Vinyl levitated a soda from across the room while giving Spike a questioning glance.

“Yes, ma’am! It was pretty simple stuff, if I do say so myself. It’s gonna be a piece of cake.” He gave the unicorn a confident grin and sat down in a chair next to her.

“Awesome! The band should be coming in a few minutes, and you’ll get to meet them.” She noticed Spike’s body tense up at the thought. “And don’t worry, they’re really cool.” She gave him a quick smile before taking a quick sip of her soda. “All this means for us is we’ve got some time to kill before they arrive.”

“Alright. What do you normally do between performances?” Spike asked.

Vinyl smirked. “C’mon. I’ll show you!”

Spike followed her out to the stage once again. He looked out to the audience area, and his eyes widened. The number of ponies had easily tripled from what it was during their warm up performance.

“Wow! This band must be more popular than I thought.” Spike looked back over the crowd before turning his gaze to Vinyl.

“I imagine a lot of these ponies are fans from out of town. But yeah, they’re a pretty solid music group, so I expected there’d be a large turnout.” Vinyl walked over to the side of the stage, Spike following behind. “Now, here’s something I like to do. I look at the audience I’ll be performing for and try to see what I can tell about individual ponies from the way they act or whatever.”

Spike gave her a confused look. “So, you basically look at the audience and try to make blind judgments about what kind of ponies they are?”

“Yep! It sounds weird, but it’s actually pretty fun, and it helps me figure out what kind of crowd I’m gonna be playing for.” Vinyl gave him a small smile.

“Alright, I suppose I could try.”

“Cool. I’ll start.” Vinyl scanned her eyes over the crowd before picking out her target. “Ahh, see that pony over there? The one at the bar?”

Spike followed her hoof to a magenta pony taking shots at the bar. “Yeah, I see her.”

“She’s totally an alcoholic. That was like, the fifth shot she’s had so far.” Vinyl shot her glance toward Spike. “Alright. Now it’s your turn.”

“Hmm…” Spike looked around the crowd trying to spot anything useful. “Oh, look at those mares over there.” He pointed his claw in the direction of two mares talking on the side of room. “If I remember correctly, their names are Lyra and Bon-Bon.”

“What about ‘em?”

“Well, I’m pretty sure they’re a couple, and here on a date.”

“And what brought you to that conclusion?”

“They’re standing next to each other!”

"So? That doesn't mean they're dating. By that logic, we would be dating."

"..."

"...Oh."

Vinyl gave him a quick smile before turning her eyes to the crowd once more. “Let me see here… Oh, check the player stallion over there.”

Spike turned his gaze toward the crowd and spotted a stallion he instantly recognized as Thunderlane. He was surrounded by three mares and was clearly flirting with them.

“Somepony’s getting some action tonight.” The unicorn jokingly nudged Spike.

"Ugh, I hate guys like that. No respect for anypony else," Spike kept an annoyed glare at Thunderlane. "I'm pretty sure that situation is not gonna end well.

“Wow… I suppose you're right.” She shot the dragon an empathetic glance. “Maybe we should head back to the prep room. The band should be here any time now.”

Spike shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Yeah, let’s do that.”

A few minutes passed as the two talked about the upcoming show, but the talking ceased when five stallions entered the room.

“Hey, guys! Long time no see!” Vinyl walked over to the group of stallions, giving each of them a quick hug. “Spike, these guys are I See Sombra. Guys, this is Spike, my new partner in crime.”

“Hey! Nice to meet you guys!” Spike stood up and introduced himself, giving a small wave.

“You ready to rock tonight, Spike?” said an average-sized black stallion with a scruffy blonde mane. The whole band was pretty young, just a few years older than himself.

“Definitely! I’ve never played in front of a crowd like this before, so I’m pretty nervous.” Spike stared down at his feet.

“Don’t worry, man, you’ll do great!” This time it was a silver stallion with a black mane talking. “And besides, you’re working with Vinyl. She knows what she’s doing.” The stallion sent a friendly wink to the unicorn in question.

Vinyl cast the band a curious glance.“Yeah, I can’t argue with that. Now, when are you playing the song with us in it?”

The black stallion brought a piece of paper to Vinyl that contained the set list. “It’s gonna be the final song for the night.”

“Okay, so what do we do until then?” Spike questioned.

“I guess we can just hang in here until it’s time,” Vinyl responded.

“Sounds like a plan!” one of the band members stated. “Well, we’ve gotta get on stage now, so we’re heading out. Hope you enjoy the show, guys!” With that, the band exited one by one to the stage.

Spike could hear uproarious applause from outside the room as the band took to the stage. “Wow, there’s a lot more ponies here now.”

“Yeah,” his partner said in a somewhat saddened tone.

Spike noticed her eyes travel to the floor. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, it’s nothing.” She brought her lips to a small smile. “I’m just always hoping I’ll have crowds like this come to my shows some day.”

“I take it you don’t play big shows very often?”

“Yep, you’d be correct.” Vinyl chuckled softly to herself. “The largest crowd I’ve ever played for was about 100 or so ponies at an underground club in Manehatten. Other than that, it’s mainly small gigs like this with no more than fifty or sixty ponies.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll get there some day for sure.” Spike gave her warm smile, earning one in return. “And besides, now that you’ve got me helping you, fame will be inevitable.” They both erupted into laughter.

“Ha-ha, man, it’s nice not being alone on these performances. It would get pretty boring by myself.”

“Wait, so I’m your first assistant?” Spike looked at her with curiosity.

“Well, yeah… kind of. Octavia used to come to my shows occasionally, but this wasn’t really her scene, you know?” she said.

Spike thought back to when he met the grey mare. An orchestral note for a cutie mark; that perfectly placed pink bowtie… “Yeah, I can totally see that.”

“Exactly. It’s nice to have someone to talk to for once. Especially someone who has such an awesome taste in music,” she said with a smile.

The dragon let out a sigh and took a seat.“I’m glad to be here. It’s nice to feel appreciated for once.”

“What do you mean?” Vinyl moved to take a seat next to the dragon.

“Remember what I told you about always getting left out and ignored all the time?” Spike turned his gaze to the unicorn.

“Yeah, I remember.”

“I work hard every day around the home for Twilight, and I rarely even get a simple ‘thank you’ anymore.” Spike dropped his head into his palms.

“That’s not cool. Have things always been like that?”

“No. That’s the thing. When Twilight became a Princess, it’s like she slowly started becoming a different pony. She used to be warm and affectionate, and treat me like a friend. Now it’s like I’m just an assistant, and my sole purpose is to make her life easier! I actually feel more like an employee at home than I do here. And this is my first day on the job!” The young dragon threw his claws in the air. “It’s not right.”

Vinyl placed a hoof on the dragon’s shoulder. “Hey Spike, I know where you’re coming from here. I’ve been there. I’m really sorry.”

“Thanks. I mean, I love Twilight. She’s always been the only family I’ve really had, but now it’s not like that anymore.” Spike felt tears well behind his eyes. “I wish things could go back to how they were.”

“Alright, listen here.” Vinyl nudged Spike’s shoulder, getting him to turn his attention back to her. “Change is a part of life. And a lot of the time, it sucks. Like, seriously sucks. But it has to happen. If things always stayed the same, life would never move on. You get what I’m saying?”

Spike processed her words for a second. She had a point. Things needed to change or his life would never go anywhere. “I think so.”

“Good.” Vinyl wrapped him in a brief hug, much to Spike’s surprise. “Now, enough of this conversation. If it got any sappier they could make a romance story based on us.”

Spike couldn’t help but laugh at the thought. “It’d be a pretty terrible romance if I was in it!”

“Now, just out of curiosity, how exactly does a dragon like yourself end up with a princess in Equestria anyway?” She shot him a curious look. "I overheard someone saying that you were a gift from Celestia... Any truth in that?”

“You're close. I was basically a test at magic school for Twilight. She had to hatch my egg, and as a reward, she got to keep me.”

“Oh.” Vinyl’s mouth turned into a frown. “That doesn’t sound very fair to you.”

“Yeah, I’ve never agreed with it either. But I was too young to know a difference back then.” Spike let out a small sigh. “Doesn’t matter anymore, though. An activist group put an end to it awhile back. That’s why you don’t see any other dragons around.”

“Ahh, I see.” Her sympathetic look was quickly replaced by one of shock. "I have a question."

“Um, okay.”

“If you were taken to Equestria as an egg, what happened to—“ She was interrupted as a massive bass drop shook the entire room, followed by an ear splitting guitar riff.

“Whoa!” Spike got up from his chair and walked over to the door. “I guess we’ll have to finish this later!” he shouted to where Vinyl could hear him.

“Funny, they said this room was soundproof. I guess not!” Vinyl shouted back.

Spike cracked open the door and looked out. The band was playing full force and the crowd was going wild. The blonde-maned, black coated stallion he saw earlier was screaming at the top of his lungs, and the silver one was providing excellent clean vocals to back it up. A mosh pit had already formed, and you couldn't even see the floor between the multitudes of ponies.

“Wow.”

“They play a great live show.” Vinyl was looking out the door with him, standing overhead.

“And we’re gonna be out there in just a few minutes.” Spike’s jaw dropped and his heart rate increased as the thought came to life once more.

“Yep! It’s gonna be so awesome! Do you think you’re ready? There’s a lot more ponies out there than there were before.” She tilted her head down to look at the dragon below her.

“I hope so.” Spike looked once again at the beautiful scene in front of him. Every pound of the drums, every slam of the breakdown, and every vibration of the bass drop coursed through him, making him that much more excited. “Yeah, I’m ready!”

For the next thirty minutes the two watched the show unfold from their hidden location behind the stage. Spike had to resist the urge to just run to the stage and jump into the crowd. There was so much energy, so much power and emotion, and he was ready to be a part of it.

“EVERYPONY! This is our final song, and it’s a brand new one!” The crowd went wild at hearing the vocalists’ declaration. “And we’d like to introduce a special guest for this one.”

“Spike! That’s our cue. Let’s get out there!” Vinyl nudged the dragon out the door with her muzzle.

Spike gulped down a lump of anxiousness and made his way out to the stage, Vinyl right behind.

“GIVE IT UP FOR VINYL SCRATCH!”

Vinyl waved one of her hooves toward the crowd with a quick nod and smile.

“AND SPIKE, THE BAD BABY DRAGON!”

Spike felt his cheeks instantly flame up. He gave a small wave to the crowd and was greeted by a large round of cheers and claps.

The two took their place behind Vinyl’s music setup. They both took a deep, synchronized breath, getting ready to perform.

Spike looked out at the audience from his spot and felt a shiver run up his spine. There were so many ponies, and they all seemed to be staring right at him. His claws started shaking and his heart suddenly seemed to stop. A hoof on his shoulder quickly snapped him out of his episode.

“Don’t worry, Spike. You got this.” She flashed him a quick smile before turning her attention back to her computer.

“PONYVILLE! I WANNA SEE THIS PLACE GO CRAZY!” The band member looked to Spike and gave him a wink.

Spike moved over to the keyboard. He was tasked with starting the song off with his synth intro. Luckily, the piece was incredibly simple and he had the entire track committed to memory.

He slowly placed his claws to the keys and played. It started off slow, but picked up quickly. His mind blocked everything out around him: the dimming lights, the other ponies on stage, and the claps and cheers he was receiving from the audience.

On cue, the vocalist from the band picked up, and the song entered into a breathtaking riff that only served to heighten the intensity. His first section was over before he knew it, and he took a deep breath.

He mentally patted himself on the back for successfully dolling out the first part, but the song was far from over.

He glanced at the crowd that was now entranced by the gentle music being played.

The music all died down, save for an ominous melody coming from Vinyl’s speakers. He didn't have time to digest the sudden shift before—

“Watch all your plans break right BENEATH YOUR HOOVES!”

In perfect synchronization, the guitarists and Vinyl unleashed a massive synth breakdown that shook the entire room. The crowd went wild with ponies moshing, stage diving, and cheering. It was a relentless assault of blistering guitar riffs and bone crushing dub step melodies.

It was amazing.

Vinyl had complete control over the crowd. Every beat and every rhythm she produced led to more cheers and energy. Judging from the massive grin plastered on her face, Spike could tell she was doing what she loved.

The song continued on in a more settled tone until finally reaching a climax of another breakdown that left nothing but a winded audience in its wake. Spike looked up at his partner, and noticed that the huge grin had never left her face, despite the fact the song had ended and the show was over.

“Vinyl! You were amazing! That was... I just... I can’t even... that was awesome!” The young dragon was leaping up and down, heart still racing with energy.

“Thanks! You were awesome, too! You were perfect!” Vinyl gave the dragon a quick hoof bump and a wink.

After packing up all the equipment into Vinyl’s carriage and collecting their pay, the two exited the building, getting ready to part ways.

“When’s my next work day?” Spike said.

“Well, I’ve got a show in Manehatten on Sunday actually. It’s at a small place, but a job is a job.” She shrugged her shoulders with a nonchalant smile.

“Sounds good to me. I barely ever get to travel anywhere.” Spike gave an unamused look before turning away from her. “Well, it’s getting late, so I’m gonna head back home. Night, Vinyl!”

“Spike, wait!” The unicorn ran in front of him, barring his progress. “I was just thinking. You told me earlier that you get kind of lonely sometimes and stuff, so I was thinking me and you should hang out tomorrow! I mean, I’m not doing anything, and if we’re gonna be performing together, we might as well hang, right?”

“Really? That sounds awesome! Where, and what time?”

“How about noon at Octavia’s music shop? That way you can do your chores or whatever first, and we can hang after.”

“Definitely! Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you tomorrow, then!” Spike was grinning ear to ear.

“See you tomorrow, Spike.” With smiles and a final hoof bump the two parted.

Spike, however, wasn’t smiling because of the success of the performance, or even because the bits he'd earned.

He was smiling because he'd made a new friend.

Mares [&]Delinquents

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Spike's eyes cracked open, slowly letting in the sun's rays. He still felt tired from the excitement of the previous night, but he had a full day ahead of him. There was no time to lay around in bed.

He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and sat up in his bed. He took a quick glance around the familiar surroundings of his room. His posters, his personal personal bookcase, his stereo system—everything seemed to be in order.

He hopped off the bed and made his way downstairs to the living room, ready to begin his daily chores. Twilight wasn’t awake yet, so Spike hoped he would be able to finish and take his leave before she woke up. He didn’t exactly feel like explaining his plans with Vinyl to her.

He quickly got to his work. Dusting, sweeping, organizing, and food preparation were all on the list, but he was able to finish in a matter of hours.

He was eating some breakfast in the kitchen when he glanced at the clock. It was ten-thirty, so he still had over an hour before his plans with Vinyl. Maybe he’d stop by Rarity’s first to tell her about his night. Or maybe he’d just take a better look around Octavia’s music shop.

He was about to get up to rinse off his dishes when he heard the familiar sound of Twilight’s voice.

“Good morning, Spike! How are you?”

“I’m good. A little tired still from last night, but not a big deal.” Spike shrugged slightly and took his used plate to the sink. “I made you a salad, Twi. It’s in the fridge if you’re hungry.”

“Why thank you, Spike.” Twilight took a seat at the table and levitated her meal from the fridge to the empty area in front of her. “Oh, how was your show last night, by the way? We didn’t get a chance to talk when you got home.”

When Spike returned the previous night, Twilight was holed up in her room for whatever reason, so he didn’t get even a moment to tell her about it. “It was fun,” he said, nonchalantly.

“That’s nice. Did you see anyone you knew?” Twilight gave him a passing glance while eating her salad.

“Yeah. Lyra was there with Bon-Bon, and a couple others.” Spike looked around the room at nothing in particular.

“Any… special ponies there?” Twilight said with a playful smirk.

Spike let out a small sigh. “Yes, Flitter was there, and no, I didn’t talk to her.”

Several months past, Spike had been seeing Flitter regularly. For one, he was impressed that she had the courage to ask him out. Also Twilight was very fond of the idea, given Flitter’s reputation as the ‘good girl’ of the Pegasus community. She was sweet, but things didn’t work out.

“Well, if you ask me, you two had a good thing going. I still don’t know why you broke it off so suddenly.” Twilight gave her assistant a curious look.

" I’ve moved on. It’s not important anymore.” Spike drew his gaze to the table he was sitting at. “Getting back to the original topic, no I didn’t see anyone else there. I had a lot of fun though.”

“Well, that’s good.” She donned a small smile. “Was there a large crowd there for you and, um, Vinyl was it?”

Spike formed an elated smile. “When it was just us, there was maybe around fifty or sixty ponies. But when we got to play the final number with I See Sombra, there were at least two hundred. It was amazing!”

Twilight shot the dragon a sweet smile. “Well, that definitely sounds like it. I’ll make sure to come to your next show, okay?”

“Oh, thanks Twi! Speaking of our next show, it’s gonna be tomorrow night at a club in Manehatten.” Spike’s smile quickly disappeared when he saw the look on Twilight’s face.

Twilight jumped up from her seat. “Manehatten? At night?! Spike, there’ll be nothing but drugs, alcohol, and sex everywhere!”

“Yeah, yeah, I know. But it pays well, and besides, you said you wouldn’t interfere with my work as long as I got my stuff here done.”

The purple mare opened her mouth to retaliate, but had no response. “Fine.” She let out a long sigh. “But I’m not gonna be able to make it tomorrow. I have a special meeting with the mayor in the afternoon to discuss some local ordinances.”

Spike felt his mouth droop to a frown. “Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me,” he grumbled.

“What was that, Spike?” Twilight asked, cocking her head to the side.

“Never mind.” He got up from his place once more, this time taking the empty dish from Twilight. “Anyway, I’m about to head out. I have some plans today.”

“Plans? Are you helping out Rarity again?”

“No…” He didn’t exactly want to tell her who he was going to be with, but she could be so nosy sometimes. “Just hanging out with a friend. That’s all.” He gave her a quick smile and made his way to the door as fast as he could.

“Wait just a second. Who is this friend?” Twilight gave the dragon a suspicious glare.

“Fine, if you must know, it’s Vinyl. We’re gonna be working a lot together, so it makes sense we could try to be friends, also.”

Twilight gave her assistant a scrutinizing look for a moment. “I suppose that makes sense. But, be careful with how close you get. You only met her a few days ago.” Twilight gave him a quick glance before turning away.

“Alright, Twilight, I will.” Spike popped open the front door and made his way out.

“Oh! And make sure your home before it gets too late! You need to actually get some sleep tonight!” she called out as Spike was leaving.

The young dragon chuckled quietly and made his way to the music shop to meet up with his partner for the afternoon.

* * * * * * *

Spike stepped into the shop. The smell of clean carpet and fresh wooden instruments filled the air.

“Welcome to… Oh! Hello, Spike.” Octavia walked over from a nearby shelf and greeted the dragon with a gentle smile. “How are you doing today?”

Spike gave the mare a brief gentlemanly bow. “Hello, Ms. Octavia. I’m doing quite well. How are you?”

“I’m doing quite well, thank you. What brings you here?”

“I’m meeting Vinyl here.” Spike quickly glanced at a nearby clock hanging on the wall. “In about ten minutes to be precise. We’re gonna be hanging out around town this afternoon.”

“Oh, yes. Vinyl mentioned that last night. She came running into my apartment last night talking about the show and how much fun it was.” Octavia let out a small chuckle. “It’s nice to see her making some new friends here.”

Spike eyed Octavia curiously. “New friends? She seems pretty popular as is.”

“Yes, well, suffice it to say most of the friends that Vinyl had been drawn to in the past weren’t exactly the prime example of good association.” Her face contorted into a look of disgust.

“Ah, I get what you mean.” Spike said. “But aren’t you good friends with her? I mean, you seem like a decent pony.”

Octavia chuckled to herself briefly. “Thank you, Spike. But unfortunately, work and circumstances keep Vinyl and I from getting together like we used to.”

Spike shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. “Oh, well that’s no fun. But understandable, I suppose.”

“Yes. So, that’s why I’m glad you and Vinyl are hitting it off so well.” Octavia gave the dragon a small smile.

Suddenly, they heard the doorbell jingle. “What’s going on, guys? Vinyl Scratch is in the house!” The white unicorn made her way to her two friends. “’Sup Octavia. What’s going on, Spike?” She gave a quick hoof bump to Spike and gave a quick nod to the other mare.

“Hello, Vinyl,” Octavia said with a smile.

“Hey! You ready to have some fun today?” Spike said with a wide grin.

“Definitely!” Vinyl said, shooting a wink towards Spike. However, the group then heard a familiar grumbling sound coming from Vinyl’s stomach. “Hehe, as long as having fun includes food. I woke up too late to eat anything at home.”

“We’ll make food our first stop, then.” Spike shot a quick smile at Vinyl before turning his attention back to Octavia. “Well, I’ll see you around, Octavia. Have a good one.” With a wave Spike made his way toward the exit, closely followed by Vinyl.

“Have fun you two!” Octavia gave a gentle wave as the two left the store.

* * * * * * *

Spike and Vinyl briskly stepped down the cobblestone path that led through Ponyville. Once couldn’t ask for better weather, and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky to block the sun.

“So, what all is on the agenda for us today?” Vinyl asked.

“Well, I figured we’d first grab some food from one of the stalls in the square,” Spike replied.

“Definitely sounds like a great start.” Vinyl rubbed her empty stomach. “How about after? What is there to do around here?”

“Well, I figured I could show you around a bit, seeing as how you’re still pretty new to the area. And I was thinking I could introduce you to my friends, Rarity. She’s really nice, and I know she wants to meet you.” Spike sent a quick smile up to his new friend.

“Rarity, Rarity… Oh, that’s right. The element bearer. Yeah, sounds good. But why does she want to meet me?” Vinyl asked.

“She’s pretty much my best friend, so she’s always interested in what I’m doing and who I spend time with.” Spike rubbed his chin for a moment and turned to look at Vinyl. “She’s kind of like an overprotective marefriend without the jealousy factor.” The two burst out in laughter for a moment, attracting attention as they made their way into the town square.

The square was bustling with Saturday afternoon business. Ponies at stalls were bartering and trading with ponies of all kinds, and it didn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.

“So, what do you feel like having?” Spike said to Vinyl.

“Hmm, what are my options?” She scrutinized the various stalls around trying to get an idea of what products were available.

“Well, let’s see whose stalls are out today.” Spike tried to stand up as high as he could to look around over the traffic. “Ugh, it seriously sucks being short sometimes!”

“Here, let me give you a hoof,” Vinyl said with a small giggle. Spike was suddenly enveloped in a bluish glow and levitated onto Vinyl’s back. “There you go. Any better?” she questioned while looking back at him.

“Yeah, thanks.” He smiled back at her. “Hmm, looks like we’ve got Carrot Top’s carrots, the Asparagus stallion, and… oh! Applejack is here today. Do you like apples?”

“Of course!” She said with a wink.

“Awesome. Then head over to the stall with the orange earth pony with the hat.” Spike pointed a claw in the direction of Applejack’s apple stand on the outer edge of the square.

The two made their way over and immediately caught the attention of the farm pony.

“Well, howdy there Spike!” She said, tipping her hat to the dragon. “It’s nice to see ya! And who might you’re friend be?” Applejack questioned, giving a curious smile toward Vinyl.

“The name’s Vinyl. Vinyl Scratch.” She extended a hoof to Applejack and received a hoof shake in return. “Me and Spike work together.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to make yer acquaintance, Vinyl. Any friend of Spike is a friend of mine!” She gave a warm smile to the two. “Now, what brings ya'll 'round here on this fine day?”

“I’m showing Vinyl around town. She’s pretty new to the area. Right now though, we decided it was time to get some food.” Spike said, eyeing the various Apple products Applejack had on display.

“Well then, you’ve come to tha right place! Apple fritters, apple pie, apple cobbler, apples on a stick… what you hungry for?” AJ’s face grew into a beaming smile as she pointed out her selection of products.

“Oh, wow! That all looks so amazing!” Vinyl eyed each and every delicious apple product, her hunger growing more rampant by the second. “I think I’ll take two apple fritters. Those look too good to pass up!”

“Alrighty! And what can I get you, Spike?” The earth pony turned her attention to the dragon still riding on Vinyl’s back.

“Umm, I’ll take an apple on a stick and a fritter as well! And put it on my tab, AJ,” Spike said with a smooth tone.

“Are you sure? I’ve got bits.”

“I’m sure. I wouldn’t be much of a gentledrake if I had the lady of the evening pay, now would I?” Spike let out a small chuckle.

“Well hey. I’m not gonna argue over free food.” Vinyl let out a small laugh as Applejack handed them a small bag with their food in it.

“Well, ah thank ya kindly for yer business. It was a pleasure seein’ you, Spike. And it was nice to meet ya, Vinyl! Have a great day, you two!” Applejack’s face shone a bright smile as she waved at the two and began turning her attention to another customer.

The two friends made their way out of the busy square with their food.

“So, I was thinking we could go eat at the park? They have tables and stuff and it’s usually pretty quiet there,” Spike said with a slight shrug of his shoulders.

“Sounds good to me. Just lead the way!” Vinyl looked back at the dragon on her back, lips curled into a smile.

Spike hopped off and plopped onto the ground. “It’s just up the road here.” He thrust a claw toward a cobblestone path that led to a small grove of trees and wildlife.

The two hungry friends quickly bounded down to the park and took a seat at one of the picnic tables that were available. With the exception of the occasional couple walking about, it was a peaceful and serene locale.

“Okay, let’s see what we got!” Vinyl snatched the bag of food from Spike and levitated out her two fritters. “I’m so hungry!”

Spike reached across the table and took the bag back, and emptied its contents onto the table in front of him. “The apple family make the best apple desserts!” His mouth began dripping at just seeing the deliciousness in front of him. “You’re gonna want to take it nice and slow and-“He looked up to see that his friend had already gobbled down the first fritter and was starting on the second one.

“Erm, shrry Shpike, one shec…” She quickly swallowed the food in her mouth with a satisfying grin. “Sorry, I was hungry. Now, what were you saying about nice and slow?”

Spike looked at her for a moment before turning his gaze to the untouched food in front of him. He erupted into a brief fit of laughter before taking a bite of his fritter. “Hehe, nothing.”

After the two finished their meal, they were met with an awkward silence. Spike searched his mind for something to say to the unicorn who was now twiddling her hooves across from him.

“So… nice weather, huh?” Spike sent a smile across the table.

“Yeah, I like the fact there’s actually fresh air here. In the city, not so much.” As if to further her point, she took in a deep breath of air. “I could get used to this.”

“It is a pretty nice town. But it gets kinda boring sometimes,” Spike said with a slight frown. “I imagine things were at least more exciting in Manehatten.”

“Well, it comes down to your definition of exciting. There were a lot more things to do, sure. But for the most part, it was the same scene over and over again. Go out with my friends, play a show, come back home to me and Octavia’s overpriced apartment… It got old pretty fast.” She moved her head to rest on one of her hooves. “What about you? Do you ever think about getting away?”

Spike had to think for a moment before answering. “Well, this is where all my friends are. And it has been my home for some time now.” Spike gently stroked his chin in thought. “I do really like it here. I just want to try something new. I’ve been with Twilight for so long and it’s gotten so stale as of late.”

“I feel ya, bro. Well, if anything, working with me will definitely help you get out more.” Vinyl shot him a sincere smile. Her features suddenly sparked with excitement however. “I almost forgot, I was gonna ask you something before the performance last night, but we get cut off.”

Spike racked his brain to remember their previous conversation from the night before. “Oh, yeah! We were talking about how I originally was given to Twilight if I remember correctly.”

“Yeah. So, you said that your egg was taken to Equestria for the magic test, right?” Vinyl took off her glasses and placed the on the table.

“Yep. What about it?”

“Well, if you don’t mind me asking, where were your parents in all this? I mean, from what I’ve heard, dragons take care of their young until they’re old enough to hunt for themselves. They should’ve been there, right?”

“I don’t know,” Spike said, barely above a whisper.

“What?” Vinyl said, a curious look adorning her face.

“I don’t know. I was never told.” Spike let out a long sigh. “I try not to think about it too much.”

Vinyl just stared at him. Her eyes widened as she thought about what she just heard. “You don’t know? They just took you away and never said anything to you about your family? That’s horrible!”

“Yeah, well, that’s how things go, I guess. I kinda came to terms awhile back with the fact I’ll probably never know my family.”.

“But that’s so wrong. What if your parents were just like, out hunting or something and they come back to an empty nest?! Or what if you were taken by force? I just-- I don’t like it.” She sat back in her seat and quickly put her sunglasses back on, but not before a stray tear fell down her cheek.

“Vinyl, it’s okay. I mean, I never really knew them. And it’s been outlawed since then anyway.” He briefly stroked her hoof and sent her a small smile. Needless to say, he was a bit surprised by her strong reaction.

“Sorry,” said Vinyl, fighting back any more tears from making an appearance. “It’s just a touchy subject for me.”

Spike was about to question why, but thought better of it for the moment. “Well, now that we’re done eating, you ready for a personal tour of the town?” Spike stood up from his seat, excitement emanating from his demeanor.

Vinyl quickly got up from her seat with a large smile. “You know it! Let’s see what this town has to offer!”

* * * * * * *

The two spent the afternoon touring the town’s various places of interest. Spike made sure to show her the various shops and stands along with taking her out to Sweet Apple Acres and the edge of the Everfree Forest. They talked about everything that came to mind including future work plans, Spike’s favourite books and Vinyl’s preferred flavor of ice cream. The weather stayed perfect as the two went about the day, and it led to a terrific afternoon..

As the day was winding down, Spike had one final stop before they went separate ways.

“A dress shop?” Vinyl looked down at Spike, eyes cocked in skepticism.

“Yep!” Spike beamed a smile back at her.

Vinyl eyed the building in front of her. “No offense, Spike, but dresses, lace, clothing in general… not really my thing.”

“Well, it’s not the clothing design part we’re here for. It’s for the pony that owns it!”

“Oh! This is where Rarity works?” Vinyl questioned.

“That’s right! And I want to introduce you, so let’s pay her a visit!” Spike gently rapped his knuckles on the door.

The door quickly swung open to reveal the beautiful white unicorn. “Welcome, to- Oh, Spikey! What a wonderful surprise!” Rarity’s face took on a graceful smile toward the dragon. “Unfortunately dear, I’m terribly busy at the moment, and-“She suddenly shifted her gaze to Vinyl who was standing just behind the dragon. “And I’m sure I could spare a minute or two to talk!”

“Thanks, Rares!” Spike stepped inside the building, closely followed by Vinyl, who was glancing around at her surroundings.

“Now, who might this be?” Rarity said, smiling at the fellow unicorn. “My name is Rarity.”

“Yo! Nice to meet you. The name’s Vinyl.” Vinyl shot a relaxed smile at Rarity. “I work with Spike.”

“Oh, yes! He is the most helpful little worker isn’t he?”

“Yeah, the little dude is pretty awesome.” Vinyl smiled at Spike who was standing next to her. “We’re actually heading out to Manehatten tomorrow for a club show.”

“Yeah! It’s gonna be awesome! I’ve never been to a city night club before!” Spike jumped in place, exuding excitement.

“Ooh! Manehatten! I do love the fashion culture of the city!” Rarity let out a dreamy sigh.

“Hey, I know! Maybe you could come to the show? I’ll take care of your cover charge and everything.” Spike’s face sparked a grin.

“Oh, sweetie, that’s a lovely idea! But I just don’t know. This entire weekend is so busy. Perhaps you could ask Twilight to come?” Rarity gave him a gentle smile.

“Eh, Twilight doesn’t really have time for anything anymore," Spike said. “Maybe next time, Rarity.”

Rarity nibbled her lower lip in thought. “Tell you what, Spike. I’ll do my absolute best to be there tomorrow night to see you.”

“Really? That’d be great!”

Rarity bent down and quickly nuzzled his cheek. “Of course. I wouldn’t be able to call myself your friend if I didn’t support you the way you support me.”

Vinyl cracked a smirk and nudged Spike with her hoof. “Wow, you’ve already got yourself a fan club going.”

“What can I say?” Spike shrugged with mock arrogance, and the three broke out in laughter.

“Well, Spike, thank you so much for stopping by, but I really do have work to do. Especially if I want to make it to your performance tomorrow,” Rarity said.

“Alrighty. We’ll head out then. Thanks so much, Rarity!” Spike wrapped Rarity in a tight hug before turning toward the door.

“It was nice meeting you, Rarity. I hope you enjoy the show!” Vinyl gave a small wave of her hoof and headed toward the door with Spike.

“I’m sure I will. And it was nice to meet you, also! Have a fantastic day, you two.” Rarity waved to the two as they left.

“Well… You certainly have a way with the mares.” Vinyl chuckled and nudged a now blushing dragon.

“Yeah, well, we’ve been friends for a long time.” Spike led Vinyl away from the boutique and back toward the road.

“Just friends, huh?” Vinyl said with a smirk.

“If you must know, I used to really like her. But now she’s just my best friend. Why? You jealous?” Spike sent her a sly grin and laughed to himself.

“Yeah, you wish!” Vinyl and Spike broke into a brief fit of laughter.

“Well, it’s getting late now. I should probably head back to the library.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. I had a great time today! Just wondering, though: Are you ever gonna take me to see your place sometime? You were kinda avoiding it today.”

“Sure. Just when Twilight isn’t around preferably. She’s a little… touchy when it comes to who I hang out with.” Spike took on an annoyed look.

“Say no more, I get it. Another time, then. Anyway, maybe I’ll show you my apartment next time. It’s not much, but I do have a beast recording setup in there. We could play around with making songs and stuff if you want.” Vinyl cracked a small smile at the thought.

“Definitely! I’d like that.” Spike responded with a smile in kind.

The two friends stood there for a few seconds in silence.

“Well, I, um, should get going now.” Spike laughed nervously.

“Yeah, see you tomorrow, Spike.” The two shared their customary hoof bump and walked away from each other, both with large smiles spread across their faces.

Drugs and Clubs

View Online

The train bumped and swayed as it flew down the tracks. Spike was used to first class seating, so being squished between the wall and Vinyl was uncomfortable, to say the least.

Vinyl looked over at Spike with a slight frown. “Sorry, Spike. These seats were the best I could do.”

“Yeah, easy for you to say. You got the aisle seat,” Spike teased.

"I'm bigger than you. I need the leg room," Vinyl said with a chuckle.

Spike rolled his eyes and spread his lips into a smile. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you say. Anyway, what time do we play ‘til again?"

"We're scheduled until 10. That means if we catch the midnight train, we should be able to get back to Ponyville around one or so in the morning."

"That late?!" Spike jumped in his seat.

Vinyl looked at him quizzically. "Umm, yes? It’s an hour train ride. Is that a problem?"

Spike let out a sigh. "Twilight tends to freak when I'm out late. It’s not a pretty sight." Spike shuddered. "This could be especially bad considering we're in a different town altogether."

Vinyl rubbed her chin in thought for a moment before responding. "You know, Spike, it's great that you work so hard to please Twilight and stuff, but from what I can tell, your devotion is going a little overboard."

Spike looked up at Vinyl with his head cocked in puzzlement. "What do you mean?"

"Umm, how can I put this? You're an adult as far as age and maturity goes, yet you still let her tell you when you have to be home, who you're hanging out with, and where you're going!" She curled her lips into a small frown. "It's kinda' pathetic, to tell you the truth.."

Spike had been living with Twilight as her assistant for so long, he'd simply gotten used to the routine of doing everything she said.

"You're right. I need to be more independent.”

“Exactly!” Vinyl said, nudging Spike with her hoof. “Now, I’m not saying you need to start a rebellion or anything, but you need to make your own rules, sometimes. Do what you want to do, you feel me?”

Spike rolled the thought over in his head for a moment. “It would be nice to be able to leave the library and come back home without an interrogation.”

Vinyl put on a small smile for the dragon. “Definitely. You deserve to be able to make your own choices about stuff.”

“You’re right! I’ll talk to Twilight about it tomorrow.” Spike took a large breath of air. “I’m not sure how she’ll react, though. She tends to overreact sometimes.” He grimaced slightly and slumped into his seat.

“Yeah, that could make things difficult. But hey, I’ve got your back if you need any help, alright?” She sent him a wink and a cool smile.

“Thanks, Vinyl,” Spike said with a smile. “Anyway, back to the business at hoof. What exactly should I expect at the place we’re playing at?”

“You know, usual city club stuff,” Vinyl said nonchalantly.

“Like?”

“Nothing special. Alcohol, drugs, and a bunch of horny mares.”

Spike’s jaw slacked. “Are you serious?”

“Yep. It’s city life, man. You get used to it pretty fast.” Vinyl let out a small laugh before continuing, “I suppose I should warn you though; expect to get hit on by a bunch of drunk mares.”

“Oh, I’m liking this better and better by the second,” Spike teased.

Vinyl casted a soft gaze at Spike. “Trust me though - those are not the kinds of ponies you wanna waste your time on. It’ll be nothing but trouble.”

Spike rubbed his shoulder awkwardly. “Geez, I was just joking.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Vinyl replied. “I’ve just seen far too many friends throw their lives away with stupid ponies. It sucks.”

Spike could sense that it was a touchy subject. There was no sense of humour in her voice, rather, it was laced with a tinge of sadness.

“Well, I’ll make sure to keep that in mind then,” Spike said with a sweet smile. “Anywho, how many ponies do you think will be there?”

“Well, the place is usually pretty packed. I’d say close to 150 or so. It gets pretty wild.”

Spike painted a mental picture of how it was going to be. Awesome music, ponies dancing from wall to wall cheering for him and Vinyl - it sounded exciting!

“Speaking of which,” Vinyl stated, interrupting his thoughts, “was Rarity gonna be there tonight? I remember she said she was gonna try to make it”

Spike turned his gaze down to the floor. “No, she couldn’t make it.”

Vinyl chuckled to herself, giving Spike a small grin. “Sorry, Spike. But from what I can tell, this won’t be her ideal hangout spot anyway.”

“Ha, you got that right. I’m amazed she even offered to come in the first place,” Spike said.

“You have really awesome friends, Spike. You should consider yourself lucky. Especially considering I’m one of them now.” Vinyl nudged him with her hoof, eliciting a smile from both of them.

The train came to a sudden stop, causing the two friends to turn their attention to the front of the car where an attendant was standing.

“All wishing to exit at Manehatten Stop #104, please exit the train now.”

“Welp, here we are!”

The two exited the train and took in their surroundings, stretching out after the long ride.

“The club is just a couple blocks from here. You ready to party?” Vinyl asked with a wink.

“Definitely!” Spike said, barely able to contain his excitement.

“Then let’s go!” She levitated Spike onto her back, and the two made their way to the club they were going to be playing at.

As they approached the bar, Spike could hear the music blaring through the front doors.

“Sounds like the opening artist already has the crowd warmed up for us,” Vinyl said with a smile.

As soon as Vinyl opened the door, Spike was hit with the smell of alcohol, cigarette smoke, and something else he couldn’t place.

“Hey, Vinyl. What’s that smell?”

“That would be sweat, alcohol,and weed,” she replied,shouting over the crowd.

“Weed? And they smoke it right in the middle of the club? Isn’t it illegal in Manehatten still?”

“Ha, you have a lot to learn about the city, my friend.”

As the two made their way to the front stage, Spike kept receiving weird looks from all the ponies around them.

With a nod from Vinyl, the DJ on stage stopped his music and exited through the stage doors. Another pony, a brown pegasus stallion, quickly jumped up on stage and grabbed the mic.

“Everybody, let’s hear a round of applause for our first DJ, COCOA ‘SPLOSION!”

The crowd stomped their hooves and shouted various cheers at the bidding of the announcer pony.

“Now, please welcome to the stage: Vinyl Scratch and Spike!”

The partners took walked onto the stage, side by side. and waved to the cheering crowd.

Spike instantly felt the burning gaze of the ponies in the crowd scrutinizing him. His knees trembled as he followed Vinyl to their computer setup.

Vinyl could see Spike’s hands shaking and followed his gaze to the sets of eyes staring him down. “Hey, Spike. Don’t worry, they’re just not used to seeing dragons around here.”

Spike simply nodded in reply, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. “Alright, let’s do this.”

“Cool. I need you to watch the pitch and equalizer. We’re just going to be playing dance music for the crowd tonight, and it’ll be for the next hour. Can you handle that?”

“You know it,” Spike said with a smirk.

On cue, Vinyl began the show with a hard-hitting dubstep track that shook the walls of the room. Spike was busy working the mixing board, increasing the volume, quality, and timing of everything Vinyl played. Together, the two made an unstoppable team, perfectly synchronized with each other, controlling the movement of the crowd one beat at a time.

Spike glanced over the crowd. At least two-hundred ponies were dancing, drinking and having a good time listening to the music he was helping create. His heart warmed and he felt a new energy spring into him. He loved every second of the experience.

Time flew by as the two played for the crowd. Every bass drop was like a breath of air, and every pound of the speakers was like a heartbeat keeping the room alive. The small pauses in between songs was the only chance to escape the grasp of the music and return to the real world, before being sucked back into the musical high.

Spike turned his gaze to the mare a few feet away to see how she was faring, and his heart jumped in his chest.

Maybe it was just the lighting, or maybe it was the music, but she looked absolutely gorgeous. The neon lights reflecting of her sunglasses, the beads of sweat trickling down her face, the way her mane was shining—She was mesmerizing, beautiful, and he couldn’t look away.

Spike was snapped out of his trance when Vinyl looked over at him, a curious smile adorning her face. Blushing furiously, he turned his attention back to the mixing board.

‘What was that about?’ Spike thought. ‘It must be all the alcohol and weed smoke in the air. There’s no way I should feel that way about my boss… Even if she is nice, and cool, and gorgeous, and— Nevermind, I’ll worry about my feelings later. Right now, I need to focus on my job.’

The rest of the show went on without a hitch. At the end of the final song, the entire audience stomped and shouted their praise for the duo, whom took a bow and made their way off the stage to the prep room.

“Awesome job, Spike!” Vinyl said, nudging Spike with her hoof. “We had the crowd on the dance floor the whole time!”

“Thanks! The ponies over here really like to party, huh?”

“Ha, that’s an understatement. Partying is the only thing most of these ponies like to do.” Vinyl levitated two water bottles from the mini-fridge and tossed one over to Spike before taking a seat on the couch. “So, how’d it feel playing in front of such a large crowd?”

“Honestly, it was one of the most invigorating I’ve ever done.” Spike took a sip of his water and took a seat next to Vinyl. “Every time I looked toward the audience, I saw the entire crowd lost in the music. The music that we were playing. I just felt so, so… alive!”

Vinyl cracked a smile and placed a hoof on his shoulder. “Congratulations, Spike. You’re starting to become a real performer.”

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“So, does that mean I’ll be rich and the mares will start throwing themselves at my feet?”

The two broke into a fit of laughter, falling back into the couch.

“Way to ruin the moment, Spike,” Vinyl teased, wiping a tear from her eye.

“Sorry, but I’ve gotta keep my priorities in check.” Spike let out another small bout of laughter but was interrupted by a growling sound coming from his stomach. “Ugh, I’m starving!”

As if on cue, Vinyl’s stomach growled as well. “I second that notion. Do you wanna go grab something to eat?”

“Yeah, that sounds great! Do you have any place in particular you wanna go to?”

“Yeah, there’s a breakfast place one street over we could go to. They’ve got the best waffles you’ll ever eat.”

Spike’s mouth began to water at the thought of food. “Sounds great!”

“Cool. Alright, let’s go get our paycheck and head out.”

The two hopped off the couch and made their way back to the main room. There was another artist playing, and the crowd was cheering strong as ever.

“Hey, Spike, I’m gonna go get the money from the manager’s office,” Vinyl said, pointing toward a door on the other side of the room. “Just chill out here; it’ll only be a minute.”

“Sounds good.” Spike watched as Vinyl weaved and dodged through the crowd, receiving hoof bumps and shouts of praise from some of the ponies.

Spike leaned back against the wall and took in the sounds of the music and the aroma of the club. He closed his eyes, lettting his body relax.

“Hey there!”

Spike’s eyes popped open to reveal a thin, purple pegasus stallion with a stark black mane. “Uh, hello,” Spike replied, eyeing the stranger.

“I saw you play tonight. You really rocked the house man! You’re name’s Spike, right?” he said extending a hoof.

“That’s right,” Spike said, shaking his hoof. “What’s yours?”

“My name’s Modem Kicker. Pleased to meet you, man. You’ve got real talent.”

“Thanks, Modem. But honestly, Vinyl is the mastermind behind everything. I’m just the hired assistant.”

“Eh, whatever works. Besides, if I know Vinyl like I think I do, you have to do all the hard work anyway.” Modem let out a hearty chuckle.

“Wait, you know her?” Spike asked.

“Vinyl? Yeah, we go way back! She’s a fun girl,” he said, adopting a smile. “Anyway, the reason I’m here is I wanted to invite you to a little late night hangout at my place. There’ll be drinks, food - it’ll be fun! Plus, I know a lot of ponies who wouldn’t mind getting to meet you.” He slyly winked at Spike. “It’s not everyday we get a dragon in town.”

Spike pondered the offer for a moment. On one side, it wasn’t everyday he got invited to a party, but on the other, he already had plans with Vinyl.

He shrugged his shoulders, eliciting a frown from Modem. “I don’t know, man. I’ve kinda got plans with Vinyl afterwards. And then we have to catch our train at midnight.”

“Oh come on, man. How about just for a few minutes? You come in, have a couple drinks, say hi to the ladies, then leave and meet up with Vinyl. Sound good?”

Spike wanted to say no, but Modem made a good point. This was a chance to meet some of the cool ponies in town, a chance he may not get again. “Alright, I’ll come just for a little bit. Let me tell Vinyl real quick, though.”

“Awesome!” Modem replied, nudging Spike’s arm. “Just, uh, don’t tell Vinyl that it’s my party. Then she’ll wanna come, and she can’t exactly control herself at parties, if you feel me,” Modem said with a grin. “Anyway, it’s the house right across the street. You’ll know it when you see it.” With that, Modem took off into the crowd.

Spike glanced around, looking for Vinyl, and saw her walking toward him, a big smile adorning her face.

“Spike, guess what?!” she asked, grinning ear to ear.

“What’s that?” he replied.

“It was such a successful night that the owner paid us a good deal extra!” Vinyl levitated a rather sizable pouch of bits from her saddlebag.

“Woah! That’s awesome!” Spike’s mind wandered to all the things he could possibly get with the money he earned.

“Anyway, you ready to go? I’m starving!” Vinyl said.

“Uh, actually, I forgot that I had to see somepony here… about something. So, uh, if you wanna head to the restaurant, I’ll be there right after you!” Spike beamed at her innocently.

She tilted her head in curiosity for a moment, but dismissed it just as quickly. “Uh, yeah. That’s cool, Spike. Just remember, the restaurant is on 25th street, which is one block over, and it’s called The Sloppy Waffle. Got it?”

“Definitely! I’ll be there ASAP,” Spike said with a smile.

After Vinyl left, Spike took his leave as well. Standing outside, he tried to spot the house that he was looking for. It wasn’t long until he noticed it: neon lights, ponies walking in and out, and it was right across the street.

Spike dashed over to it. It was a decent sized brick apartment complex stuck between other similar looking buildings on either side. It definitely fit in with the city scene.

He walked up to the door and found it sitting open. He could instantly smell the strong levels of alcohol and smoke inside.

He gingerly walked in, unsure of what to expect. After a brief walk through the opening hall of the house, he found himself surrounded by ponies in what seemed to be the living room. He took stock of his surroundings: loud music, empty cups and bottles littering the floor, ponies drinking, smoking, and making out in almost every area of the room.

“Maybe this wasn’t the best idea…”, Spike muttered under his breath. He started to slowly back up, hoping nobody would notice him, and he could get out.

“Hey, Spike! My man!”

Spike looked around and recognized the pony he met earlier approaching him.

“Hey, Modem. What’s up?” Spike greeted him with a sheepsh grin.

“Glad you could make it!” Modem stuck out his hoof for a hoof bump. “EVERYPONY! I want you all to welcome Spike! He’s one of the DJ’s from the club, and he’s gonna party with us!”

Spike recieved a wave a drunken cheers and cat calls from the various ponies, and he responded with a shaky wave.

“Now, he’s new to the scene, so how about you show him how Manehatten likes to party!”

Before he could respond, Spike was dragged to a couch by two mares.

“Wow! So, you’re Spike?” one of the mares asked.

“Umm… yes?” Spike said, his voice threatening to break.

“Ooh, I’ve never seen a dragon before. You’re cute!” The other mare said with a suggestive smile.

Spike felt his body shake as the two of them began gently rubbing his scales. He could feel his heart jump at every touch, and his finger trembled as he met their gaze.

Spike rapidly stood up from the couch. “Well, it’s been fun, but I should probably–” He was interrupted as his body was forcefully brought back down to the couch.

“Relax, have a drink!” One of the mares brought a cup up to his lips.

“Yeah, you just got here. Enjoy yourself,” the other responded, cuddling closer to him.

Spike looked at the two mares on him and gingerly took a sip of the drink. “Well, maybe just one wouldn’t hurt…”

Reefer Madness

View Online

Vinyl looked at the clock hanging on the restaurant wall for what had to be the fifteenth time.

It’s been thirty minutes! Where is he? She asked, dropping her face into her hooves, her mane tumbling over her eyes. We’re not even gonna make the train back home if he doesn’t show up soon.’Whatever he was doing had better of been freakin’ important to take this long. She let out a long sigh, slouching back in her seat.

Slumping her head to the table, she could hear the chime of the doorbell. She looked up to see two ponies, a young stallion and mare, walking in, laughing their heads off.

“Ha! Best. Party. Ever!” the stallion said, rearing his head back in laughter.

“Oh my gosh, totally!” the mare replied.

Vinyl rested her head back on the table. Geez, I wouldn’t mind having a house party again sometime. It’s been way too long.

“And how about that dragon? Who knew someone so small could drink like that?!”

“Yeah! How did he not explode? Don’t dragons have like, fire in them?”

Vinyl stood at attention. Spike? At a city party? Oh, crap...

She dashed over to the table where the two ponies were sitting. “Look, I need to know where this party is!” Her eyes darted back and forth frantically between the two, eliciting frightened expressions from both.

“Umm… why?” the stallion asked, sinking down into the seat.

“My friend is there, and he’s in trouble! Or at least he’s going to be when I find him...”

“Look, just chill, ‘kay?” the mare said. “It’s over at Modem’s place, right across the street from the club. We cool now?”

“Modem?” This was a stallion she knew all too well. And she also knew the kind of things that went on at his parties. “Oh, crap!” Without a second glance Vinyl bolted out of the eatery as fast as her legs could carry her.

*****

In no time at all, she found herself at the club she had just performed at. It didn’t take her long to see the party site across the street. Drunk ponies passed out on the porch, lights and music emanating from inside––definitely the scene of a wild hangout.

Sweat dripped from her face as her lack of energy was finally catching up to her. This was going to be a long night indeed.

She raced up the steps and into the house, unsure of what to expect. Like getting punched in the face, she was hit with the smell of alcohol, smoke, and the musky scent resulting from too many horny teens in one place.

Taking a few more steps, her senses were drowned out by the music and the smell. She desperately looked around for her dragon, but instead was greeted by the sight of ponies either making out or being knocked out cold on the floor.

Tripping over drunk ponies as she walked through the house, she found her way to the kitchen. However, the sight she stumbled upon nearly buckled her legs.

“Spike?!” Her mouth fell agape as she saw him sitting on a table surrounded by empty cups and random mares.

Spike’s eyes hazily made their way to his friend, and a smile crept onto his face.“Oh, hey! Vinyl! ‘Sup?”

Vinyl’s surprise was ignored for the moment due to the stench of alcohol and weed reeking from his breath. “Spike, we’re getting outta here.”

Spike pouted and turned his gaze to two mares passed out on the table by him. “Aww, but I was having fun.”

“Sorry to crash your party Spike, but we’ve gotta get home to Ponyville.”

“No way!” Spike said, his speech heavily slurred. “I, like, wanna stay forever and ever! Manehatten is so much fun!”

Vinyl just rolled her eyes. She’s had to deal with enough drunk ponies in her life, she knew there was no point in debating it with common sense. “Spike, let’s go. You can come back and have fun another time.”

“But﹘﹘” His argument fell silent beneath Vinyl’s glare. “Fine…” Spike attempted to leap off the table, but landed face first on the kitchen floor instead.

Vinyl scraped the plastered dragon off the ground and levitated him onto her back. “Alright, let’s get out of here.” Vinyl quickly dashed out of the apartment and walked down the sidewalk.

“Vinyl, you’re so awesome!” Spike buried his face into her blue mane, and took an exaggerated sniff. “And you smell awesome, too! Have I ever told you awesome you smell? It’s like blueberries and sweat. Sweaty blueberries!”

Vinyl winced at his loud compliment. He was beyond drunk. All common sense and rational thought was gone. I cannot believe I let this happen! I can’t take him home like this. The Princess will have my head!

“Vinyl, I have to tell you something! It’s super important, too!” Spike prodded her neck with his claw. “You’re like, so, so… Ugh!” His thought was cut off as he threw up all over the ground, barely missing Vinyl herself.

Oh God. I cannot take him home like this. She looked back at Spike, who was now collapsed and splayed across her back, clutching his stomach. We’re gonna have to spend the night here.

Lugging Spike with her, Vinyl went to the nearest motel she could find to check out a room for them. It was a cheap one, but it was the only option at the moment.

As the two walked into the lobby, they recived a warm smile from the receptionist. “Hello! What can I help you with tonight?”

“Yeah, we need a room,” Vinyl replied.

“Yeah, and we need it now… if you know what I mean,” Spike said, winking at the receptionist.

Vinyl simply rolled her eyes and gave the receptionist the needed amount of bits, and recieved a key card in return.

After finding their room, she levitated Spike to the bed and began racing through her thoughts.

Alright. I'm in a motel room with my friend who just so happens to be completely drunk and stoned... and he happens to be the assistant to an overprotective Princess.

Vinyl began pacing back and forth across the room, sweat forming on her face. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I am so dead!"

Spike looked at her from his place on the bed, distant gaze and goofy grin on his face. "Heh, yeah... what?"

She brought her hoof to her face, and collapsed onto the bed. "I can't believe I let this happen! I let the the Princess’ assistant, and my own friend, get drunk, stoned, and Celestia knows what else! Twilight is going to kill me! I'm just a big, fat, stupid, irresponsible idiot!"

Spike pouted for a moment and threw his arms around Vinyl in a sloppy hug. "Don't feel bad, Vinyl! You're not fat."

Vinyl broke her panic to look at the dragon who had tangle his arms around her. Even drunk, he still managed to be a sweetheart. "Spike, I swear... When you wake up tomorrow with a massive hangover, I'm just gonna laugh at you."

Spike snorted with laughter, and looked up at the unicorn he was still tangled around. "Hehe, that's okey-dokey!" He suddenly flung his body up and gasped loudly. "Ohmigosh! Vinyl! I like, have to like... tell you something! Its important!" He punctuated the last statement with a wide-eyed stare inches from her face.

Having been around many drunk ponies herself, Vinyl had grown used to this kind of thing. "Alrighty, what's that?" she asked.

"You're really, really pretty!" Spike said, his gaze locked on hers.

Vinyl chuckled softly. "Thanks, Spike. That's really nice." That was a statement Vinyl had heard a lot before from friends under the influence. It wasn't very often that any of them ever remembered saying it though.

"I mean it!" Spike said, dropping his head onto the bed next to her. "At the place thingy, you were like, lit up, and your glasses were cool, and you were sweaty, but in a good way! You were so awesomely gorgeous! I couldn't breathe, ‘cause you like... took my breath away!"

Vinyl blinked slowly, mind reeling from what she had just heard him say. Gorgeous?

She glanced down at Spike who seemed to be fading in and out of sleep. It had been nice having someone to hang out, talk about music, and perform with. Especially someone who seemed genuinely interested in being her friend, considering all the ponies she had known who were more interested in getting some action.

"Thanks, Spike. You're pretty awesome yourself," Vinyl said with a soft smile.

Spike lifted his head to meet Vinyl's eyes. "No prob. I’m just, you know, telling the truth.” He attempted to say something else, but was cut off by his own snoring. His head promptly dropped onto Vinyl's shoulder.

The unicorn tried to nudge him back onto his side of the bed, but he responded by wrapping his claws around her tightly.

Letting out a small sigh and chuckle, Vinyl simply resigned herself to being his pillow for the night. "Hehe, goodnight, Spike." As her eyes closed and she drifted to sleep, she instinctively wrapped her hooves around Spike and snuggled into his warmth.

*****

Spike slowly cracked open his eyes, only to immediately shut them again upon seeing the sunlight. He tried moving his limbs, but he may as well have been trying to lift a three hundred pound barbell. He tried to move his tongue around, but was met with dryness that rivaled the desert and a taste of vomit and alcohol. Worst of all, however, was the extreme headache that pounded his entire brain cavity every time he tried to move.

Spike tried recovering his memories of the events that had transpired the previous night, but came up with nothing but an increased headache. Oh, god. What happened last night? Ugh... maybe I should just lay here for the rest of the day. Wait a second… Spike softly nudged the surface he was laying on. Since when did my pillow get so fuzzy?

Spike forced his eyes open to check his surroundings. He knew he wasn’t in his room, but that part of the confusion could wait until later. The shocking part was the white fur and electric blue mane he was wrapped around. What happened last night?

He tried to move himself, but was trapped underneath her hooves. Great. I’m stuck here until she wakes up.

Spike gently nudged Vinyl, hoping to wake her up. “...Vinyl?”

The sleeping unicorn turned her head toward the sound. “Meh, five more minutes, mom.” She then squeezed the dragon even tighter into herself, nuzzling him like a stuffed animal.

“Erk! Can’t breathe!” Spike tried to shout, but the constriction of his lungs didn’t allow it. In desperation, Spike stuck out one of his claws, and swiftly poked her in the side.

Her eyes immediately shot open, and the two found themselves staring right into each others' eyes, mere centimetres apart.

"..."

"Umm, hi.”

“H-Hey.”

“Any way you could, umm, let go of me?”

“Oh! Sorry…”

Vinyl bolted off the bed and tumbled to the floor, her face a flaming red.

Spike sat himself up, and rubbed his claws over his temples. "Ouch, why does my head hurt?"

Recovering her posture, Vinyl was able to respond. "Sorry, Spike. A hangover will do that to you."

"Hangover?" Spike asked, eyebrows raised in confusion. "Wait a second... What happened last night?"

"You don't remember?"

"I guess not," Spike said with a sheepish grin.

"Well, what's the last thing you do remember?" Vinyl asked.

Spike rubbed his chin and attempted to think of any relevant information. "Let me think... We were at the club playing music, I talked to some dude named Modem, you mentioned something about waffles, and then I woke up with you in a motel this morning." Spike shifted a curious glance at Vinyl. "Umm, did we, like, you know...?"

"No!" Vinyl shouted, causing Spike to cringe. "No, we didn’t. I mean, I wouldn’t… Look, just let me explain what happened. You agreed to meet me at a waffle restaurant last night for dinner, but you never showed up. I got clued in that you were at a house party instead, and you were getting completely drunk. So, guess who had to come and save your sorry tail from getting in trouble? Go ahead, guess!" Vinyl's cheeks were flushed as her frustration rose.

"Uh... you?"

"That's right, me! Of course I couldn't take you back home, or else Twilight would probably see to it I get sent to the moon for letting you get screwed up like that!"

Spike opened his mouth, but he couldn't argue with that statement.

"So that's why I brought you here for the night, where you fell asleep on top of me," Vinyl finished with a firm glare.

"So, you saved me from getting hurt at the party..."

"Yep."

"Then, you saved us both from the wrath of Twilight..."

"Uh-huh."

"Because I was being stupid, stood you up at the restaurant, and got super drunk and high..."

"That's correct."

Spike's eyes grew wide as saucers, and his head drooped. "Oops."

"Oops? You could've seriously gotten hurt and you could've gotten me in serious trouble, and that's all you can say?! Oops?" Vinyl said, her patience facing each passing second.

"Umm... oopsy daisy?" Spike replied sheepishly.

Vinyl let out a long sigh and locked eyes with the dragon. "Dude, this is serious. What do you think would've happened if the police had shown up at the party last night? Do you realize how much trouble that would cause for both of us?"

Spike had to turn his head away. He couldn’t bear to look into her eyes.

"I'm not your babysitter, Spike, so I'm not gonna keep tabs on everything you do. But I am your friend and I don't want to see you make the same mistakes a lot of my friends make. You’re a sweet guy. Don't screw things up for yourself just because you were careless. It can take years to build a good life, but it only takes a few minutes for it all to go down the toilet. You feel me?"

Spike ventured a look up at the unicorn, shame written all over his face. “Yeah, I understand’.”

“I mean, I don’t even know how things are gonna be when we get back. Like, if you were worried about Twilight overreacting last night, how is she gonna react when you come home this morning?”

“Something tells me she isn’t going to be very happy,” Spike said.

“Heh, you think?” Vinyl replied.

Spike forced himself up from the bed and stumbled his way over to Vinyl. “I’m sorry. I just... I don’t know. It seemed like it would be cool to hang out at a party with those guys from the city.”

“There’s nothing cool about those guys, Spike. Trust me, I would know.” Vinyl cast her gaze to the floor. “The pony you were with, Modem, I used to know him really well. And, well, let’s just say he’s hurt a lot of ponies before.”

Having been in a bad relationship himself, Spike knew all too well what she might have gone through. He wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, “I’m sorry. I know what you mean.”

Vinyl happily returned the hug. “It’s alright, Spike. It’s just the way things go sometimes.”

Slowly breaking the hug, Spike took a seat on the edge of the bed. “Yeah, I’ve been there. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way we want them to. What seemed like it was supposed to be perfect just falls to pieces.”

Vinyl looked over at Spike, eyes wide. “That was pretty deep. I take it you’ve had a bad relationship experience, too?”

Spike let out a small laugh. “Yeah, you could say that. It was kind of my fault that it went south, though.”

“What happened?” Vinyl asked.

Spike’s head sunk down. “Well, it’s kind of a long story. Maybe I’ll tell you about it next time we hang out. It’s kind of, well, awkward to say the least.”

“I hear you loud and clear,” Vinyl said with a chuckle.

Spike was about to laugh, until something he hadn’t thought of yet came to mind. “Hey, Vinyl?”

“Yeah?” she responded.

“I didn’t say anything, like, awkward or embarrassing last night, did I?” Spike said, a blush creeping onto his face.

“No…” Vinyl said with a samll smile. “Unless, of course, you count the part where you confessed your undying love for me and demanded we get married.”

“What?!”

“Nah, I’m just kidding. But you did make some random confessions to how hot you thought I was,” she said with a smirk.

Spike could feel his face heating up. “Oh, well… my bad.”

“It’s cool. Pretty much everypony says weird stuff they don’t mean when they’re drunk,” Vinyl said, grinning. “I’ll give you one chance to take it back, though.”

“Nah, I meant it. I’m not taking it back,” Spike said with a sheepish smile.

Vinyl blinked a few times before responding. “Oh, wow. Thanks. That’s really sweet.”

“Yeah, no problem.” Spike nervously laughed to himself, dreading the awkward silence that had now taken over the room.

“But you did say I smelled like sweaty blueberries,” Vinyl said, mock glaring at him. “Do you want to take that one back?”

“Yeah, let’s go ahead and pretend that never happened.”

The two broke out in a brief fit of laughter, before being interrupted by the sound of a beep coming from the table clock.

“Oh, crap! It’s already ten!” Vinyl said after checking the time. “We’ve gotta get back to Ponyville. I had no idea I slept in that late.”

Spike tried to think of how Twilight might react when he returned home, but every scenario he came up with involved an extreme amount of lecturing or discomfort. He’d put those thoughts away for now, though.

“Yeah, let’s get back before I end up in even more trouble than I already am.”

Grabbing their things, the two darted out of the room and headed for the train station. Things were definitely going to get interesting when they got back to Ponyville.

Sometimes You're The Hammer...

View Online

The sun’s midday rays beat down upon the Ponyville train station. The gentle heat provided an excellent therapeutic massage for Spike and Vinyl as they made their way off of the Manehatten Express.

"Oh, sweet Celestia, does it feel good to be off that train," Spike said, stretching his arms, legs, and back.

Vinyl arched her back and filled the air with the sounds of cracking joints. "Dude, you have no freakin' idea. That little colt in the seat behind us wouldn't stop kicking the back of the chair!"

"Serves you right for stealing the edge seat again," Spike said with a chuckle.

Vinyl responded with a mock glare before making her way towards the brick road that led to the town. "Just for that, you can walk back to town. No free rides today."

Spike let out a small laugh and ran up next to her. "Oh, c'mon. Riding you is so much fun!"

The duo earned several awkward glances from surrounding ponies, much to Spike's enjoyment.

"Spike, you're such a dork," Vinyl said, trying to stifle her own laughter.

"I know, but that's why you love me."

"Uh-huh, whatever you say," Vinyl chuckled. "Anyway, have you given any thought to how you're gonna explain all this to Twilight?"

"Not really," Spike replied. "I'm kind of hoping she won't bring it up."

"No offense, but that's a really stupid plan."

Spike let out a sigh. "I guess so. I'm just not sure what to say."

"This may be a shot in the dark, but the truth might be a good place to start," said Vinyl with a smirk.

"Oh, sure, I'll just waltz in there and say 'Hey, Twi! Sorry I didn't come home last night. I was too busy getting drunk and spending the night with my boss at a cheap motel!'"

Vinyl rolled her eyes. "Dude, everyone makes mistakes. I'm sure she will understand."

Spike pondered the idea for a split second. "Maybe... or I could just give her an abbreviated version of the truth. You know, one that's less likely to get me banished to the moon."

"Abbreviated?" Vinyl said, lips turned to a frown.

"Yeah. Like, I'll cut out the parts where I got drunk and stuff, and just say stuff came up and we had to spend the night. Think it'll work?"

"Absolutely not."

Spike turned to her with a glare. "Wow, I'm loving the support here, Vinyl."

"Look, take it from somepony who's been there before. If you tell the truth, you'll save yourself a load of trouble. Not to mention this could be a good chance to explain to her how you feel about getting to make your own decisions."

“I don’t know, Vinyl. I have a feeling the second I mention going to a drinking party, she’ll blow up in a massive ball of fire and fury. Trust me, I speak from experience.”

Vinyl shrugged and turned put on a small smile. “Well, yeah, that’s probably true. But if you let her go off on you, then tell her your opinion… who knows? She might hear you out, or at least she might consider what you have to say.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

“Dude, think positive. If she cares for you as much as it would seem, she’ll hear you out. I’m not saying it will be a walk in the park, but it’ll turn out okay in the end.”

Spike rubbed his chin for a moment, then turned to Vinyl with a grin. “Thanks. You’re probably right.”

“What are friends for?” she replied with a smile.

Spike returned the smile and then turned his attention back to the path. “So, what are your plans for the week?”

“Well, we don’t have another gig until next Sunday, so I pretty much have the week to chill. Meh, I’ll probably hang out at Octavia’s shop or something to keep myself busy. Maybe I’ll work on some new music. You?”

“Hmm, not sure. I might help Rarity at her shop. She could usually use some help during the week,” Spike said, letting out a small sigh. “There’s not a whole lot to do around here, to be honest.”

“Ha, tell me about it,” Vinyl said.

Spike was about to turn his gaze back to the path in front of them, but a sudden idea brought his attention back to his friend. “Hey, I have an idea!”

“What’s up?” Vinyl asked.

Spike turned to her with a wide grin. “Why don’t we hang out this week? Like, go out to eat or hang at your place or something.”

“Woah, are you like, asking me on a date?” Vinyl asked with a smirk.

Spike formed a small blush before responding. “Of course not. I’m merely using you to make myself look cooler in public,” Spike replied with a smug grin. “But if you wanna call it a date, I won’t argue.”

Vinyl blushed lightly and broke out into a small fit of laughter. “Ha, why not? I haven’t been on a date in a long time, and it sounds like fun… even if is just an excuse for you to look cool.”

Spike tried to hide his growing blush. “Awesome! Sounds like a plan.”

After a little more walking, the two finally arrived back in town, and it was already busy as can be with the hustle and bustle of towns ponies.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you later?” Vinyl said.

“Yeah, definitely. Does Wednesday sound good for our, you know… date?” Spike asked, a few beads of sweat forming on his palms.

“Uh, sure! Sounds good. Five o’clock?” Vinyl replied with a goofy grin.

“Sweet. I’ll meet you at your place.”

The duo stood there for a moment, awkwardly finding anything to look at that wasn’t each other. Throwing caution to the wind, Spike quickly ran up and wrapped his arms around Vinyl’s neck in a quick hug, which she quickly returned.

“Umm, well, bye,” Spike said while backing away.

“Uh, yeah, um... later,” Vinyl replied, her voice shaking. “Good luck with talking to Twilight.”

With a quick wave goodbye, the two separated.

*****

Any smile that he had had was now long gone as Spike stood outside the library door, heart beating a million miles a minute.

Alright, Spike. You can do this. You’re just gonna walk in, tell her why you’re late getting back, let her flip out, and then you lay down the law!

Spike’s false confidence was almost enough to get him through the door, but his overactive brain shut it down just as quickly. Why is this so difficult? C’mon, Spike, you’re a dragon! The pinnacle of evolution, the symbol of unbridled power, the definition of wisdom and intelligence. This should not be hard!

Without a second thought, Spike steeled himself and charged into the library. He half expected to be met with an angry Princess waiting for him behind the door, but was instead met with eerie silence.

Spike cautiously stepped further into the library, glancing around the dimly lit room."Hello? Twilight? I'm home!"

He took another step forward, and was greeted with the haunting sound of the front door being slammed shut behind him.

"Ahh!" Spike screeched, practically jumping out of his scales.

"Hello, Spike," a strange voice called out from the shadows.

Spike slowly turned his head to find Twilight sitting on the living area chair, calm as could be.

"Umm, hey, Twilight. I'm home," Spike said, venturing a smile. It quickly disappeared upon seeing Twilight's stoic expression.

"Spike, if I may ask, why didn't you come home last night? Where were you?"

"Oh, yeah, well, you know... It's kind of a long, boring story," Spike replied, letting out a weak laugh.

"I'd like to hear it," Twilight said, her gaze fixated on the nervous dragon.

"It’s nothing big, Twi. Just, you know, we were at the show, it got late, some stuff happened..."

"What kind of stuff?"

"Just... things," Spike answered.

"What kind of things?" Twilight said, her patience wearing thin.

"You know... stuff."

"Spike!" Twilight yelled, jumping to her hooves. "You agreed to be home last night! Do you have any idea how worried I was when you didn't?"

"Well, I-"

Twilight began frantically began pacing the room. "I had no idea what happened to you. You could've been hurt, or killed, or worse!"

"But Twilight, I'm just fine," Spike replied.

"Then why didn’t you come home until exactly 4 minutes ago?!" Twilight asked.

"Because... because I was being stupid and got drunk at a party." Spike cringed, awaiting her response.

"You what?!" Twilight yelled, her face now inches from his. "What in the name of all that is holy would possess you to do something like that?"

Spike turned his eyes to the floor. "I don't know. I messed up. I’m sorry."

"I knew something would like this would happen," Twilight said, shaking her head. "And what about Vinyl? What kind of boss lets her employee go to a drinking party on the job?!"

Spike turned a dagger-like gaze at Twilight. "Hey, leave her alone! She didn't have anything to do with it. In fact, you can thank her for getting my drunk tail out of there and into a motel."

"Sure, but you shouldn't have even been in that situation in the first place! The city is dangerous, Spike. And if this job keeps putting you in dangerous situations like this, its not going to work out."

"You can't make that decision for me, Twi," Spike responded.

"Yes I can," she retorted. "You're my responsibility, so its my job to make sure you make good decisions."

"You see, that's the kicker. I'm not your responsibility, and I'm perfectly capable of making decisions for myself! I don't know why you can't see that."

"Hmm, well if last night is any indication of your decision making abilities, perhaps you have found your answer."

Spike could feel his frustration burning like a fiery inferno inside his head. "Look, I'm sorry, but I'm not perfect. I'm gonna make mistakes. But its my life, and I have a right to make whatever choices I want."

Spike could see a look of shock and rage on Twilight's face. Without waiting for a response, Spike turned around and stormed out of the library, taking special care to slam it behind him.

“That’s it, mister! Don’t expect there to be any gems for dinner tonight when you get back!”

Spike let out a deep sigh and wandered down the road. Like it or not, he needed to cool off for the afternoon.

Well, that could have gone better...

*****

Over the course of the afternoon, Spike managed to visit half the town on his walk. There was so much going on in his head that it was almost too much to process.

He was still upset over his argument with Twilight. He had said what he needed to, but it still left a bad taste in his mouth.

However, he needed some help to figure things out. Luckily, he had somepony that he could always turn to for help.

He made his way across town to Rarity’s home, and firmly knocked on the Boutique door. "Rarity? You there?"

A few moments later, the door opened to reveal the dressmaker, who was wearing a sweet smile. "Spike! Do come in."

She quickly moved out of the way, granting Spike entrance. The dragon made his way in, and turned to Rarity, eyes wide and portraying a large frown.

"Rarity, we need to talk. It's important."

Rarity nodded in understanding and wrapped Spike in a tight hug. "Yes, dear, I know! I feel simply dreadful about it."

"Uh, you do?" Spike asked, slowly returning the surprise hug.

"Yes, sweetie," Rarity replied, slowly pulling away. "I just feel so awful about missing your show last night."

"Oh, that!" Spike replied, his initial confusion gone. "It’s alright, Rares. I understand that you were busy."

"No, darling, it's not. I claim to be your friend, yet I abandoned you at the last minute. I have no excuse!" she said, dropping her head and letting her mane fall over her eyes.

Spike let out a gentle sigh and walked over to his friend. He gently tilted her chin with his claw to where they were making eye contact. "Rarity, seriously, its okay. Trust me, I could never be mad at you over something stupid like that."

He pulled her into a gentle hug which brought a back a small grin to her features.

"Thank you, Spike. I appreciate it very much," she said, regaining some of her composure. "Now, you said you needed to talk to me, dear?"

"Oh, right! It's, well... kinda complicated and could take awhile. Do you have time?"

Rarity smiled and quickly took a seat on the couch, and patted the spot next to her, encouraging Spike to follow suit. "For you? Always."

Spike took a seat next to his friend and explained the entire situation to her, down to the very last detail: how he had gotten drunk, the reason he and Twilight argued, and even the awkward yet exciting feeling he had been getting around Vinyl. Rarity listened intently, nodding and laughing when appropriate.

Spike could always trust Rarity with his thoughts and feelings. She was his best friend for a reason.

"Sweaty blueberries? Really? You are too precious, Spike," Rarity cried out in a fit of laughter.

"Yeah... let's never speak of that again," Spike said, head hung in shame.

"Ahem, yes, I apologize," Rarity replied, face red from stifling her laughter.

"It’s fine. Just remind me not to say something like that ever again," he said, chuckling.

"Agreed. Now, let's look at the situation, shall we? Tell me, how do you feel about the situation with Twilight?" Rarity asked.

Spike opened his mouth to give an answer, but his churning mind closed it before any words could come out. His head ached when trying to figure things like this out.

Spike slumped back into the couch and let out a deep sigh. "Geez, I don't really know. I mean, part of me thinks she's an overprotective pain in the rear, but another part of me can't forget how much she actually cares about me, and the things she's always done for me."

"I see. So, you're confused about how you want to approach the situation is what I'm understanding," Rarity said, gently stroking her chin.

"Yeah, pretty much. I want to tell her that she's suffocating me with her rules and nagging, but I also don't want to hurt her. She's my family, and I love her, but I seriously can't go on forever with things like they have been over the past year or two. You know how its been," Spike said, rolling his eyes.

Rarity gently rubbed his shoulder and gently sighed. "Yes, I understand what you mean. She even complained about you spending too much time with me, recently. But, have you tried thinking of what might be causing her to act this way?"

"Well, I know that it seemed to get worse as her Princess duties set in. I always figured stress probably had a big effect on her attitude. But still, I don't know why she's so strict with me," Spike said with a shrug. "It's almost like she doesn't want me to grow up and get a life."

"Spike, darling, I believe you're missing a key point here," Rarity stated.

Spike simply responded with a confused gaze. "What do you mean?"

"Answer this: how many friends would you say Twilight has that she gets to spend time with regularly?"

"Well, she has lots of friends. She just doesn't have much time to spend with them anymore. Sometimes I think I'm her only form of social life," Spike said with a quick laugh. "Honestly, I can't remember the last time she was able to visit anyone else for fun."

"Exactly. In light of that, how do you think Twilight will feel when you eventually leave her?"

Spike’s mouth dropped open. “I, uh… wow. I guess she’ll be alone.” Spike processed the information in his head for a moment before turning his attention back to Rarity. “But I wouldn’t ever just leave her like that. Even if I moved out I’d still help out at the library and visit her.”

"I'm sure you would," Rarity said. "But, darling, try and see things how Twilight sees them. You've been her closest friend and assistant for most of her life. You've lived with her and have always been by her side when she needed you. Since she became a princess she's relied on your company even more. It’s true that you need to live your own life, but the idea of losing you is probably terrifying to her."

For what seemed like the fifteenth time in the past twenty-four hours, Spike was hit with a bolt of unforeseen wisdom that leveled him. This entire time he had been solely thinking of wanting to get out and get his own life, but never thought about how leaving would affect Twilight emotionally. Unfortunately, approaching Twilight about the situation would still prove to be difficult.

Spike started pacing back and forth. "I get what you're saying, Rarity. I'm just not sure what to do about it. I mean, I could try and talk to her about it, but she doesn't really listen to me all that much."

"I understand, Spike. If you would like, I could come and help you explain things to her," Rarity said with a smile.

"Thanks, but I think this is something I need to handle by myself. I need to talk to her about everything. Hopefully, she’s had a chance to cool off from the argument. Even if she won't listen, I at least need to try. She deserves that much."

"Very good. She's very lucky to have a friend like yourself."

"Yeah, I am pretty awesome," Spike joked. "But yeah, I'm gonna head over and talk to her right now. I just kind of stormed out earlier, so I wanna make things right."

Rarity got off the couch and gave Spike a hug. "Good luck, Spike."

"Thanks, I'll need it," he said, walking to the door. "By the way, is it alright if I come over tomorrow to talk some more?"

"Of course. What about?"

"Well, just something involving Vinyl," Spike said with a nervous smile. "Something that hasn't happened in awhile."

...Sometimes You're The Nail

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Spike was in a staring match with the library door. It was as if he was waiting for it to open by itself, leading him into the impossible conversation he was about to have. As the seconds ticked in time with the increasing pace of his heart beat, it became evident the door would win the match, and Spike would have to make the first move.

As opposed to his earlier entrance, he stepped into the library with forced confidence. I am going to make things right with her, even if it kills me… which it might.

“Twilight? I’m back!” Spike shouted into the empty room. “Are you here? We need to talk!”

Glancing around, he was unable to find her, so he made his way upstairs. “Twilight! Twilight, are you–” He stopped when he heard the faint sound of sniffling coming from her room.

He peered in to see the purple alicorn sitting on her bed, looking at something spread out in front of her. Gently, knocking on the door to announce his arrival, he walked in.

“Twilight?” Spike asked, gingerly approaching her.

“Huh, what?” Twilight said, jumping up in surprise. “Oh, Spike! You’re back?”

Spike took a seat next to Twilight on the bed. “Yeah, I just needed to cool off for a bit and think about some stuff.”

“Yeah, I suppose, um, I owe you an apology for yelling like that,” Twilight said, sniffling..

“No, I owe you an apology. I was out of line, and I did do some really stupid stuff. I’m sorry.”

Spike reached out and wrapped Twilight in a gentle hug. A hug that she quickly returned. He nuzzled into her neck fur, just as he used to do when he was a baby. It still felt just as soft as ever.

Opening his eyes, however, he noticed what Twilight was looking at. There were some old photographs laid out from when they first moved to Ponyville, and even from when she first got him in Canterlot.

“What’s this?” Spike asked, smiling as he pulled away from the hug.

Twilight looked over at the photos and smiled. “Oh, I was just looking at them. Things seemed so much simpler back then.”

“Yeah, they sure were,” Spike replied. “You remember this one?”

Twilight looked down to the picture Spike was pointing at. It was a slightly faded photograph depicting a baby Spike with cake all over his face. He was being tightly hugged by a filly Twilight. “Of course! Your first birthday.” Her smile widened as she continued to look at the photo. “You got a little messy when trying to eat your cake.”

“What can I say?… I love food,” Spike said with a chuckle.

“Something that hasn’t changed to this day,” Twilight responded, stifling a giggle.

“Yeah, yeah, so I like to eat,” Spike said with a mock eye roll. “What about this photo?”

“Oh, well this one was from when I used to read to you, to help you fall asleep. Remember?” Twilight pointed a hoof at the photo of Spike and herself curled up together on her bed.

“Yeah, I do. I remember I really liked the story about the dragon who fell in love with the pony. What was it called?” Spike asked.

“‘Hold Me In The Dark’. At least once a week, you’d have me read that one.” Twilight chuckled lightly. “But I loved it just as much, so I didn’t mind.”

The two shared a brief laugh, something that they hadn’t done in ages.

Spike’s head drooped and he slouched his shoulders. “What went wrong, Twi? Things used to be so different. Now… well, now it seems like we don’t do anything except argue. What happened?”

Twilight let out a deep sigh, and her eyes fell to the mattress beneath her. “I wasn’t ready…”

“Ready? For what?”

“For the crown, and for the responsibility that came with it. It’s taken longer to get used to than I had thought.” Twilight wiped a stray tear from her eyes. “And the entire time, you’ve been growing up, and I wasn’t ready for that either.”

Spike searched for words to say, but his mind was running on empty. Instead, he just scooted closer to Twilight and rested his head on her side.

“When I look at you, I still see the same baby dragon from all those years ago. It’s like, with all the other changes, I didn’t want to accept that you were changing too,” Twilight said, wrapping her hooves around him in a tight embrace. “I mean, I still remember when you would always ask me before going out, and you’d always tell me what you did. I still remember how you used to want to spend your time helping me. Now it seems my work isolates me, and since you’ve grown, you want more freedom. I don’t know, I guess I just miss the way things were when you actually needed me.”

“So, these past couple years, you’ve been worried about me growing up, because you’re afraid I won’t need you anymore?”

“Yes, but not just that. Also, Spike, I didn’t realize how much I depended on you for everything until you started becoming independent. Like, when you started going out with Flitter every night, I realized I wasn’t very adept at cooking.”

“Ha, that’s putting it mildly. Ow!” Spike rubbed his now sore shoulder where Twilight had just felt the need to hit him.

“Anyway, I also realized that I depended on you to keep things clean around here. Not to mention you always made sure I had some form of social activity every day. But before, I never gave it any real thought. I was just so caught up in everything going on in my life that I never realized what I was doing to you.”

Spike looked over at her—his only real family—and gently stroked her fur. “It’s alright, Twi. I promise. Doing stuff for you never bothered me. I like helping you.” He turned her head towards his face. “But I also need to start living my own life. I’m not a kid anymore. I have a job, I’m making new friends, and I have to be able to live my own life.”

“I know that. I realize that now. Even recently, I’ve been trying to ignore it, hoping it would go away. But when you came home today, after being gone all night, it hit me just how things were going to be, and what I was doing to you. And then, when you stormed out, I realized that you might not come back home...” she breathed, tears freely streaming from her eyes.

Spike was once again lost for words. This was definitely becoming a recurring theme for the past twenty-four hours. And what’s worse was the longer the conversation went on, the worse he felt. For all intents and purposes, he felt like the bad guy.

“Twilight, I promise I would never leave you like that. Not now, not in a hundred years, and not even in a thousand years will you have to be afraid of me pushing you out of my life like that.” He wrapped her in a tight embrace.

“Spike… thank you,” Twilight said, tightening the hug. “Thank you for putting up with me and thank you for being there for me. I don’t think I’ve ever really told you how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

“Well, you don’t need to, Twi. Everything you’ve done for me makes it clear that you love me, and of course, I still love you. Even if we’ve both forgotten it for awhile...”

After a few more seconds of their embrace, Twilight finally released him.

“Hey, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah?”

“Can we just talk for a little bit? Like, seriously talk? It seems we haven’t really gotten to talk in a long time.”

“Yeah! That sounds awesome,” Spike replied.

“So, tell me a bit about what you do at your job with Vinyl.”

“Really? You’re actually coming around to the idea?” Spike asked.

“Well, I’m not really ecstatic about it, but I suppose it couldn’t hurt to learn more considering how important it is to you."

"Awesome! Okay, let's see... Basically, I help Vinyl at her shows. You know, handling the wiring, mic checks, equaliser and volume control—you get the gist."

Twilight tried to hide the confusion on her face and nodded her head in agreement.

"Yeah, so those are the basics. But I've also been able to use Vinyl's synth and keyboard equipment to play live and fill in during some of the songs!"

"Wow, Spike. So she lets you play in front of all those ponies?"

"Yeah! It's so awesome. I told her I knew how to play keyboard, so when the first opportunity came up, she gave me a chance."

“Weren’t you nervous? I know how you get stage fright sometimes,” Twilight said.

“Well, yeah. At first, when I stepped onto the stage and saw the crowd standing, waiting for me to play, I was terrified. But when I actually started to play, and the crowd started screaming and jumping in rhythm with the beat, I don’t know… I felt alive.” Spike could feel his heart race just by thinking about the sensations he experienced on stage. “And then when I would look over at Vinyl, and she’d be rocking out with me, it was beyond words. It’s like, I know for sure now that this is what I want to do with my life.”

“Wow,” Twilight said, eyes wide.

“I never knew this was such a big deal for you, Spike. I guess I needed to pay more attention,” Twilight said with a sheepish smile.

“Well, yeah. Ever since I learned I had a knack for music, I always wanted to do something with it. Vinyl says I’m becoming ‘a real performer’ now,” Spike replied, cheeks flushed.

“Well, that’s great Spike, but…”

“But?”

Twilight let out a sigh and turned to Spike. “Well, I still can’t get over the fact that this job is dangerous. And honestly, I’m still having issues being comfortable with the idea of you spending so much time with Vinyl. I don’t even know anything about her, much less whether she’s going to be a good influence on you in the long run.”

“Oh, c’mon, Twi. Don’t you trust me not to do anything cr‒ wait, don’t answer that,” Spike said, facepalming himself. “Well, would you feel better about it if you got to meet Vinyl? Like, you know, if I invited her over sometime for dinner or something?”

Twilight stroked her chin for a moment. “I guess that couldn’t hurt. But you’ll have to give me some time to work out when exactly I’ll have time. But yeah, I think that sounds like a great idea.”

“Seriously? Twilight, you’re the best!” Spike said, tackling her in an embrace. “I promise, you’ll love her, she’s the coolest and nicest pony ever! Like, for real!”

Twilight chuckled to herself briefly, then pushed the dragon off her. “Alright, alright, settle down. I take it you really like her, huh?”

“Well, yeah. What’s not to like?” Spike said sheepishly.

Any time he thought of Vinyl, his heart seemed to jump out of his chest. Every time they hugged or touched each other, he felt like his brain was melting and all coherent thought would dissapear. It seemed like such a sudden development, but he hadn’t felt this way about anypony in a long time. He wanted to tell Twilight, but the memory of his past relationship and how it ended squashed any notion he may have had of telling Twilight about it. That could come later, when he was more sure of his feelings.

"Well then, I guess I'll just have to find out," Twilight said with a sly wink. "I'll let you know the dates I can do it tomorrow, alright?"

"Awesome! I'm seeing Vinyl on Wednesday, so I can tell her then," Spike said, his words traveling a mile a minute.

"Wait, you're seeing her Wednesday? What for?"

"Oh, you know, to hang out, play some music, go out to dinner..."

"Dinner?" Twilight asked, eyes snapping open. "You mean, like on a date? You? With Vinyl?"

"Woah, calm down, Twi. Just as friends..." for now.

Twilight had to fight to hold back every protective instinct in her body. She may as well have been trying to fight off an Ursa Major.

"Just, be careful, okay?"

"I promise. Heck, I Pinkie Promise! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye."

"Alright, I trust you. Anyway, I've had a long day, as have you, so I think we should get some sleep," Twilight replied, stretching out her hooves and letting out a loud yawn.

Letting out his own yawn, Spike quickly nodded his head in agreement. "I'll second that. G'night, Twi." Spike wrapped her up in a tight hug and Nuzzled her cheek before exiting.

On his way to his room, however, he quickly brought an idea to his mind. He dashed down the stairs as fast as his short legs could carry him, retrieved the item he needed, and made his way back to Twilight's room.

"Hey, Twilight?" Spike asked, nudging open her door.

Having just gotten comfortable in her bed, Twilight merely turned her head to address him. "Yes, Spike?"

Spike waddled his way across the room to Twilight's bedside, and presented the item to her. "I don't suppose you could read me this story tonight?"

A tear found its way into Twilight's eye the moment she read the words on the cover. “Hold Me In The Dark.” She levitated the book up and scooched over to make room for Spike on her bed, which he happily curled up into.

When the two had gotten comfortable, curled up with one another, Twilight opened to the first page.

"Once upon a time, there was a dragon and a pony…”

Life @ 11

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Vinyl made her way into her modestly sized apartment, a large smile on her face.

That smile was quickly replaced by a frown. She gagged as she smelled something horrible coming from the kitchen.

That could only mean one thing.

Vinyl dashed into the kitchen, finding Octavia standing by the small table, placing two bowls of some kind of murky, green food substance on it.

"Octavia! What the hay are you doing here, in my appartment using my kitchen which you've been strictly forbidden from using?"

“Oh, come now, Vinyl. It’s late and I assumed you’d be hungry, so I decided to make us something to eat!” Octavia said, beaming.

“I appreciate the gesture, but we both know that you failed cooking class in school… multiple times. I trusted you to not abuse the privilege of having a copy of my house key.”

In response, Vinyl was greeted with Octavia’s eyes widening and lips curled into a pout that could break a changeling’s heart. She was going to have to eat Octavia’s cooking, or she wouldn’t hear the end of it.

“Fine,” she said, rolling her eyes and sitting down at the table across from Octavia, who giddily clapped her hooves.

Vinyl just poked at the gooey, green substance in front of her. If she didn’t know any better, she could’ve sworn something in it was growling at her.

“C’mon, Vinyl, it won’t bite,” Octavia said.

“Well that’s fair, I suppose, because I don’t plan on biting it, either.” As if on cue, a bubble rose to the surface with an unnerving pop. “Whatever this is…”

“It’s vegetable soup with protein enhancing nutrients. Celestia knows that you don’t get proper nutrition from eating out all of the time after your shows.”

“Hey, pizza and waffles haven’t wronged me, yet.”

After taking a slow, cautious bite, Vinyl nearly puked as the substance wormed its way down her throat. “Ugh! Maybe if nutritious foods didn’t try to kill me I would eat them more often.”

Octavia merely looked at Vinyl with an unamused expression, and daintily took a bite of her creation: a bite that never reached her stomach, and instead was immediately spat onto the floor.

“You wanna order pizza?” Octavia asked with a sheepish look.

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

Twenty minutes later, they were sitting on the couch, enjoying pineapple pizza and watching TV.

"You see, Octavia, we've got our fruit, veggies, grains, dairy—the entire food pyramid in one convenient slice of awesomeness," Vinyl said, shoveling her most recent slice down her throat.

Octavia took a dainty sip of her soda before stuffing a hoof-full of pizza into her mouth. "Pass the ranch, please."

Vinyl levitated the packet of ranch to her friend. “There you go. It’s—oh my gosh!”

The ranch packet that Octavia was hungrily waiting for suddenly exploded into her face as Vinyl jumped from her seat with a huge grin.

"Octavia, look which movie is coming on!" Vinyl said, pointing a hoof at the screen. "It's 'Chainsaw Vixens of the 4th Dimension'. It is possibly the most horrible gorefest movie ever created in the history of, well… ever!"

Octavia wiped the ranch off of her face and stuck her tongue out, feigning a gag. "Vinyl, please. You know how I feel about those terrible movies. It's nothing but overly sexualized mares engaging in brazen loose conduct and acts of fake, grotesque violence."

"I know, right! Isn't it great?" Vinyl said, laughing with a cute smile.

"Uh, no, not exactly.”

Frowning, Vinyl let out an annoyed sigh. "Fine, be that way. Too bad Spike isn't here. I bet that he'd get a kick out of watching it."

"Speaking of which, how did Spike like Manehatten? From what I can tell, most ponies from around here don't delve into the seedy parts of Equestria very often, much less someone in the royal family. I was actually rather worried something may have happened to you two when you didn't return last night."

Vinyl's eyes shot open. A bead of sweat ran down her brow. "It… you know, it was alright... nothing too big went down. It just got late, that's all."

Octavia looked Vinyl up and down, scrutinizing her face—which, coincidentally, was now heating up with a furious blush and displaying a nervous smile.

"Alright, Vinyl. Spill the beans. What went wrong and how much trouble are you two in?"

Vinyl gulped in a breath of air. "Nothing! Nothing went wrong."

"Did you guys do any illegal drugs?"

"No, it's just-"

"Did you steal waffles... again?!"

"No, but—"

"Oh my gosh, Vinyl. Please tell me you didn’t—”

"No!" Vinyl screamed, thrusting her hoof over her friends' mouth. "Not that it's any of your business, but Spike got super drunk at a party and almost got involved with a bunch of mares."

"Vinyl! You let Spike go to a party like that alone?" Octavia said, mouth agape.

"I didn't know he was at the party! I had asked him to meet me at the waffle place one street over," she stood up and started pacing the room in front of the couch. "How was I supposed to know someone could get into that much trouble in only a few blocks of walking distance?"

"Vinyl, that's not the point! Do you realize what could've happened if he had gotten hurt, or even if he had gotten in trouble with the law? Your career would be out the window!" Octavia threw her hooves up.

"My career? Honestly, I was more concerned about him," Vinyl replied. "But besides that, I'm not his foalsitter and he can make his own choices. I'm not responsible for him like that."

"I suppose that's true, but as his employer, you do carry responsibility for your assistant. And abusing responsibility could land you back in my living room if taken lightly, and I'm fairly certain neither of us want that."

"Hah, got that right," Vinyl responded, rolling her eyes. "I love ya, Tavi, but I can only take so much structure and order in my home before I go crazy."

"Yes, and I can only deal with so much pulsating bass before I rip my mane out. I don't understand how anyone could enjoy that 'hardcore, screamo, dubstep' nonsense anyway."

Vinyl shook her head in disapproval. "You see, Octavia this is why I'm playing sold out shows to the masses while you’re selling cello strings to band class students. And besides, plenty of ponies like that genre of music. Spike, for one, thinks it's awesome, and it’s started several awesome conversations between us."

“Uh-huh… whatever you say. Anyway, you two sure seem to be getting along awfully well,” Octavia said, winking at Vinyl.

“Yeah! He’s super cool and… wait a second, are you implying something?” Vinyl asked.

“Goodness, Vinyl, I’m just teasing you. Carry on with what you were saying.”

Vinyl rolled her eyes and jumped back into her interrupted statement. “I was just saying that he’s really cool and seems to be a decent friend. Can’t hold his liquor, apparently, but still really fun. And besides, well, we seem to have a lot in common. Outside of music, I mean.”

“Like what?”

“Well, he doesn’t have the best family life, for one. Like, he didn’t even get to know his parents… Not even I had it that bad,” she said, sinking into the couch once more.

Octavia struggled to find the right words. “Oh, well… I’m sorry, dear.”

“I don’t feel sorry for me, I feel sorry for him! Yet, he just powered his way through it. That’s pretty amazing.”

“How did he react to you telling him about your family?” Octavia questioned.

“Well, to be honest, I didn’t… It didn’t seem like something I needed to bring up, ya know?” Vinyl replied.

"Well you should tell him anyway, Vinyl. It'd make for an excellent conversation starter, and maybe it would help you to talk about it. Especially considering he's gone through similar difficulties, at least from what it sounds like."

Vinyl let out a sigh. "Yeah, I guess. I suppose it would make for an interesting topic at dinner this Wednesday."

"Dinner?"

"Oh yeah, I didn't tell you. Me and him are going to dinner this week. We figured it would be a nice change of pace to get out for a little while. You know, when it’s not work related and we can actually have some fun."

"Sounds like it'd be fun," Octavia said with a sly wink and a nudge. "Am I correct in assuming that this is a little more than just a 'just friends' sort of date?"

"No!" Vinyl said, her face turning red. "Well, maybe... I guess. Possibly. I mean, yeah... I think he may be starting to like me."

Octavia giggled and grinned widely. "And... How do you feel about him?"

"I don't know," she said, looking down at her hooves."On one hoof, he's a super cool guy, and its nice to have somepony like me who's not a total jerk. On the other, though, I've only known him for a little while, and I really don't want to rush things. Especially not after what happened before."

"You mean with... him?" Octavia asked, the last word dripping with disgust.

"Yeah," Vinyl said, frowning. "I'd really prefer to avoid something like that happening again."

"Understandable."

"Yeah, but that's not to say I don't like Spike. I just wanna really get to know him more outside of work and stuff first."

"Very mature reasoning, Vinyl. I'm actually surprised to hear something like that from you," Octavia said, snorting a small laugh.

"Yeah, well, don't get used to it!" Vinyl laughed. "I'm only acting like this because I'm tired and not myself."

The two shared a laugh together, unable to keep from smiling, before Octavia finally broke the silence.

"But, by all accounts, I approve. He seems nice, and it would be convenient for you to be with somepony you work with."

"I can always count on you to be the logical one, can't I?" Vinyl said, smiling.

"Yes, well, its my job to keep you on the right track. It has been since we met, so don't forget it," she said.

"Trust me, I don't think that I could even if I wanted to."

With a final grin, Octavia made her way to the door. "Well, Vinyl, it was nice getting to talk like that. It’s been ages."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Work and stuff... it’s so stupid. All it does is take up our time. How obnoxious!"

"I know, it’s quite rude," Octavia replied. "Anyhow, I should be heading back home. Have a good night, Vinyl. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Octy," Vinyl replied, waving a hoof as the front door closed behind her friend.

Vinyl slouched back into her comfy couch seat, and turned her attention back to the movie on TV just in time to see a cheerleader's head torn off by an alien creature wielding a chainsaw.

"Ha! What a ditz. You're supposed to run away from bloodthirsty murderous creatures, not scream and try to look helpless," Vinyl said, the TV being her only audience to her vocal disapproval.

After a few more minutes of embarrassingly bad movie violence, Vinyl clicked it off with her magic and let out a deep sigh.

"Hmph, its no fun watching a bad movie by yourself."

She looked at the mess of pizza boxes and soda cans that covered her living room and shrugged. "Meh, I'll clean it up tomorrow."

She walked back to her small bedroom and leapt onto the lumpy mattress. She shifted her head onto her pillow, which for some reason was always hot no matter which side she flipped it to. Having finally given up on finding a comfortable position, she covered herself with her blanket and let her mind wander.

Okay, so I have to pay rent and equipment fees tomorrow, then I have plans with Spike on Wednesday, then I have to call the record people to see about doing... something I can't remember. Gosh, if only Spike could organise my personal life, too.

Her mind floated around to the various stresses she was dealing with, but her mind kept travelling back to Spike. He had the strange ability to make her happy and forget about other things, which at the moment was a very good thing.

I should totally ask Spike if he likes to watch bad movies.

She chuckled to herself, thinking about their upcoming date. It was either going to be a lot of fun, or awkward beyond belief. Either way, she was looking forward to spending time with her new friend—her friend who seemed to be occupying most of her thoughts recently. Her friend who seemed to make her heart beat a little faster whenever she was with him. Her friend who asked her on a date that she more than happily agreed to attend.

Her friend who may be becoming something more than just her friend.

Danger: Wildmare

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"So let me make sure I'm understanding this correctly," Rarity said, looking at Spike while rubbing her chin. "You're developing feelings for your boss, Vinyl..."

"Yes."

"You asked her out on a date of sorts without quite thinking things through..."

"Yep."

"She said yes..."

"Uh-huh."

"And now you need my help to keep this date from being an awkward disaster?"

"Yes, ma'am," Spike replied. "You think you can help me? This is a pretty urgent situation."

Rarity trapped Spike in a hug before he knew what hit him.

"Oh, Spikey, of course I can help!” Rarity said, beaming and nuzzling his cheek. “I'm so happy you found a special somepony again."

Spike gently pushed away from the hug and leaned back into the couch they were seated on. "Thanks, Rarity, but don't get ahead of yourself yet. I mean, it's just our first date, and I don't even know if she likes me yet... as more than a friend, at least."

"Oh, details, details," Rarity waved her hoof. "If there's one thing I've learned in my years of relationship experience, it is that the first date, friendly or not, will either make or break any potential relationship."

Spike's eyes widened as he gulped down the nervous bulge that appeared in his throat. “B-Break it?”

"Exactly. So what I'm saying, darling, is that if everything goes well, she'll be falling for you by the end of the night. If not, well... it may not end so well.”

“Oh, gosh, this sounds even harder than I thought. And it seemed pretty hard to start with!”

“Relax, Spikey. It’s not that difficult. You just have to make sure to sweep her off her hooves!"

"Easier said than done. I’m not exactly an expert in the romance category. Besides, I'm not sure that's the best way to go. I mean, Vinyl doesn't seem like one to be, you know, swept away by a date."

"Spike, trust me. Every mare, no matter her personality, wants to be swept off their hooves by somepony else.” Rarity winked at Spike. “Maybe they don't all show it, but the desire is still there, and if you manage to do so with Vinyl, she'll be putty in your hooves! Or claws, I should say."

Spike pondered the idea for a moment. On one side, he loved the idea of getting closer to Vinyl. On the other, he never really liked putty. It was messy, sticky, and usually involved him having to wash himself after using it. Plus, he was terrible at sculpting anything outside of an unintelligible blob with it. This was beginning to sound more and more hopeless by the second.

"I don't know, Rarity. Things have a tendency to go wrong when they're rushed, especially for me. But I don’t know, maybe I'm just being too cautious." Spike let out a loud sigh and sunk into the couch. "Or maybe I'm still nervous after what happened with Flitter when we moved too fast. You know how that went."

Rarity opened her mouth to say something, but words seemed to be in short supply. "Well, um... listen, Spike. You were younger, and you made a mistake. We all do."

"Yeah, that’s putting it lightly. But, unfortunately, it was the same mistake, over and over again."

"Look, Spikey, the point is you've grown and learned from it. Besides, this is a completely different mare in a completely different set of circumstances. I promise things will be different. Not to mention you’ll have me right here to help you." Rarity placed a hoof on Spike’s shoulder and smiled at him.

Spike turned to Rarity with a small smile, and he held her in a warm hug for a moment. "Thanks."

Rarity nuzzled his cheek and looked him in the eyes. "Spike, how many times must I remind you? I'm your friend. It's my job to make sure you succeed at your plans."

"Good thing, because I'm going to need all the help I can get," Spike said with a chuckle. "I haven't even decided where I'm going to take her yet. I was thinking maybe the Ponyville Grille or something."

Rarity let out a deep sigh and smacked her hoof to her forehead. “Spike, Spike, Spike… I love you dearly, but I feel I must be honest here. That’s a horrendous idea. The Ponyville Grille is on the lowest rung of all eating establishments within the town. You need something with flare, decor, and atmosphere!”

“Atmosphere?”

“Yes!” Rarity said. “The standard eating fare may be good for simply hanging out as friends, but not for a date. No, you need someplace special. You need… The Spot!”

“Um, The Spot? What’s that?”

“It is nothing short of the most sophisticated and refined eatery in all of Ponyville. Anypony who’s anypony goes there,” Rarity said with a wink.

“Okay… what kind of food do they have?”

“I have no idea, but that’s not the point! It’s got modern decor, a coffee bar, live music, and nothing is below fifty bits in price. It’s perfect!”

“Um, not that I don’t appreciate your input here, Rarity, but I’m not exactly rolling in money. I’ve only just now earned about two thirds of the bits I need for my keyboard.”

“Spike, when it comes to romance, sacrifices must be made.”

Spike fell back into the couch with a small frown. “Fine, but are you sure this will pay off?”

Rarity gasped, taken aback by his words. “Spike! I’m offended by the fact that you would doubt me.”

“Well…”

“Have I ever led you astray before?” she asked. “Honestly, darling, you have nothing to worry about.”

“It’s not you that I doubt, Rarity,” Spike said. “I doubt my own ability to execute this whole date without making a fool of myself. If I’m gonna be dishing out bits like that, I’d rather have some confidence that I’m not just shooting blind.”

“Oh, come now, Spike. It’s not that difficult. You talk to me all the time.”

“Well, yeah, but you’re not a girl. You’re Rarity.”

Rarity opened her mouth to retort, but her face simply morphed into a frown.

“Besides, I’m talking about romantic situations,” Spike replied. “Romantic situations that have a high probability of me getting hit in the face or shaking in the fetal position under a table. I speak from experience.”

"Hmm, you do present an interesting case, Spike," Rarity said. "Yes, I remember your first date with Flitter ended with you hiding under my bed for the entire night."

"That was... an odd date, to say the least," Spike replied. "I guess I should have considered myself lucky she thought it was cute. Unfortunately, I doubt Vinyl is the same. From what I can tell, she’s not exactly the fluffy, cutie type of mare that Flitter was. Other than the fact she's been hurt before by some past relationship, I don't really know anything about her relationship history or what she finds attractive."

"Well, Spike, that's the purpose of a date. You learn more about somepony you're interested in."

"I guess... it’s just, I really feel some kind of connection with her and I really don't want to blow it. It’s too bad you can't come with me. I could totally use your help."

Rarity frowned at hearing Spike's lament. That frown, however, was immediately replaced by a grin.

"I've got an idea!"

"An... idea? An idea for what?"

Rarity yanked him off the couch with her magic and set him on the floor in front of her. "I've got an idea, Spike. An idea that will allow me to keep an eye on you during the date, as well as feed you instructions on what to do. Because, frankly, you're going to need my assistance," Rarity said. "Growing up with Twilight did wonders for your intelligence, but for your social graces... not so much."

Spike rolled his eyes. "And how exactly do you plan to pull this ‘idea’ off? You know, without it being blatantly obvious? I'm pretty sure it’s a total lack of social grace to be funneled tips on a date from one of your friends. Plus, it'll make Vinyl think I'm a dork."

"Well, dear, if you would simply listen for a moment and keep your skepticism to yourself, I could tell you. It's quite ingenious, really," Rarity said with a prideful grin. A grin that reminded Spike of somepony who was about to sell him a product he neither wanted nor needed.

"Okay, Rarity, what's the plan?" Spike said, bracing himself for the ludicrous idea that would follow.

"Come, Spike, let us go! We're going into town," Rarity said, levitating Spike onto her back as she dashed out the door, flipping her open sign to closed. "We're going to need some supplies."

Spike was at war with himself. On one side, he was curious to see what Rarity had come up with. On the other, there was a good chance things could go terribly wrong and end up badly for him.

In cases like this, it was usually the latter.

Either way, her wide eyes and huge grin told him this would be one heck of a plan.

Crossroads (I Guess Things Are Getting Serious)

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"Bowtie?"

"Check!"

"Sport jacket?"

"Check!"

"Brushed fangs?"

"Brushed and polished to minty perfection!"

"That's my dragon," Rarity said with a wink. "Sounds like you're ready for tonight, Spike!"

"Thanks for all your help, Rares. I really don't wanna mess things up."

"That's nonsense talk! She won't be able to resist you, especially if you have me on your side." Rarity chuckled and pointed to the small microphone she had hidden away behind the intricate crystal necklace she was wearing.

"Yeah, I suppose," Spike replied. "But I dunno Rarity, this whole secrecy plan seems like a bad idea."

"What makes you think that, Spike? I'll just be discreetly sitting a few tables away and talking you through what to say. It can't go wrong!"

"I'm pretty sure it can," Spike said with a smirk. "Haven't you ever seen the movies? These kinds of things always end in some sort of embarrassing disaster."

"Yes, dear, but those are movies. They're supposed to be entertaining. This is the real world, and believe me when I say I know what I'm doing." Rarity proudly put her head up in the air.

Spike let out a sigh. "Alright, fine. But if things go wrong, I'm blaming you." Spike chuckled and earned one from Rarity in return.

"Alright, agreed," she said with a smile. "Now, you're meeting her at the music shop, correct?"

"Yep. In about fifteen minutes, to be precise."

"Ah! What are you still doing here? You're going to be late!"

Rarity put her hooves on Spike's back and shoved him toward the front door.

"But, Rarity, the music shop is only a couple minutes away! I'm not going to be late."

Rarity rolled her eyes and nudged him out the door. "Spike, a proper gentlecolt always arrives early for an engagement. Arriving barely on time demonstrates terrible manners on the stallion's part."

Spike let out a sigh,knowing it would be useless to refute Rarity's points on the matter. "Alright, I'll go."

"Excellent," Rarity said with a giddy grin. "Now, I'll arrive at the restaurant a few minutes after you, so keep an eye out, alright?"

"Got it," Spike replied. "See you later!"

Spike sprung off the porch, a skip in his step, and hurried off to meet his date.

*****

"Oh, Spike! You're here a bit early." Octavia smiled at Spike who shuffled his way into the store.

"Yeah, I just, you know, wanted to make sure I wasn't late."

"Heh, well good for you," she replied with a smile. "Vinyl, however, is late for everything, so you may end up waiting around for a bit."

"It's cool. They won't give away our reservations or anything, so no hurry."

Spike shrugged and walked over to the CD racks to pass the time scrutinising the various artists therein.

"Huh," Spike said, picking up an album from the 'New Music' section. "I can't believe The Red Saddle Apparatus still makes music. I thought they left the scene years ago."

Spike glanced over the tracklist of the album and made a mental note to pick it up later. He put it back in its place and glanced over the other albums on display.

"Woah!" Spike dashed over to another album. "Betraying the Mares has a new one, too? Gosh, I've been missing out."

"Oh yeah, definitely," a voice said from behind Spike. "Prench bands totally know how to go hard, and that album is brutal."

Spike jumped in surprise, but was smiling again as soon as he saw Vinyl's cool smile.

"Oh, Vinyl....sup?" he said, attempting to regain his composure.

"Heh, not much," she said. "It seems I've seen this scene before, though."

Spike scratched his head for a moment before it hit him. "Oh yeah, this is where we met, right?"

"Yep. You looking at new music and me executing a perfect surprise entrance."

The both of them chuckled for a moment before it toned down.

After Spike brought his attention back to Vinyl, he was almost floored by something he had failed to notice earlier.

"Wow, Vinyl, I've never seen you wear a dress before. You look amazing!"

Vinyl was wearing a very elegant crystal blue dress that perfectly matched her mane, which had been neatly brushed in place, whilst still retaining its natural flare. The dress was lengthy, but left just enough of her left flank uncovered to tug at the imagination. That, coupled with the silver necklace and light, yet infectious amount of makeup she put on, she was truly a sight to behold.

"Heh, thanks," she replied, a light pink tint forming on her cheeks. "You look pretty good yourself. You're rockin' that bowtie."

Spike goofily smiled and chuckled. "Thanks. I've learned a lot about how to dress from hanging with Rarity. Glad that info finally came in handy."

"Heh, that makes one of us. Octavia has always been the more fashion conscious of us, so I really have no idea what I'm doing when looking for a dress or whatever."

Spike snickered and smiled. "Well, you look amazing, so don't worry."

The two heard hoofsteps come from across the room and were greeted with the sight of a jaw-dropped Octavia.

"Vinyl? You're actually early for once? I'm speechless..."

"Well yeah," she said with a nervous laugh. "I didn't want to make Spike have to wait around forever or make us late."

"Uh-huh....says the mare who was late to her own graduation party," Octavia said.

Vinyl rolled her eyes and chuckled. "What can I say? That was then, this is now."

"Indeed," Octavia said, rolling her eyes.

"Anyway... I'd say it's high time me and Spike took off. Right, Spike?"

"Uh, yeah, let's get going," Spike replied with a smile.

Vinyl waved a hoof at her friend and walked toward the door. "Later, Octavia. I'll see you tomorrow."

Spike dashed up to the door and held it open for Vinyl who smiled at him as she walked by.

"Yeah, see you later, Octavia," Spike said from the doorway. "Thanks for letting me hang here for awhile."

"No problem," she replied with a wave. "You two have fun!"

*****

Spike and Vinyl strolled through town on their way to the restaurant, occasionally brushing sides and glancing at each other. It was awkward and tense, yet an undeniably warm vibe radiated in the air between them.

Spike cleared his throat and decided to make an effort to clear the air. "So, how have you been? You know, since the last time I saw you a couple days ago."

"Pretty good, same old same old," Vinyl said. "I found out it's impossible to microwave a Cheesy Pocket. Every time I tried it was either completely frozen on the inside, or it was tongue scorching hot. Not cool."

"Oh man, I've been there," Spike said. "You have like a five second window where it's perfectly cooked, and if you miss it, there's no going back."

"Hehe, I tell you what would really impress me, is if this restaurant we go to can serve a perfectly cooked Cheesy Pocket. That would take true cooking skill."

The two broke into a fit of laughter, which seemed to be a common theme for their relationship. A few ponies they passed cast a curious glance or two, but the couple didn't care.

Spike eventually got his laughter under control, as did Vinyl, and that was when he noticed just how he felt with her. Every time he looked at her he could feel his face heat up and his heart quicken. He found it hard to pull his eyes away from her at times, and when they made eye contact, he felt his stomach do a flip.

He was falling in love.

Spike quickly dropped his gaze to the ground in an effort to clear his thoughts, but he couldn't stop thinking about the mare next to him. And frankly, he didn't want to stop thinking about her.

"So, uh, Vinyl?" he asked.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for coming out with me tonight and everything. It's, uh, nice.... Nice to be able to spend time with you like this."

"Oh, um, it's no problem , Spike. I'm glad to be here."

Vinyl lightly blushed and opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, she inched closer to Spike to where their sides were consistently brushing together. She would've liked to be able to reach out and link his claw with her hoof, but that would've made walking difficult, so she settled for this.

Spike felt the soft sensation of Vinyl's coat brushing against him and his face morphed into a grin that he couldn't erase and his heart started beating faster than a drum riff. He wanted to say something. Just get all the thoughts and feelings he had inside out, but for the moment, just being next to Vinyl like this made everything okay. As far as he was concerned, talking could wait for dinner.

*****

The two made their way to the restaurant in pleasant silence where a moderate line of ponies were already waiting outside for their seats. It was an elegant establishment: two stories with a second-floor balcony, pristine wooden architecture, a beautiful garden walkway leading to the entrance gate. It was every bit what one would expect from something labeled 'fancy'.

"Woah," Vinyl said, wide-eyed, as the two approached the waiting line. "This place is crazy! I almost feel underdressed."

"Tell me about it," Spike replied. "No wonder this is where all the high profile ponies eat."

"You did get reservations, right?" Vinyl asked. "Something tells me we won't be getting in without one."

"Of course," Spike said with a wink. "It wasn't easy, but I got it covered."

"Sweet action. Let's just hope the food can match the building itself, 'kuz I'm hungry!"

As if in unison, Spike and Vinyl's stomachs growled at the same time.

"Heh, I'll second that," Spike said. "At least we're almost to the front of the line."

After a few more moments of inching forward, the two found themselves next in line, where a very snooty stallion was awaiting them. Slicked back man, pressed tuxedo, perfectly curled mustache - he was every bit the high-society kind of pony one would expect to find at this restaurant.

The stallion turned his gaze from his guest list to Spike and Vinyl and cocked his eyebrows suspiciously.

"I'm sorry, but seating here is by reservation only, seeing as we cater to the upper-echelon of society... Please move along."

"Hey, it just so happens I have a reservation for two tonight. It will be under the name 'Spike'. Here's my ID."

The snooty pony glanced over the guest list, scrutinised the ID card bearing Spike's information and shot his gaze back up. "I apologise, Mr. Spike. My mistake. You'll have your table ready for you on the second floor. Enjoy your visit."

"Thanks," Spike replied, leading Vinyl inside. "We will."

The two entered the building, which was every bit as elegant as the outside. Chandeliers decorated the ceilings; freshly polished wood floors and walls were perfectly smooth and clean down to the smallest detail; a beautiful fountain created the centrepiece to the entire room. The building dripped with the aire of extravagance and elegance.

Spike led Vinyl by her hoof up the wooden staircase and found their table in the back corner of the room. It was a secluded area, perfect for those who wanted a bit of privacy from the rest of the restaurant.

Vinyl smiled as Spike pulled her seat out for her and then sat down. He took his seat right across from her.

"So, this place is pretty... amazing," Vinyl said, looking around her. "That dude at the front was pretty rude to you, though."

"Yeah, it happens all the time," Spike said, letting out a sigh. "These high-society types don't really take me seriously because of the scales. Every time I go to a fancy banquet or something with Twilight on her political ventures, it's the same. Someone saying how I don't belong or that I should go back with my own kind. I get used to it."

"Oh. That kinda sucks."

"Perks of being a dragon, I guess," Spike replied with a light chuckle.

After a brief exchange of laughter, the two began to intently study their menus. Spike used the opportunity to take a quick glance around the restaurant. Rarity should be arriving any minute and he wanted to be ready.

*****

"Oh, of all the places to leave my earrings, I just had to leave them on top of the bathroom counter!" Rarity huffed, briskly trotting down the road to the restaurant. "Now I'm running late when Spike needs me the most!"

She was already ten minutes behind her perfectly timed schedule and knew that every second more she was late was another second of Spike possibly caterwauling on his date, which was something she was not going to allow!

Rarity rushed as much as she could without breaking a sweat and arrived at the gates of the restaurant, where a sizable line extended halfway down the entrance path.

"Ugh! A line? Why me?"

Rarity gathered herself and took her place at the end of the line.

"It is okay, Rarity. The line is moving and soon you will be inside, before Spike even has a chance to miss you."

After a few minutes of waiting in line, Rarity could finally see the greeter ahead, admitting the ponies in front.

"Alright, reservation name and ID please," he said with no emotion whatsoever to the couple awaiting entrance.

Oh my goodness!

Rarity Immediately began sifting through her dress.

I don't have my ID! I must have left it on the table!

Entering full panic mode, Rarity began to sort all her available options, until a bead of sweat trickled down her forehead, taking a streak of blush with it.

Rarity! Get ahold of yourself! You can't let yourself get worked up like this. Besides, everypony knows who you are!

It was true that almost of every pony of every class knew of Rarity, and she was almost certain the staff at the restaurant knew her as well.

Of course, they all know who I am! Nobody is going to care if I have my ID or not!

...

"I care very deeply that you do not have your ID."

"But, sir! Don't you know who I am??" Rarity pleaded.

The greeter stallion sighed and rolled his eyes. "I'm terribly sorry, but I have neither the patience nor desire to remember every pony that comes and goes through these doors."

"B-But, I'm Rarity! Everypony in town knows me!"

"Well, that is obviously not the case. Now please step aside and stop bothering me with your nonsense."

Rarity's jaw fell open. "But my friend is in there. He needs me! Can't you please make an exception?"

Rarity flashed her biggest smile and batted her eyelashes.

"No."

Rarity stepped back in disbelief. Nopony has ever been able to resist her trademark eyelash flash.

"Fine. But I'll have you know, you're going to be ruining my best friend's first date by not letting me in!"

"If I had any semblance of feelings, that may have registered with me.... But I don't. Next!"

Admitting defeat, Rarity trotted off, head held high, hoping to retain her dignity. She was not one to be deterred by a little setback. If her career of meeting clothing deadlines had taught her anything, it was that there is always more than one way to achieve your goal.

She would just have to think of that other way.

Alright, Rarity, what are your options? You’re already over half an hour late, so going back home to get your ID is not an option. That accursed door-greeter stallion isn’t moving an inch, so flirting won’t help me out here.

Rarity paced back and forth in front of the restaurant gate entrance. She couldn’t think of anything remotely useful for her situation, and she was running out of time.

I just need to find a way to- oomph!

Rarity looked up just in time to see her head collide with the cheek of another pony, sending them both to the ground.

Shaking off the stunned look on her face, Rarity jumped to her hooves with a red face.“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t watching where I was… Octavia?”

Octavia turned her head from its place on the ground and instantly recognized the pony she had hit.

“Rarity?” Octavia responded, taking Rarity’s hoof to bring her to her hooves. “I’m sorry as well. I wasn’t really paying attention to anything around me. I was a little...distracted.”

“Oh, I know the feeling,” Rarity said, the nonchalant voice of the door greeter still fresh in mind.

“Anyhow”, Octavia continued, “it is always a pleasure to run into a friend. Quite literally in our case.”

“Hehe, quite an accurate statement,” Rarity said with a chuckle.

“Now, if I may ask, what brings you here? I don’t mean to pry, but you seem a bit...flustered.”

Rarity let out a deep sigh. “I’m here to help Spike. As you know, he’s on a date tonight and I wanted to make sure it went perfectly for the poor dear. He’s just had so many negative experiences in the past, so I planned on helping out from afar.”

Octavia chuckled. “So… you mean you were spying?”

“Of course not! ...Well, not exactly. He knew I was going to be there, but it was supposed to be secretive so Vinyl wouldn’t notice.”

Rarity realised she wasn’t helping her case, so she decided she would just have to turn the tables and point out the obvious.

“Well, if I may ask, what exactly are you doing here?” Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow.

Octavia’s cheeks flushed a shade of red as she started to speak. “Well, my reasons, to be perfectly honest, are not that different from yours. I was just a tad concerned for Vinyl so I thought I’d pop in for a second to check on her.”

“You mean ‘spy’?” Rarity said with a smirk.

“If you insist on using such crude terms…” Octavia said, nervously clearing her throat. “But the door-stallion refused to let me in because I wasn’t in proper attire.”

“You too?” Rarity asked. “He denied me because I forgot my ID! Of all the nerve!”

“I know right!” Octavia said.

The two dejected mares let out a sigh instantaneously.

“If only there was another way,” Rarity said.

“Agreed. Vinyl has a history of failed relationships. I wanted to help make this one work.”

“Spike is the same,” Rarity said with a pout. “We need a plan B.”

After a moment of silence, Octavia perked her head up, a big smile on her face.

“Wait, I have an idea.”

*****

“So then I told Twilight, ‘That’s not a test tube, that’s Sweetie Belle!’”

Spike broke into an uproarious laugh, followed by Vinyl spitting her drink and bits of chewed salad onto the table, laughing uncontrollably.

“Haha, oh my god! I just seriously can’t imagine the Princess doing something like that!” Vinyl tried and failed to control her laughter.

Spike wiped a few stray tears from his eye and looked back at Vinyl. “Heh, you think that’s good, just wait until I tell you about the time she accidentally sent Celestia some, shall we say, inappropriate messages to Celestia after she had a bit too much ale.”

“Okay, next time we go out, you’ve gotta tell me that story,” Vinyl said.

Next time?

Spike blinked his eyes, unsure of what he had just heard. “Did you say ‘next time’?”

“Yeah, is that a problem?” Vinyl said with a wink. “You didn’t honestly think I was one of those one and done mares, did you?”

“Well, no, I just-”

“Besides... I really like hanging out with you.” Vinyl looked into his eyes and curled her lips into a smile.

Spike’s cheeks flushed as the words slipped into his ears. The mere fact that she used a sentence containing the words like and you about him was more than enough to make his heart jump, but the way she looked at him… words couldn’t do it justice.

“Thanks. Honestly, I feel the same way.” Spike grinned and twiddled his claws on the table. “Although, I guess asking you out in the first place was a good sign of that in the first place.”

Vinyl chuckled and gently took Spike’s claw in her own. “You know, a part of me didn’t even want to come tonight. I was afraid I’d just mess things up or do something stupid, you know?”

Spike grinned and cautiously maneuvered his claw into a loose hold of Vinyl’s hoof. “I know the feeling, trust me. But if you haven’t learned yet, I’m the one who does stupid stuff. You just have to clean up afterwards.”

Vinyl couldn’t resist a chuckle for what had to be the hundredth time in the past hour. “Yeah, no arguments there. But it keeps things interesting at least.”

“Definitely.”

Spike and Vinyl looked at each other for a moment, letting the atmosphere and emotions run over them. They both had on goofy smiles and were locked, eye to eye.

After a few more seconds of enjoying the moment, Spike managed to separate himself and take notice of the empty plates decorating the table.

“You know, Vinyl, the date’s not over yet,” he said.

“Oh?”

“Nope. We’ve got one more stop.” Spike took a few bits out of his jacket pocket and left them on the table before hopping to his feet.

Vinyl followed suit and slid up next to her date. “Okay, I’m interested. Where are we going?”

“Oh, nowhere special,” Spike said, leading Vinyl down the stairs leading to the first floor. “You like music, right?”

*****

“What do you see?” Rarity called out to Octavia.

“Wait, just give me a second,” Octavia replied, trying to maneuver herself into good position. “This isn’t as easy as it looks, you know.”

When Octavia said she had an idea, Rarity had no idea it would require sneaking around the back of the building, trekking through bushes and all sorts of thorned foliage, and then have one of them climb a low-hanging tree to spy in through the second-floor window.

Oh, if only you knew what I go through for you, Spike.

“Alright, now I can see,” Octavia called down to Rarity, trying her best to not draw attention to them.

“Oh, marvelous,” Rarity said. “What are they doing? Is it a disaster?”

Octavia rubbed her eyes trying to verify what she was seeing. “Umm, no, it’s-”

“A complete meltdown?”

“No, it’s-”

“A catastrophe!”

“No!” Octavia said, halting Rarity’s tirade. “It’s actually going...well.”

“Well?”

“Yeah, well,” Octavia said, eyebrows bent in a curious look. “Really well.”

“How do you mean?” Rarity asked, just as curious.

“They’re holding hooves, and staring into each other’s eyes, and smiling… They look so happy.”

Rarity didn’t know what to think. On one hoof, she was excited that Spike was apparently having a wonderful night with somepony special. On the other, the fact that his wonderful night had nothing to do with her help left her feeling somewhat left behind. Especially considering all the history they had together.

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Rarity said with a broken tone. “Perhaps we should-”

“Wait! They’re on the move!” Octavia said, inching forward on the branch. “They’re getting closer to each other, about to head down the stairs and…”

SNAP!

Octavia experienced a flashing moment of recognition as the branch she was perched on fell from beneath her.

“Ahh!”

“Octavi- Oomph!”

Octavia’s landing was mercifully cushioned by a white unicorn. A unicorn who was now flattened beneath her.

“Oh, that was unpleasant,” Octavia said, shaking off the dizziness. “Rarity, where are… Oh!” Octavia looked beneath her and jumped off of her immediately. “Oh, Rarity, are you okay?”

Rarity took Octavia’s extended hoof and pulled herself to her hooves. “Ugh, I’m okay, just a little shaken. Ah!”

Rarity tried to take a step but had her leg buckle beneath her in pain. “Oh, well, maybe ‘okay’ isn’t the most accurate word.”

“Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry! This is my fault.” Octavia rushed to Rarity’s side and let her rest her weight against her. “Come on, let’s get back to my home. It’s just up the road. We can look at your hoof there.”

Rarity attempted to put weight on her hoof, and was met with searing pain. “Normally I’m not one to impose, but I can make an exception this time.”

“Alright, let’s go. We need to get out of here anyway in case somepony heard us.” Octavia gently guided Rarity back to the exit of the restaurant. “I’m not sure I could explain that to authorities.”

Rarity let out a small chuckle. “Very true. But just one thing: What about Spike and Vinyl? Will they be okay?”

Octavia let grinned and rolled her eyes. “Judging by the looks on their faces, they’ll be a lot more than okay.”

*****

Spike led Vinyl into a large room decorated with large sofas, a few coffee tables, a tiled dancing area, and a stage on the far side. The subtle aroma of expensive wine and perfume wafted through the air as they stepped further in.

“Wow,” Vinyl said, looking all around her. “I knew this place had a lounge in it, but I didn’t expect it to be anything this, this… awesome. I feel like I’m in one of those old romance movies.”

Spike smiled proudly. “Eeyup. Welcome to the VIP lounge. Free beverages, relaxed atmosphere and live local music every night.”

“Sweet,” Vinyl said with a smile. “This is awesome.”

“Yeah, well, I wanted things to be special tonight,” Spike said, twiddling his claws together.

“Dude, you succeeded on every level.”

Spike blushed and turned his head away, trying to hide his glowing red face. “No problem.”

Spike mustered up his cool and led Vinyl over to an empty loveseat near the stage.

“The show should be starting soon,” Spike said. “I’m not a hundred percent sure who’s playing, but it’s usually quality music.”

“Awesome. And we get front row seats.” Vinyl smiled and sunk back into the seat.

Spike nestled into his seat as well, enjoying the comfort and the company. He didn’t get long to rest, though, before a smooth voice came over the speaker system by the stage.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlecolts,” said a sharp-dressed earth pony. “Tonight, we have a newcomer to the stage to play for you and help you enjoy your afternoon.”

Vinyl perked up her ears and opened her eyes at the announcement. “Oh, Spike, it’s starting.”

“Everypony, please welcome to the stage, Ghost Dust!”

A charcoal coloured batpony with a messily styled golden mane trotted onto the stage.

“Hey everypony! Thank you for coming around tonight,” Ghost Dust said from the stage. “To get things started, let’s play a nice, smooth song, for all you couples out there.”

A delicate blend of slow pop and jazz music started playing through the speakers. It was rhythmic, steady, yet carried a certain passion with it.

Vinyl couldn’t help tapping her hooves in time with the beat, while Spike was nodding his head along with the smooth rhythm.

Vinyl cautiously turned her head to Spike and nudged his shoulder. “Hey, Spike?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you wanna dance?” Vinyl asked, pointing a hoof toward the dance area where a few couples had already begun.

“Dance? Us?” Spike said, feeling his face heat up.

“Yeah. It’s not very often I get to enjoy a music show from the other side of the stage.”

Spike was no master, but he did know a few dance moves. However, that was solo-dancing. Dancing with a partner, especially one he liked this much, could get very awkward very fast. But, he really didn’t want to put a stake in the mood by saying no.

“Sure thing,” he said, hopping off the couch, followed by Vinyl. “I’m no expert though.”

“Don’t worry,” Vinyl said, taking his claws and pulling him close to her. “It’s not about style. It’s about the mood.”

Vinyl gently moved Spike’s claws to her shoulder and torso, and she leaned into him. She then put her front hooves around his shoulders and leaned into him. Given his somewhat smaller size, it was a tad awkward at first, but they eventually found a comfortable rhythm with each other.

“Alright, Spike, just relax and move with the music.”

“Music. Got it.”

As the music played, Spike and Vinyl moved closer and closer to each other until they were locked in a tight hug. The deep, romantic tones, slow beat and beautiful vocals made every sway of their bodies an intimate experience.

For Spike, the night had gone perfectly. He hadn't even needed Rarity's help. It had been a long time since he felt so close to another. Having her so close to him... It was heaven.

For Vinyl, it was all she could do to not giggle like a school filly. She never expected Spike would go through so much effort to make their night special, much less make her feel special. She couldn't remember the last time she actually felt so cared about.

"Hey, Spike?" Vinyl asked, pulling back from Spike.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for tonight."

Without a second thought, Vinyl moved in close to Spike and placed her lips on his.

Spike was unsure how to react at first, being part flustered and part excited, but after a few seconds of feeling her lips locked on his, he decided to react to the moment, and wrapped his arms around her, deepening the kiss.

After a few more seconds, Vinyl pulled back, a slight red tinge on her cheeks.

"So, umm, yeah... Thanks." She said with a chuckle.

"The pleasure is all mine," Spike said with a chuckle. "We totally need to do this again."

"You know it."

The two moved, hoof in claw, back to their seat as the final beat of the music dissipated, replaced by hoof-claps from the various ponies present.

"Thanks everyone," Ghost Dust said, waving a hoof to the crowd. "That was an original song I wrote. Its called Heart Invasion."

Hazard Pay

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"I don't know, Rarity, it's hard to describe," Spike said, folding some colourful cloth that was lying on the floor. "It just felt...right, you know?"

Rarity giggled lightly and let out a sigh. "Oh, Spikey, I'm so happy for you! If anypony deserves to have a good mare by his side, it's you."

"Yeah, well... I probably shouldn't get too excited. I don't want to rush things."

"Darling, if your story is correct, she kissed you.” Rarity emphasized her point with a thrust of her hoof. “Take it from another mare, Spike. If there was ever a sign she wanted things to move forward, that was it."

Spike paused for a moment, bringing to mind the magical moment of the previous night. Her soft fur, her sweet smell and taste.

“Yeah…” he said with a crooked smile.

*Ding!*

The sound of the oven timer going off snapped Spike out of his trance. “Oh, lunch is ready!”

Spike dashed off to the kitchen and soon returned with two plates of food. “Alright, Rarity, one plate of turnip casserole for you and one plate for me.”

Rarity took the food and moved a bit to the side so Spike would have room next to her. “Thank you, darling. I really do appreciate you coming over and helping me today. I hate having to leave work unfinished, but I still can’t seem to move around on this injured leg.” Rarity, nodded toward her front right leg which was bandaged at the knee area.

“I still awful about that,” Spike said. “The fact that you got injured trying to help me… I had no idea tripping on your own porch could be so dangerous.”

Rarity blushed and chuckled awkwardly. “Yes, well, these things do happen from time to time.”

After reflecting back on the lengths she and Octavia had gone to in their attempt to spy on Spike and Vinyl, they both agreed to not bring it up again.

“Besides, Spike,” Rarity said with a wink, “from what you’ve told me, you didn’t need my help all that much anyway.”

“Are you kidding me? I totally needed your help. There’s a fairly high chance I wouldn’t have even remembered to brush my fangs if you hadn’t help me prepare. Not to mention the reservations.”

“True, true,” Rarity said, taking a bite of her casserole. “But really, Spike, you’ve grown up a lot since the last time you were romantically involved with a mare. You should really give yourself more credit.”

Spike sat back in the cushy couch cushion and let took a deep breath. "Thanks, Rares. But let's just hope things turn out better this time around. I'd hate to have another repeat of what happened before."

An air of silence floated through the room, the two of them awkwardly looking at their plates of food. Spike couldn't help but return to the awful memory of his last breakup while Rarity remembered the full week where Spike stayed with her, too ashamed and upset to talk to anypony else about what happened. It wasn't something they brought up, but it would make sense that Spike’s new relationship could uncover old wounds that hadn't healed.

"Spike, dear, you know that if you ever need to talk about it, I'm here for you." Rarity smiled at Spike, but he just nodded and turned his eyes back to his food.

"Yeah, I know. I just wish I could forget about that and move on. I mean, it's been long enough, hasn't it?"

Rarity shook her head. "Spike, something like that, you never forget. The memory stays with you, and your choices are to either appreciate it, or learn from it. "

"Well, I hope I've learned enough to not make the same mistakes as before."

Rarity scooted over a bit closer to Spike, trying to mind her hoof, and nuzzled his cheek lightly. "Don't worry, Spike, I'm sure things will turn out perfectly, no matter what happens."

Spike sighed lightly but was able to crack a small smile. "Thanks. I guess I'm just worrying over nothing right now."

"No, you're just being yourself, Spike. Being raised by Twilight, its a wonder you don't worry more than you already do."

The two shared a laugh together, as they had so often before. Just as Spike was always there to help Rarity, Rarity was always there for Spike when he needed her.

"Now, Spike, could you be a dear and fetch me a new ice-pack for my leg? Its still a bit sore." Rarity tried to lift her leg up with great discomfort.

"Definitely. I'll be back in just a second!"

Spike stumbled off toward the kitchen where an ice-pack was waiting inside the freezer. Since his youth, Spike had been accustomed to running fetch quests for Rarity, and now that he was all but grown age-wise, he still enjoyed helping Rarity just as much. They were best friends after all.

Spike snatched the desired item from the freezer and ran back to the living room where Rarity was awaiting him with an affectionate smile.

“Here you are, Rarity. One ice-pack, frozen and ready to go!” Spike jumped onto the couch next to Rarity and delicately placed her injured hoof in his lap. “Let me know if I’m hurting you, okay?”

Rarity chuckled. “Spike, dear, do not worry. The beauty of the ice-pack is its ability to numb the pain in the first place.”

Spike gently unraveled the bandage from Rarity’s leg and replaced the ice-pack, along with fresh bandages.

"So, Spike, when do you get to see Vinyl again?"

"We've got a local show scheduled this weekend. We get to work with some DJ named Flear. Seems pretty cool."

"And any plans for another date?" Rarity said with a wink.

Spike grinned lightly and chuckled. "Well, I haven't really thought that far ahead, yet. I'm still recovering from the after-effects of last night."

After a few careful wraps of the bandage, Spike was finished tending to her leg. “There you are, Rares. Good as new!”

“Thank you, darling,” Rarity said, allowing Spike to moved her injured leg off his lap and back to a resting position. “You’re such a sweetheart, as always.”

“Nah, it’s just how I roll,” Spike said with a chuckle. “But for real, the swelling is still pretty bad around your knee, so don’t move it too much.”

“Spike,” Rarity said, rolling her eyes. “I’m going to have to move it eventually. You needn’t worry so much about me.”

“Nonsense, Rarity,” Spike replied. “I have to worry about you. It’s part of the best friend code. I’m not gonna leave until I know you’re better, alright?”

Rarity knew there was no point in arguing with Spike when he wanted to help her. That’s how it had always been.

“Well, thank you, darling,” Rarity said, nuzzling Spike’s cheek.

“No problem, just consider me your personal assistant for the day, alright?”

“And usurp that position from Twilight?” Rarity said with mock surprise. “I feel she would would not be too happy if I stole her number one assistant from her.”

“Meh, she can deal for a little while. This is a pretty serious situ-”

*Knock! Knock! Knock!*

"Hmm, I could've sworn I had the 'closed' sign put out," Rarity said. "Spike, could you please answer the door and tell them we're closed for today?"

"Sure thing, Rarity."

Spike bounced up and ran to the door, ready to turn away whoever was waiting there.

"Hello! Uh...Spike?"

At least he thought he was ready.

"Oh, uh, what's up, Flitter?"

Spike prayed that he was mistaken. Of all the things he had decided he never wanted to see again for various reasons, she was right at the top. Right between Chrysalis and Sombra.

Pink bow? Check. Cute voice? Check. Curvy, appealing body? Check.

It was definitely her.

“Oh, you know, same old, same old,” Flitter said, awkwardly batting her bangs out of her face. “How about you, Spike?”

Spike rubbed the back of his head, trying desperately to find anything else to look at than the pony in front of him. The sky, the ground, the random tree in the distance; everything was fair game.

“Uh, well, you know… Same old.”

Flitter’s face turned a light shade of red as she continued to look at Spike.

Spike could feel his heart speed up the longer he stood there. Whether it was just the heat of the moment, or old feelings springing up again, he was not fond of the feeling he was getting.

“So, Flitter, any particular reason you’re here?” Spike asked, motioning toward the ‘Sorry, We’re Closed’ sign on the porch.

“Oh, yeah!” she said, laughing awkwardly. “I was just wanting to see if Rarity had any openings for doing a dress repair for me this week.”

“Oh, gotcha. Well, I’ll let her know, and she’ll get back to you, alright?” Spike attempted to retreat through the door in an effort to end their discussion.

But Flitter had other plans, unfortunately. She stepped closer to him, matching his retreat, and turned his gaze right to his eyes.

“I appreciate that Spike. But, you know, it’s really nice being able to see you again.”

“Uh, yeah?” Spike said with a shaky voice, further stepping back into the house, trying desperately to reach for the elusive door handle.

“Yeah, and I’d really love to see you again. I really miss-”

“Ohyeahtotally! Talklater, bye!” Spike moved back just enough to where he could quickly shut the door and escape the ill-fated reunion.

Spike shook his head and fell back into the door.

Months. It had been months since the last time they had spoken, yet the pain in his heart and the haze in his mind told him it was yesterday.

On the other side of the door, Flitter just frowned and turned away, head drooped in defeat.

Spike made his way back to the living area where Rarity was sitting, head cocked to the side.

“Who was that, darling?”

Spike ignored her question, lost in his own thoughts, and sat down next to her. “Rarity, can I ask you a question?”

Rarity gave him a curious look but just nodded.

“Why can’t life be easy? You know, like it is in all those cheap romance novels where things just fall into place for everypony? Why is it so difficult?”

Rarity chuckled lightly before responding. “Because, Spike, if it was easy, it would not be called ‘real life’, now would it?”

See You At The Aftermath

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Octavia struggled to hold on to her sanity as her ears were being battered by her best friends' non stop jabbering for the third straight hour. From the moment she opened the doors at her music shop in the morning, Vinyl had been going over every detail of her date the night before.

Every. Last. Detail.

"Vinyl, its not that I'm not happy for you, but I'm trying to work. I've got a lot to do and-"

"That's great, Octy. So, tell me something. Did I go a little too far when I brushed my tail against him?"

Octavia dropped her head into a hoof. There was no getting through to her. She walked over to the wind instrument section in hopes of maintaining some form of personal space, but Vinyl followed right behind like a lost puppy.

"I mean, it wasn't like I straight up gave him an open invitation to the kitchen or anything," Vinyl continued, chin on hoof, "but, you know, I wanted to give him a little snack at least."

"Vinyl, please," Octavia said, putting her hoof over her friend's mouth. "We have customers!"

Vinyl looked around at the floor area dotted with various ponies. "And your point is?"

"Ugh, never mind." She shook her head and trotted back toward the front checkout area where a young stallion was waiting with a small bundle of items.

"How are you doing today, sir? Did you find everything okay?"

The stallion opened his mouth to reply, but Octavia was quickly met with a different voice.

"Anyway, Octy, moving on to a different question..."

The customer coughed nervously and attempted to try speaking once more. "Well, I did, but-"

"I was thinking about running by his place today to say what's up," Vinyl said, oblivious to the stallion right beside her. "But do you think that's a bit too soon?"

"Vinyl, I'm trying to help a customer!" Octavia said, a rumbling growl beginning to resonate in her voice.

Vinyl turned to the stallion next to her who was now supporting an increasingly bent frown. "Oh, hey, what's up man? Anyway, I'm second-guessing the whole stopping by thing 'cause I know there's the whole 'wait three days' call-back rule, but I kinda wanna see him anyway."

"Excuse me," the stallion said," but I'm trying to get some service here."

"Dude, chill. Anyway, Octy, Spike is a really cool dude and I don't want him to think I'm just a one-shot kind of mare-"

"Excuse me?" The stallion butted in once more.

"-'cause I'm not a one-shot mare!"

"Excuse me!"

"But he might think that I am if I don't-"

"EXCUSE ME!"

Vinyl stopped and looked at the fuming stallion next to her, then at her intended audience, who had her face flatly pressed against the counter.

"Woah, rude much?" Vinyl said, pointing at the customer. "Interrupting is totally not cool."

"Well, I'm sorry to interrupt your life story here, but I need to buy these guitar strings and be on my way! Your conversation can wait!"

"Uh, no it can't, bro. Unlike your little deal here, what I'm talking about is important."

With an angry huff, the stallion tossed his items down and stormed toward the exit.

"Wait, sir!" Octavia said, jumping over the counter to go after him. "How about we give you a discount? A free piano lesson?"

Without looking back, the angry stallion stuck his snout in the air and burst out the door.

Vinyl casually walked up to Octavia who had her face pointed toward the ground. "Well, glad he's gone. Who needs that kind of attitude? Anyway, where was I....oh yeah, the three day rule."

In a flash of motion, Octavia swung her body around and met Vinyl face-to-face. "I needed him around! I've been trying to move that particular piece of inventory all week, and you just pushed it out the door!"

Vinyl shrunk beneath the wrathful gaze of Octavia. "Sorry, Octavia, I just wanted your opinion on some stuff. I mean, it was a big night and-"

Octavia let out a deep sigh and shook her head. "Look, Vinyl, I understand you have got a lot on your mind, but right now, I have to work. Please, just leave. I promise we can talk when I get home, tonight."

"Fine, be that way," Vinyl said, nose turned to the air. "I've got better things to do anyway."

"Alright, Vinyl," Octavia said, watching Vinyl head to the exit. I'll see you tonight. Try and stay out of trouble today."

Without looking back, Vinyl trotted out the front door. It wasn't uncommon for her to push Octavia's buttons, but if the bulging veins on her forehead were any sign, she really ticked her off this time.

"Psh, putting inventory in front of her best friend. So not cool." Vinyl looked at her immediate surroundings. It was still early in the afternoon and she had the whole day ahead of her, so she wasn't in the mood to head home yet. But without Octavia, she didn't have a whole lot else to do, seeing as how limited her association with the local ponies had been.

Vinyl rubbed her chin in thought and began walking aimlessly. "What to do, what to do?"

The question of what she wanted to do was actually irrelevant at this point. It was more or less a question of whether or not she should do what she wanted.

She wanted to see Spike.

A small smile spread across her lips as she thought about him. Her heartbeat quickened as she remembered the night before. The effort and care he put into the date. The way he made her laugh and smile with almost everything he said. The way he looked at her every time they touched. The scintillating feel of his claws running through her fur. The texture and taste of his tongue and lips wrapped with hers when they kissed... It made her heart melt to think about it, and that was just the first of what she hoped would be many dates.

She really wanted to see him.

As she walked about in thought, she was completely oblivious to the direction she was headed. That being said, when she raised her head and saw the large tree that was home to the object of her thoughts himself, her mouth hung agape. It would appear that fate itself had solved the conundrum of how she would spend her afternoon.

After a few chin-scratching seconds of pondering her options, Vinyl came to a decision. “Meh, forget the rules. I don’t think it’d hurt to just step in and say hi.”

Unfortunately, the only one home was one overly-stressed purple alicorn princess. One who had been meaning to have a good talk with her life-long friend’s romantic interest.

Awkward Conversation Pt. 1: Begins

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Life had not been easy for Twilight Sparkle, recently.

Where once she had time for the reading and research of things she enjoyed, she now had to read stacks of proposed ordinances and research the economical effects said ordinances would have.

Where once she could enjoy time with her friends and have fun in town, she now barely had time to say hello, much less spend time with them.

Many things had been weighing on her recently, but one thing trumped them all: the absence of her best friend.

It hadn't been unusual for Spike to venture and try new things in the past, but the emotional distance that had been developing between them was something she just wasn't ready for. All it took was a quick glance at her horribly messy room to realise how much she missed him. She used to be able to wake up every morning to a delicious breakfast he prepared, or to a clean home. Now, he was just not there. And when he was, she could tell life had given him other things to think about.

Twilight sat in front of her desk, coffee mug filled to the brim. To her left, a large stack of papers that needed to be stamped and moved to the right.

Twilight planted her head into her desk, breathing out a deep sigh. "Ugh! Why do we need these financial reports anyway? I mean, we just stamp 'em, sign 'em, throw them in a box that gets stored in town hall never to be seen from again!"

Twilight thrust her hooves in the air and struck them back down on the desk. She lifted her head up and looked around at the lonely room she was in.

She had found herself having more and more of these one-sided tirades recently. If that wasn't a desperate cry for help, then nothing was. She needed a break.

She scooted back from the desk and hopped off her chair. With one last glare toward the paperwork that was the current bane of her existence, she exited the room.

The kitchen seemed like an ideal location to get a break from her work.

*growl*

And apparently her stomach agreed.

"Hmm, I'd say this calls for a daisy sandwich," Twilight said. "Now let me just call Spike in and..."

Twilight could feel her heart sink to the floor. She couldn't go anywhere in her home without remembering him.

"Come now, Twilight. Pull yourself together! This day had to come eventually... The day when he would start asserting his independence.... From you. And find another mare that was more important to him."

It was one thing to say she should deal with it. It was another thing entirely to actually do it. The idea of Spike moving on and maybe even falling in love with another....it was such a foreign feeling. He had his crush on Rarity before, but that eventually evolved into a very close friendship. Then he had his relationship with Flitter, but he broke that off for reasons she still didn't know.

Either way, this time seemed so much different. This time, it actually felt like she could lose her best friend to somepony else. His eyes light up when he talks about her. He smiles for hor hours after spending time with her.

He was just so.. happy.

So why couldn't she feel the same way for him?

Twilight levitated the refrigerator door open and rummaged through its contents. When she found the required ingredients for her daisy sandwich, she slammed the door shut and dropped everything onto the table. She put it all together and was finally ready to enjoy her snack when, of course, life had to intervene.

*knock knock*

With a scowl she dropped her sandwich back to the table.

"I swear, if this is another visit from those property evaluators again..."

As the knocking continued she hastened to the door. She pushed a few strands of her mane out of her face in a sad attempt to put on a somewhat dignified look before answering.

"Hello. Can I help you?"

As she took in the sight of the pony in front of her, she had to blink several times to validate what she was seeing. It wasn't a news reporter asking for a story or a fundraiser group asking for money. It wasn’t anything like that

It was her best friends' mare.

"Oh, hey, what's up? Er, I mean, hello Princess Twilight." Vinyl blushed lightly and bowed her head slightly.

Twilight, unsure how to respond at the moment merely nodded in return.

"My name is Vinyl. Vinyl Scratch. I don't think we've ever, you know, formally met, but maybe you know me? ...Maybe not?"

"Yes, I know you," Twilight calmly replied. "Spike talks about you, a lot."

"He does?" Vinyl said with a bright smile that she quickly turned back into a straight face. "Er, yeah, he's really a great guy."

"Yeah, he really is," Twilight said.

A silence fell over the two of them that seemed to last a lifetime before Vinyl took a dive and broke through it.

"Uh, so, yeah.... I was wondering if Spike was around?" She rubbed the back of her head and laughed lightly. "I was kinda hoping we could hang out or something today."

Twilight immediately scrutinized the situation she was confronted with. Here before her was Spike's marefriend. Spike wasn't here. This also happened to be the first time she had ever gotten to see this mare one on one. She had in front of her the pony that had been the object of Spike’s affection and constant conversation topic in front of her. Now would be a great opportunity to learn a bit more about her. However, this pony had Spike’s heart in her hooves, and could crush it at any moment.

She also was charged with slowly pulling her best friend away from her inch by inch in recent times.

Twilight put all the pieces that were laid out in front of her together and came to a solid conclusion about how to approach the situation.

“Spike’s not here right now, but why don’t you come in! He should be back soon.” Twilight smiled and stepped aside, allowing Vinyl to enter.

Vinyl cautiously walked inside, nodding to Twilight. “Oh, well, okay. Cool, thanks.”

Twilight’s eyes followed Vinyl as she walked past into her home. Who exactly was this mare? What did Spike see in her? Was she even worthy to be dating her best friend?

She was going to find out.

Awkward Conversation Pt. 2: Falls

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Vinyl could feel her usually relaxed vibe tense up with every step she took. Walking past Twilight reminded her very much of when she was just a filly, walking into the Principal’s office at school. Nothing good ever came of that situation.

She took a quick breath to steady her nerves and trotted toward the living area, which was the usual locale for guests to wait.

“Please, have a seat wherever,” Twilight said from behind her. “Feel free to move any papers or anything on the couch cushions.”

“Alright, gotcha,” Vinyl said with a weak smile.

She glanced around in an effort to find the first open seat she could and decided on the couch.

Twilight took a few steps in before stopping to a sudden halt. “Wait, let me go make tea! Do you like tea?”

“Umm… I think?” Vinyl replied.

“Great! Don’t move, I’ll be right back!”

Vinyl shuffled her hooves awkwardly in her seat and prayed to whatever divinity may be watching that Spike would show up and save her from what was to come.

In all of her dating experience, Vinyl had learned three simple rules one must follow:

1. Don’t call back until three days after the first date.

2. Avoid anypony who calls you a stupid pet name after the first date.

3. Most importantly, never get in a one on one situation with a close relative of your significant other.

She was directly violating rule three and she knew it was not going to end well. All she could do was hope for the best.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Twilight entered the room a moment later, levitating two cups of tea.

"Okay, here's one for you," she said, placing one by Vinyl," and here's one for me." She took a seat opposite Vinyl in a single pony chair.

Vinyl took a sip of the tea and immediately had to resist the urge to spit it out. No sugar and she swore that Twilight must have found a way to burn it. But, as per the model marefriend code, you do not want to get on any sort of negative side with your partners' family.

Vinyl smiled and set the tea down on the end table next to her. "Thank you, Princess Twilight."

“Oh, please, just Twilight will do.” Twilight laughed lightly. “I’m still not completely used to the whole royalty thing.”

Vinyl twiddled her hooves together and tried to occupy her eyes with anything other than the pony across from her.

"So, Vinyl?" Twilight asked.

"Umm, yes?"

"You sure seem to have an exciting life, being a musician and all. Do you get to travel a lot?"

"Travel? Oh yeah, definitely. That's one of the best parts, all the different scenes and clubs I get to go to."

"Uh-huh... So, I imagine that some of the places you go to are pretty different from here? I don't know, maybe even...dangerous, one could venture to say?" Twilight shot a firm, yet curious look in Vinyl's direction before gently taking a sip of her tea.

"Dangerous?" Vinyl questioned. "I wouldn't say that. As long as you keep a straight head and know what kinds of things to avoid, you should be okay.”

“Hmm, I see,” Twilight stated.

Vinyl could feel a drop of sweat running down her forehead. She was trying to play it cool, but the tense atmosphere was doing everything in its power to make things difficult.

“So, if I could ask, Twilight, do you know what time Spike will be getting back?” Vinyl glanced over at the door in some failed hope that her saviour would walk in and get her out of there.

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll be back before too long,” Twilight said with a smile.

Vinyl cringed. It was going to be a long afternoon.

“Speaking of Spike,” Twilight began.

Oh, no… Here we go.

“You two seem quite fond of each other, is that correct?”

And there it was.

“Yeah,” Vinyl said, awkwardly rubbing the back of her head. “He’s a pretty great guy.”

“Really? Why do you say that?”

Vinyl rubbed her chin. As per the usual with conversations like these, the question finally came. The ‘let me decide if you’re remotely acceptable to date my son/daughter/other’ question. Give the wrong answer, her chances of getting to see Spike, and possibly the light of day would be diminished. Answer correctly, she’d score major points in the eyes of Twilight, which would be a major boon.

Luckily for her, all she had to do was just speak her feelings. She just needed to add the ‘model girlfriend’ touch to it.

“Well, to start off, he’s sweet. He cares about others. Not only that, but he has self-respect, too. He, for the most part, seems to take care of himself.”

Vinyl looked over at Twilight, searching for any sort of confirmation she was on the right track. Twilight’s gaze was locked on her and wasn’t moving an inch. She gave nothing away.

“Also, he’s really smart. And, well, he’s real. Like, he doesn’t just put on a show to impress anyone, but instead really just acts like himself.” Vinyl chuckled to herself briefly thinking of some of the more interesting conversations her and Spike have had. “I mean, he’s a dork a lot of the times, but he’s a sweet dork.”

Vinyl could feel her heart beat faster the more she thought about Spike. Was she really that into him? Or maybe it was just the piercing gaze from Twilight.

Vinyl flashed a quirky smile over to Twilight, who had only one thing to say after taking a sip of her tea.

“I see…”

*****

That was not what I expected.

Twilight’s face remained a stoic expression of no emotion, but her mind was in a whirl, processing everything she said.

I was for sure she was going to say something like “we like music” or “he’s really cool”, something I could pick apart and find fault in. But no, she has to go and make it all complex with her feelings!

“Hmm, that’s great, Vinyl. I’m glad you really appreciate him like that. He definitely deserves somepony who cares about him.”

Twilight could hear a sigh of relief escape Vinyl. She couldn’t help but chuckle at the power she currently had over the unicorn, the same power she had in the past with Flitter once upon a time. It wasn’t her intention to frighten Vinyl away, but merely pick her brain and investigate her compatability for Spike. Things that were totally her business as Spike’s closest family.

Totally her business.

In light of that, a few more questions seemed to be in order.

“Vinyl, hypothetically speaking… Spike is dying, you need to know what blood type to give him or he’ll die! What do you choose?”

Awkward Conversation Pt. 3: Rises

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Vinyl swatted a strand from her sweat-drenched mane out of her eyes.

Alright, if two trains leave... Forty miles per hour.. Spike is stuck on thirty mile track marker...

"Umm,it's take me 12 minutes to stop the train and untie him. Am I right?"

"Hmm," Twilight casually sipped her tea. "Under ordinary circumstances, you'd be correct. But these aren't ordinary circumstances, are they?"

Vinyl sunk into her seat. "I guess not?"

"You see, you failed to remember that I said these were Cobalt trains. Cobalt trains never exceed thirty-five miles per hour due to flimsy build issues and poor track funding. The fact you were on a train going forty miles per hour means you were not even on the same track as Spike, let alone in a position to save his life. Congratulations, Ms. Scratch, you've killed Spike for the third time throughout this conversation."

A trick question. Of course, what else should she expect from this hellish conversation.

"Oh, sorry Princess Twilight. I just, you know, didn't think all the details through."

"I can tell," she said with a brief chuckle before resuming her tea drinking.

I need to get outta here.

Vinyl casually rose from her seat. "Uhh, no disrespect ma'am, but I think I really have to be going. It's getting late and I have some stuff I need to do at the store and... Stuff."

"Are you sure? Didn't you wanna wait around for Spike?"

"Nah, its cool. I'm sure I'll see him around town or on the job." She cautiously made her way over to the front door trying to avoid direct eye contact with Twilight. "Either way, it was nice getting to know you a bit more and all that jazz, so see ya around, bye!"

She quickly leapt out the door and dashed away as fast possible.

*****

Twilight stared blankly for a moment at the door where Vinyl was standing a mere second ago.

"Huh, she lasted an entire ten minutes longer than his last marefriend. Not bad."

With that, she groaned and made her way back to the study. A mountain of paperwork would be her only company for the rest of the day.

*****

"So, that's when the two monster dragons just ripped the poor guy in half! It was like crrchhh!" Spike make a motion with his claws, followed quickly by Rarity hiding her face behind her hooves.

"Oh dear Celestia, Spike, how can you stand to watch those movies?"

"Meh, it's an acquired taste," Spike said with a shrug. "I'm totally making you watch it with me sometime, by the way."

"Ugh, fine. But you can't get cross with me if I scream every five seconds. I don't take horror movies so well."

"Deal "

*knock knock knock*

"Goodness, doesn't anyone know what 'Closed' means around here? Could you get the door please, Spike?"

"Sure thing."

Spike hopped off his spot on the couch and made his way over to the door. He quickly opened it and prepared his rejection statement, but was quickly silenced by a fierce hug.

"Spike, thank God I found you!"

It took Spike a brief moment to recover and identify the mare who saw fit to strangle him.

"Oh, its uh, nice to see you too, Vinyl."

Vinyl released him from her grasp and let out a deep breath

"Is something wrong?" Spike asked.

"You have no idea of the hell I just went through."

"Oh, uh, alright then. You wanna come inside and talk about it?"

Spike stepped aside to let Vinyl past him and inside the Boutique.

“Hey, Rarity, we have company!”

*****

“Let me put it this way: I had an easier time when my speaker blew out while playing a show at Trotarusa fest last year.” Vinyl slouched back into the sofa next to Spike and let out a sigh.

“Hehe, you had it easy,” Spike replied. “One time when I tried to bring a girl over Twilight made her read and sign a chastity charter guaranteeing she wouldn’t give me any STD’s. I never saw her again.”

“Yes, take it from those of us who have known Twilight for some time, she has a very unique way of dealing with other ponies.” Rarity and Spike chuckled in unison.

“Yeah, that’s one way of putting it,” Spike said.

“Either way, that was stressful. It was like being in school all over again, but this time the teacher was an overbearing alicorn with godlike power.”

“Psh, you should try living with her sometime,” Spike said with a chuckle. “Anyway, other than having your sanity put into question by Twilight, how has your day been going?”

“Meh, not bad. I got kicked out of the music shoppe because of some nosy customers, so I’m kind of just trying to kill time right now. You?”

“Meh, just taking care of the invalid,” Spike said gesturing toward Rarity’s bandaged hoof. “She hurt herself and of course I had to come to the rescue.”

“Ouch,” Vinyl said. “How’d that happen.”

“Ahem, uh, freak accident,” Rarity said, cheeks turning red. “It’d take much too long to explain.”

“But yeah, so I’ve just been hanging over here today taking care of her.”

“And I do so appreciate it, Spikey.”

“Yeah, yeah, it’s what I do. Anywho, we were actually thinking of watching a movie. If you had nothing better to do, you could join us?”

“Sure thing. I could use some relaxation after what happened earlier,” Vinyl replied.

“Sweet! Oh wait, I should probably ask,” Spike turned to address Rarity. “Yo, Rares, can Vinyl chill with us and watch something?”

“Of course,” Rarity replied with a wink.

“There you have it! You’re the bomb, Rarity.”

****

Spike and Vinyl were huddled together on the floor while Rarity was on the couch, trying her best to not lose her mind.

“So, like, what does he even see in her?” Vinyl asked Spike while munching on some popcorn. “They’ve only known each other for a couple weeks and she’s already slept with like two other stallions.”

“I know. And who the heck proposes after two weeks anyway? Isn’t there some unwritten rule about no callbacks for the first week anyway?” Spike let out a sigh and shook his head.

“Exactly. Oh wait, she’s coming at him with a knife now. This is what I’m talking ab- Oh wait, now their kissing again. Bipolar much?”

“I think she must be tweaking or something,” Spike said with a shrug. “You know, if I were him, I’d just kick her out once and for all.”

“But then there’d be no movie.”

“So? At least it’d make sense.”

“That’s it!” a voice screeched.

The two of them spun around to see Rarity staring at both of them, eyes twitching.

“Both of you, out! I don’t even know what’s happened in the movie so far.”

“Hmph, fine be that way,” Spike said getting up and heading for the exit. “Especially after I made you food, earlier.”

“Heh, sorry, Rarity. See you around town!” Vinyl said, following Spike out.

“So, now what?” Spike asked Vinyl.

“Hmm, we could like go back to my place and watch a real movie that actually makes sense.”

“I like that sound of that. What you have in mind?”

“Obscene Axe-Wielders From The 4th Dimension?”

“And this is why you’re the coolest mare on the planet,” Spike said with an eleated smile.

Vinyl motioned for Spike to jump onto her back and then she took off to her home.

“Let’s do this!”

In It To Win It

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"Now this is more like it!" Spike said, pointing at the screen. "Gratuitous violence, obligatory sex scenes and dumb teenagers. The perfect combination for a great movie."

"You said it, bro," Vinyl said, taking a sip of her soda. "Oh shoot, watch this part! Right off goes the dude's head. Classic!"

Spike chuckled and grabbed some chips that were in a bowl on the living room floor beside him. "Serves the dude right for wearing glasses. The nerdy ones always die first. Twilight would never survive survive in a horror movie."

"Speaking of which, what weapon would you use if we suddenly got in, like, an axe-zombie apocalypse?"

"What weapon?"

"Yeah. I feel this information is very important to the continued survival of our relationship."

"Heh, how you figure that?" Spike said with a chuckle.

"This way I'll know if I can chill with you during an apocalypse or if I'll need to be the one kicking butt on the front lines."

"Hmm, you make a valid point." Spike scrunched his brow and rubbed his chin. "I'd probably go with something blunt force style. Like maybe a pickaxe or a baseball bat with nails shoved into it."

"Excellent choice," Vinyl said with a grin. "I'd probably use a chainsaw and just cut em down in hoards."

"But what if you run out of gas?"

"Psh, please. It'd be a magic fueled chainsaw, duh! This horn isn't just for show, you know."

"Fair enough," Spike said.

The two of them continued to watch the movie for a bit longer, a slightly awkward silence overtaking the air.

Spike casually glanced over at Vinyl and felt his heart rate pick up. Left alone with the thoughts in his head, his mind began to wander.

Is this even for real right now? I'm alone... With a beautiful mare... We're watching a b horror film... This can't be real. Are we on a date, or just hanging out? Are we even together, or just friends? I mean, we kissed that one time, but maybe it was just the moment. Or what if she forgot?

Meanwhile, within the realm of Vinyl's mind, a similar wave of thoughts were plaguing the unicorn.

Ahh crap, I said relationship earlier, didn't I? I used the 'r' word! What if doesn't even consider us as being in a relationship? Are we still just friends? I mean, we kissed and all, but what if that didn't mean anything to him? Now, we're alone. What happens if he makes a move? What if he doesn't? What does it all mean?

Spike took a deep breath and casually but slowly put his claw over Vinyl's hoof. He half expected her to flinch away but was instead treated to her inching closer to him than she already was. He could feel his heart pound out of his chest as a new batch of over thinking took over.

Now we're touching...and she didn't pull away. What do I do? What can I do? Should I kiss her? What if she flips and hates me? No wait, she moved closer to me, so she must like me, right? Dear sweet Celestia, this is impossible.

Spike followed Vinyl's lead and moved slightly closer to her, to where their bodies were touching.

Vinyl's mind raced as she tried to make heads or tails of the situation.

Oh. My. Gosh. What's going on? C'mon, Vinyl, you can do this. It's just Spike. He obviously digs you... And you totally dig him, back. You have to do something, anything, or you could ruin it!

C'mon, I can do this! I'm spike. I'm a freakin' dragon!

On cue, the two of them leaned in and pressed their lips together. Spike clutched her hoof with one claw and put his other behind her head, bringing her closer to him. Vinyl followed suit and clutched his back with her free hoof and held him close.

The two were locked together as tight as their lips. Spike broke it for a moment and nuzzled her cheek and neck before resuming the kiss once more.

With a heavy gasp, the two finally broke apart and looked at each other.

"So, does this mean we're actually together now?" Spike said, with vinyl still pressed against him.

"Uh yeah, I'd say so," she replied with a grin.

"Hello, Vinyl! I closed up shop early and decided I'd.... Oh. Oh, my."

The two looked over to the front door of the room to see Octavia standing there, mouth agape.

"Oh, uh, hey Octavia," Vinyl said with a nervous laugh. "Uhh, I invited Spike over!"

Octavia's eyes darted between the two sweaty figures on her living room floor. "Vinyl, do what you will, but please, keep your hormones in check long enough to make it to your room next time... And clean up any, um, messes you made out here."

With a huff and shake of her head, Octavia left the two behind and trotted into her room.

“Well, that was awkward,” Spike said. “Um, any way you could get off of me? I can’t really feel my legs right now.”

“Oh, sorry,” Vinyl said, pushing herself up and off the dragon. “I guess we got a little carried away there, huh?”

“Nah, I wouldn’t go that far,” Spike said, nudging her with his elbow. “But we did miss the end of the movie.”

“Spoiler alert: everypony dies and the vampony chicks have a lesbian orgy in a dance club. Pretty solid.”

“Ahh, I missed a lesbian orgy? You owe me one, now, Vinyl.”

“Heh, I’ll get you back, soon, okay?” she said with a wink.

“How soon is soon?” Spike replied.

“I guess that’s up to you,” she said, cracking a smile. “But not tonight. I booked us at a club in a Manehatten suburb tomorrow night, so i’ve gotta get some rest, and you probably should, too.”

“You don’t have to tell me, twice, “ Spike said, stretching out his arms. “Sleeping is probably my favourite thing in the world. But you’re second, I promise.”

“Just second. I’m so offended,” she said, chuckling.

“Yeah, but a close second.”

Spike lightly pecked her cheek and got up. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then?”

“Definitely. Meet me at the train station at three o’clock. That gives us some time to eat over there before the show. Cool?”

“Sounds good.”

Spike waved goodbye and left the apartment. He could feel his heart still fluttering from the encounter. He skipped and jumped his way back home barely able to keep his feet on the ground.

He was in a relationship. A real one.

And as long as it didn’t end up like the last one, he was going to stay happy about it.

“Twilight! I’m home!”

“Oh, Spike!” she said, turning around from her chair in the living area to face him. “You’re a bit late back home, tonight. Did you have fun at Rarity’s?”

“Heh, you could say that,” he said with a smirk.

“Do I even want to know?” she asked with a roll of her eyes. “Anyway, how is she doing? I heard she hurt her hoof or something.”

“Oh yeah, she’s doing fine. I was basically reduced to the role of errand boy for her, but you know, friendship is magic and all.”

“Well that’s good. Have you spoken with Vinyl at all, today? She came by looking for you earlier.”

“I’m perfectly aware she came by,” Spike said with a glare. “You gotta stop scaring away the mares, Twi. It’s hard enough to find anyone who has the courage to hang out with somepony who lives with the princess, and that’s without you giving them a mental shakedown.”

“Well, excuse me, Spike, but I’m just looking out for you. Besides, I like to meet the mares you take interest in. Is that such a crime?”

“No, but it’ll be one if you eventually reduce my life to one of basement dwelling on my own for all eternity.” Spike threw his hands in the air and slumped onto the sofa.

“Well, I’ll have you know, Spike, she actually did very well. She lasted three minutes longer than any of your previous romantic interests before running out the door.”

“Really?”

“Yep,” she said with a smile. “From what I could tell, she seems to like you an awful lot.”

Spike beamed and reflected on his encounter with her just a few minutes before. Heh, if only you knew just how much, Twilight.

“Anyway, Twi,” Spike said, “glad to hear she actually has your seal of approval.”

“Well, I wouldn’t go that far, yet. She hasn’t exactly done anything in the vein of world-saving yet, but she’s definitely not somepony I find distaste with.”

Knowing Twilight as well as he did, that was the best he was going to get.

“I’ll take it.”

“Good. Oh! One more thing,” Twilight said. “Flitter came by a bit earlier as well. She said she needed to talk to you about something.”

“Oh, really? Well that’s great…”

“What’s wrong with that? I happen to really like Flitter. I don’t see why you suddenly decided to have such an aversion to her a few months back. She’s cute and so sweet.”

“Yeah, whatever you say, Twi,” Spike said, shaking his head. “I’ll try and talk to her when I can just to see what she wants. But I’ll be gone most of the day tomorrow.”

“Where are you headed this time?”

“Back to Manehatten. Or at least a suburb of it. Vinyl and I are booked at a club there tomorrow. Nothing big, but it should give me a decent amount of extra bits.”

Speaking of bits, he hadn’t even really been thinking about the base reason he got a job in the first place ever since he started showing more of an interest in Vinyl. Funny how life works that way.

“Anyway, I’m gonna hit the sack. I’ve got a long day tomorrow and I probably won’t be home until really late.”

“Alright, Spike, have a good night. But try and say goodbye before you leave this time, alright? And be careful over in Manehatten. I can’t stress how dangerous it is.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Spike said, getting to his feet. “Good night.” He gave Twilight a quick hug and sauntered off to his room to get ready for the next day.

If the past few days were anything to go by, it was going to be a great one.

Hell, Or High Water

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Spike swiftly strode down the street. He had meant to sleep in, what with travel and inevitable all-night partying in Manehattan that was to come, but his excitement got the best of him. So, as opposed to spending his morning with his pillow and blankets, he decided he'd rather spend it with Rarity so he could fill her in on the previous night's developments.

Spike popped open the door to the Carousel Boutique and found Rarity mending a dress in the main room.

"Hey, Rarity!"

"Oh, hello, Spike!" She said, smiling in his direction.

"You feeling any better yet?" He asked, motioning toward her lightly bandaged hoof.

"Oh, yes. Well, enough so I can get back to work, once more."

"Sweet."

"So, not that I have any problem with you visiting, but what brings you over here? I assumed you'd be spending the day with a different white unicorn." She winked and nudged him with her elbow.

"Oh, I will. We're heading out to Manehattan tonight. But first, I've gotta tell you something. Something awesome!"

"Well, tell me, then," she said, putting down her dress and facing him.

"Well, I went over to Vinyl's place last night..."

"And?"

"And we were watching a movie..."

"Yes?"

"Then some stuff happened." Spike's face melted into a quirky smile.

"Stuff?" Rarity rubbed her chin for a moment before her eyes popped open to the size of saucers. "Spike! Isn't it a bit, you know, early in your relationship development for, umm, that?"

"Huh? No, no, we didn't do that...yet." He chuckled and shook his head before taking a seat on a chair next to Rarity. "No, we just kind of talked, then kissed, and we both kind of came to the realization that this could be, you know, kind of serious."

"Oh, Spike, that's wonderful!" Rarity reached over and gently hugged her friend. "I knew it'd only be a matter of time before you two got serious."

"How did you figure that?"

"Oh, sweetheart, it was so obvious how you both felt. That sort of connection between two individuals is rather hard to miss."

"Huh?" Spike placed his head in his palm. "Then how come I never noticed it? If I did, I probably would've made my move a ways back."

"Because you're a male and getting any kind of romantic message across to you is next to impossible." Rarity shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Trust me, I would know."

"Oh, thanks Rarity," Spike said with his own eye roll.

"Don't feel bad, dear. It's a universally accepted and tried fact."

"Well, at least I realized it now before it was too late. It's been awhile since I've had someone I actually, you know, care about like that."

"Well, I'm happy for you," she said with a smile. "Just make sure to not take it to fast. I really don't want to see you broken up like you were with, you know..."

"Ugh, yeah..." Spike let out a deep sigh. "Speaking of which, apparently Flitter needs to talk to me about something. I seriously hope she's not going to just try and win me back or make me feel guilty again."

"Hmm, well, I wouldn't put it out of the question. You did kind of just leave her out of nowhere."

"Yeah, but you know what the situation was. It was for the best for both of us."

"True, but you also have to be prepared to deal with the aftereffects of leaving a relationship like that. Truth be told, you've been pretty lucky. I've heard of some mares hiring assassins on the guys who hurt them."

"Assassins?" Spike gulped. " let me just add that to my list of possible ways to die. But whatever the case, I'm still debating on whether I should actually meet up with her or not. I mean, what if she's just going to complain or what if she tries to drop something really big on me to guilt me into going out with her again. Not sure it's worth the risk. "

"Listen, Spike, you do owe it to her to find out what she wants. Like it or not, you two had a very intimate relationship for a time and it's your responsibility to clean up any emotional residue that may be left over. You need to at least do that much."

"You've been watching soap operas again, haven't you?"

"Spike. Please take this seriously."

Spike attempted to avert the stern gaze Rarity shot him, but it was no use. When she got serious with him, resistance was futile.

"Fine, fine, I'll hear her out. Darn, why are mares so complicated?"

"Why do you males have to be so short-sighted?"

"Fair enough. Anyway, I'll try and find her before I hit the train station. I'll see what she has to say."

Spike got up and walked to the door. "Later Rarity!"

Upon exiting, he found himself not on the porch, but instead walked right into another pony.

"Woah, sorry about th-... Oh, you can't be serious."

"Um, Hi Spike."

Of course, she found him.

"Oh, uh, hey Flitter." Spike nervously rubbed the back of his head. "What's going on?"

"Can we talk? It's really important. Please?"

Spike tried to think of any excuse in the book, but the mare's eyes said it all. She dug right into his soul and looked like she was about to cry. He had no choice.

"Uhh, yeah, sure. What about?"

"Not here. We need to talk somewhere private." Without a notion of thought, Flitter grabbed his claw and led him away from the boutique.

Assassins? Guilt tripping? Spike had no idea what was in store for him.

He was afraid to find out.

Spike sat across from Flitter at the dining table in her home.

“So, not to like, rush you or anything, but I’ve got somewhere to be in an hour or so. I’m heading up to Manehattan with Vinyl.”

“Vinyl Scratch?” Flitter’s eyes wandered down to the table and back up to to meet Spike’s. “I've heard you two are like a thing now.”

“Geez, does everyone in town know about my personal life before i do?” Spike shook his head.

“Well, you know what they say? Gossip travels faster than Celestia to the dessert table.”

Spike sighed and resigned himself to defeat. “I give up. Being a guy is stupidly hard.”

Flitter giggled and looked at Spike. “Heh, you were always so cute, getting worked up like this.”

Spike felt his cheeks blush but quickly shook out of it. “Yeah, so, what did you need to talk about? Not that I have anything against you at the moment, but I don’t exactly feel super comfortable being alone with you right now.”

Flitter’s smile turned into a frown and she turned her eyes back toward the table. “Oh yeah, right. Sorry.”

“It’s alright. I promise I’ll hear you out. Let’s just make it happen, alright?”

“Okay. But please, you have to promise to listen to everything I say. Please?”

Spike looked at the pleading in her eyes and the tears brimming. What was going on?

“Alright, I promise.”

Vinyl paced back and forth in front of the train station. Where was he?

“C’mon, Spike… we’re going to be late,” she said aloud. “I hope he didn't’ forget. Suppose that’s what i get for scheduling the gig last minute.”

It was only ten minutes until the train left and there was still no sign of him.

“Great, if we have to catch the late train, we could miss the show and definitely miss our dinner plans.”

Vinyl was particularly excited about the dinner plans, especially after she was able to use her connections to set them up with reservations at one of the hottest dinner lounges in the city. Figured it was her turn to to surprise him.

She took a glance about her and was finally greeted with the site of her dragon walking toward her.

“Spike!” She darted up to him and gave him a hug, which he failed to return. “C’mon man, let’s get going. Hey… where’s your stuff?”

Spike brought his eyes up to hers and shook his head. “Hey, Vinyl, i can’t make the trip today with you.”

“What?”

“Sorry, something came up. I’m really sorry.”

Vinyl felt her heart sink in her chest. “Uhh, Spike, are you okay? What happened?”

Spike averted her gaze and brought it to the ground. “Look, I don’t really want to talk about it right now. It’s… complicated. But look, we can maybe talk you know, when you get back. Sorry.”

Vinyl had no idea how to respond. Before she could even think of something to say to him, Spike turned around and walked away.

She was left in a stunned silence until the whistling of the train snapped her back into reality.

“What did I do wrong?”

Someday Came Suddenly

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"So, Spike... Twilight's not home?"

"Nope. She's out of town for the next few days."

Flitter slowly walked past Spike, dragging her tail against his side. "Well, Cloudchaser is gone, too. Wonderbolt something or other. I don't suppose I could just, you know, stay here for a night... Or two?"

Spike tried to take a breath of air to clear his mind, but was instead greeted with the mild scent of perfume that was lingering from Flitter's mane.

"I, um, I don't have a problem with that."

"Good," she said, lightly brushing his cheek with hers. "It'll be nice to finally get some alone time with you. I really don’t feel like we get to spend enough time together anymore, what with you working or our families getting in the way."

Spike tried to avoid looking at her but it became rather difficult when she wrapped her front legs around him and pressed her nuzzle right into his ear.

“You know, Spike, I’d really like to see your bedroom,” she whispered. “You always tell me about how comfortable your bed is, so I’d really like to see for myself.”

Spike could feel his head heating up. Flitter slowly released him from her embrace and slowly walked toward the stairs.

“Let’s say we go check it out, together. Okay?”

Spike tried to speak, but could only utter one word.

“Okay.”

*****

A Few Hours Earlier...

"Spike!"

Spike shook his head and snapped out of his stroll down memory lane.

"Please say something. Anything?"

Spike looked up at the tear-stained face of the mare sitting across from him. "What? What am I supposed to say? What you're implying, it's... It's not even possible. I don't think..."

"It is possible. It has to be." Flitter looked him in the eyes as more tears began to fall. "I know it is."

Spike felt a weight drop into his stomach. He wanted to say something, anything to clear things up. To make everything go back to normal. Something to take back what he'd just heard. But the sobs and cries filling his ears took away any hope of that happening.

This was serious. This was real.

"This can't be happening."

“Spike, please, I really need you right now. Please.”

*****

"Spike held his head low as he slowly knocked on the door of the Carousel Boutique.The afternoon sun hung in the sky, signaling the nearing end of the day.

"Hey, Rarity? Rarity, you home?" He paused, awaiting a response. Half of him wanted everything to stay silent, that way he'd have an excuse to go home and just roll under his blankets and forget the world and the problems it just threw on him. But another part, the responsible part he wanted to ignore, knew he needed some advice, despite how tough it might be to accept. Either way, he needed to tell somepony and his best friend in the world was far and away the best option.

The door handle began to jiggle and it slowly pulled open revealing the friend in question.

"Spike? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be well on your way to your show with Vinyl, aren't you?" Rarity scanned his form for a brief moment and instantly realized all was not well. "Spike, what's wrong?"

"Rarity, can I come in? I really need to talk to you."

:Y-yes, of course." She slowly stepped out of the way allowing Spike to enter. "Please, Spike, tell me what's wrong."

Without response, Spike walked inside and collapsed onto her couch. Rarity followed behind, but not before quickly switching her open sign to closed.

"Look, dear, I'm going to go put on some tea while you collect yourself. I'll be back in just a moment, I promise."

Rarity looked back at Spike with a frown adorning her face before exiting the room, leaving Spike to his own devices for the time being.

Spike felt his head swimming with a mixture of pain and memories. Neither were what he wanted in his head at the time, but he had little choice in the matter. His thoughts kept bouncing between his present situation, what happened in his past and what it meant for the future. All three were nothing positive in his current frame of mind.

And it all started with that conversation. It kept replaying in his head:

"Flitter, what's up? I'm really pressed for time right now."

"Spike, you have to promise to listen. And please don't get mad."

"Alright, alright, i promise."

It was giving him a headache just thinking about it.

Luckily, Rarity returned with tea and was able to distract him from his thoughts, temporarily.

"Alright, dear, I brough some herbal tea with gem dust, your favourite." She strolled over and sat next to him, handing him the tea. "Here you are."

Spike took the tea from her and slowly sipped it. It always had a calming effect on him. "Thanks, Rarity, I really appreciate it. Sorry to just kind of intrude like this."

"Oh, Spike, I've gotten used to it at this point in our friendship." Rarity chuckled to herself but quickly silenced after seeing Spike's deadpan reaction. "Er, um, it's no problem at all, Spike. You know i love seeing you."

Spike nodded and slowly sipped his tea, trying to figure out the best way to approach the impending conversation. Should he just let it out, try and avoid the base of the subject, or maybe try and get her to figure it out so he never had to say anything.

It was all so nerve wracking!

"Now, Spike, whenever you're ready, I'm completely open to hear what you have to talk ab-"

"I'm going to be a father!" Spike immediately covered his mouth and collapsed back into the couch. The sound of a teacup hitting the floor immediately greeted his ears, followed by his eyes taking in the sight of Rarity, mouth agape.

“W-What? What are you talking about Spike?” Rarity tried to regain herself, but it was to no avail. “Did I hear you correctly?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Flitter said she’s pregnant. And apparently, I’m the father.”

“But Spike, is that, you know, even possible?”

“Apparently.”

An air of silence developed between them, both unsure of what to say to the other. Rarity, stunned into silence and Spike, just wishing he could wake up from a bad dream.

After a short time and few more sips of tea, Spike finally spoke his mind.

“Rarity, I’m scared. I don’t know what to do.” He could feel tears starting to form around his eyes and did everything he could to hold them back. “I mean, how am I supposed to know what to do. How do I tell Twilight? What am I supposed to do with Flitter now? And… and how can I possibly explain this to Vinyl? I mean, what is this going to mean for us? I don’t want to screw this up!”

Rarity leaned over and pulled Spike into a tight hug.

“Look, we’ll figure it all out. I promise, darling. For now, just relax and let it out.”

Spike buried his head into Rarity’s soft coat and let the tears flow. He had never been as scared as he was at this moment.

And unfortunately, the ride was just beginning.

Fighting Fire With Fire

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Vinyl slowly stirred her coffee, her head slumped against the restaurant table. She had taken a few sips, but not even its warmth could sate the cold feeling she had in the pit of her stomach.

After the show had ended, she decided against hitting up the after parties and instead opted to go to the local sports bar, where she could just drown her sorrows in alcohol and coffee. It seemed like a good plan.

“Stupid Spike, all leaving at the last minute. All by myself.” Vinyl violently stirred around the coffee, splashing bits of it on the table. “Making me cancel the reservations after I waited like, thirty minutes on the phone to get them. How selfish can one dragon be. Ugh... males are all the same”

She continued to spit curses and take her anger out on her beverage for a few more minutes before collapsing her head into her hoof. “I really hope he’s okay… Why didn’t he just tell me what’s wrong? Maybe I moved to fast? Or not fast enough, maybe? Celestia, I don’t know.”

“Relationship problems, huh?”

She looked up to see a pony sitting across from her finishing off the last of a mug of beer before addressing her again.

“I know those all too well. That’s why i seem to spend every night here, these days. Drinking to forget the bad times and remember the good.”

“Heh, yeah, that sounds like a solid plan right about now, to be honest.”

The pony shook his head. “Nah, not as long as you still have someone to go back home to. As long as you got someone in your present, no need to remember them now, is there?”

The pony stood up on wobbly legs and left a few bits on the counter. “The name is Carnegie, by the way. You should stop by my business sometime in downtown Manehattan. Later, stranger!”

Vinyl chuckled as she watched the random pony wander off. She wasn’t exactly sure of what he was talking about, but it cheered her up nonetheless. That was the great thing about Manehattan. There was always somepony nearby willing to take a few shots and tell you there life story, even if it made no sense.

Unfortunately, her mind kept wandering back to her current predicament. The show was a success, sure. But without Spike there with her on stage, she felt like something was missing.

It was exactly like the old saying: You don’t know what you got until it's gone.

She would just have to get to the bottom of whatever happened when she got back.

“I just really hope he’s okay…” She buried her face into the table and let her thoughts wander onto all the worst possibilities of what could be going on.

“Hey, Vinyl. Long time no see!”

Her ears were greeted with a familiar voice. One that didn’t necessarily fill her with joy, either. She looked up to confirm the identity of the speaker, and she was right.

“Hey, Modem. Haven’t seen you since that last show in Manehattan I did. How you been?” To be perfectly honest, she did not care how he had been and she wished he would just leave, but that wasn’t the case, unfortunately.

“I’ve been good. Just a lot of work and hitting up shows. You know, the usual.” The purple pegasus winked and took a seat across from Vinyl. “But, to be honest, I’m more curious about how things are going with you. You seem a little beat up.”

“Yeah well, I’m fine. Just having some coffee before i go back home.” She rolled her eyes and greedily to a sip of her coffee. “So you don’t need to worry about me, alright?”

“Woah, settle down,” he said. “I was just concerned is all. You're usually a bit more, i don’t know, happy looking. Not to mention I didn’t expect you to show up to the show alone.”

That last sentence struck a small chord in Vinyl’s chest, causing her to flinch and her eyes to drop down to the table. “Yeah, I didn’t expect to be alone, either.”

“Yeah, because what happened to that little dragon dude you had with you last time? You know, the one who totally lost it at my party.”

“You mean Spike? Something came up last second and he just couldn’t make it. No biggie, and I’ll see him as soon as i get back home.”

“Oh, I see,” Modem stated. “You two are a thing, huh? And ya’ll had a fight and he didn’t want to come with you. I know the story.”

“No, that’s not it!” Vinyl shouted out, earning a few surprised stares from the nearby ponies. “Just like I said, something came up and he couldn’t come. No big deal.”

“And what, may I ask, was that something?”

“I, uh, I don’t know. I didn’t ask…”

“You didn’t ask or he didn’t tell you?”

“He didn’t tell me. But it’s not like i really pressed him about it or any-”

“It’s another mare.”

Vinyl’s eyes locked onto Modem’s. “What did you say?”

“He probably found somepony else but was too afraid to tell you. All the signs are there.”

“No way. Spike wouldn’t just drop me for somepony else. That’s totally not him.” Vinyl shook her head fiercely and felt a blast of heat building up inside her. It was impossible, wasn’t it?

“Whatever makes you feel better, Vinyl, but I’m just giving you a warning. Try not to be too broken up about, okay? And if you ever want to talk, you know where to find me.”

Without another word, Modem Kicker got up and left the building, a sly grin forming on his face.

In his wake, he left Vinyl on the brink of tears and in a state of confusion.

That’s impossible.There’s no way there could be another mare…

Vinyl slammed her hoof on the table leading to an echoing sound across the restaurant. “I’m going to talk to Spike as soon as I get home and he better have a pretty damn good explanation as to what’s going on!”

With a shake of her head and fierce determination in her eyes, Vinyl shot out of her chair and left. She had a train to make and a dragon to talk to.

Headed for Splitsville

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“So, Spike, what’d you think?”

Spike took a deep breath, fully inhaling the strong scent of sweat and perfume from the mare next to him.

“That… was amazing.”

“Hehe, glad you thought so,” Flitter said, rolling over in bed to rest her head against her dragon. “I’m so happy we finally got to do that, Spike.”

“Yeah, me too,” Spike said, gently stroking Flitter’s mane. “And as long as Twilight doesn’t find out, we can relive that all we want.

Flitter chuckled and nuzzled Spike’s cheek. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. And when does Twilight get home, again?”

“Not for two days,” Spike said.

“In that case,” Flitter said, maneuvering herself to where her face was directly in line with Spike’s. “I may just stay here until she gets back. Sound good?”

“Sounds great.” Spike wrapped his arms around Flitter and held her as close as he could.

“So, in that case,” Flitter whispered in his ear, “let’s go for round two.”

Spike shot up in his bed and darted his eyes around his room. His heart was jumping out of his chest and his head was swimming.

“Okay, good, I’m alone,” he said after assessing his surroundings. “That dream was way too realistic.”

He flopped back on his bed and let out a deep breath. His mind began to float around, thinking of all the recent happenings. The news from Flitter, the horrifying reality of having to tell Twilight, his relationship with Vinyl…

“Oh, no! Vinyl!” Spike slapped his claw to his face and buried his head in his pillow. “What is she going to think about all this?”

It was one thing that he ditched their show at the last second without explanation. But it was going to be a whole new demon to try and explain the situation to her. What would she say? Would she still want to be with him? How would this affect his job with her. There were so many questions and a complete and total lack of answers.

Spike moaned into his pillow. “Ergh, why can’t life just be simple? I swear, just last week it was almost there. But no. So, buck you too, universe! Buck you, buck your family, buck your friends and buck your cruel, sick sense of humour!”

If life didn’t have require him to get up and face the day, he would’ve been perfectly content to just lie in bed, burrowed under his covers and pillows for the rest of his life. At least he wouldn’t fall prey to the cold, hard ways of fate that way.

“C’mon, Spike, get up. You can do this.”

Spike slowly pushed the covers off of him like it was a one-hundred pound dumbbell weighing him down. But eventually he found success and rolled out of bed and onto the floor.

“Alright, step one, complete. Step two: tell Twilight.” Spike gulped down a breath of air and instantly felt a pit form in his stomach. Given her general tendency to overreact about most things, this was not going to end well. Actually, it might even end with their home being turned into a crater.

Spike walked over to his door but hesitated before opening it. He was going to have to strategize about this.

“Maybe there is a way I can bring it up without actually bringing it up. Like, if I can get her eased into the idea, then maybe it’ll be easier to bring it up without it ending in my life ending. Alright, here goes.”

Spike inched his door open and slowly made his way down the stairs. He could hear hoofsteps and pages turning from the room at the bottom, so she was definitely up and around already.

He hopped off the final step and walked into the living area, where Twilight was at her desk, eating a blueberry muffin and meticulously page flipping through some book or another.

“Hey, Twilight,” Spike said, approaching her.

“Oh, good morning, Spike,” Twilight replied with a smile. “Did you sleep well?”

Heh, I wish.

“Yeah, I slept just fine. How about you?”

“I slept great! I was reading a great story about about myths and monsters and I knocked out right in the middle of it. I had a pretty crazy dream about Krakens and Sirens though.”

“Oh, well that’s pretty awesome, all right,” Spike said. “So, um, are you like, busy or anything?”

“No, I’m taking a rest day today. Just finishing up my book. Why?”

“Oh, no reason,” Spike said. “I was just gonna ask you a quick question.”

“Okay, what is it? I’ll answer if I can.”

Oh boy, here it goes.

“So, Twilight, I was reading this story where this dragon and this pony got together right?”

“Right.”

“And I was just thinking, what if they, you know, did a little something something… and had a baby? Wouldn’t that be kind of cool?”

“A dragon/pony baby?” Twilight said, rubbing her chin. “It’s a bit unorthodox, but I could only imagine how could their offspring would be. Or hideous. I haven’t really seen one, myself.”

“Yeah, i imagine it’d be pretty cute,” Spike said. “So, it wouldn’t like, gross you out or anything?”

“Of course not, Spike. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, no reason. I was just thinking and…”

“Wait a second, Spike,” Twilight cut in.

“Uh, y-yes, Twi?”

“I think I know what’s going on here.”

“You do?”

“Yes, I do,” she said. “And Spike, it’s completely natural for you to think about the future and having a baby with a pony someday.”

“Umm, about that…” Spike couldn’t finish his thought before being wrapped in a hug from Twilight.

“Don’t worry Spike. It’s completely natural, and I’ll be there for you every step of the way. Besides, you’ll have plenty of time to worry about that when you’re ready to start a family. For now, I’d recommend just focusing on a stable relationship.”

“Yeah, um Twi?”

“What is it Spike?”

“I’m not sure there’s as much time to worry about it as we might hope.”

“What do you-?”

*knock knock*

“Hold that thought, Spike. I’m going to go see who’s at the door.”

Twilight trotted toward the door leaving Spike alone with his palpitating heart and racing mind. He heard the door click open and the worst possible phrase that he could’ve heard at that moment rang through the air.

“Oh, hey Flitter! I bet you’re here to see, Spike.”

Universe, buck you with a ten foot pole.

Twilight cheerfully hopped back in the room, followed by Flitter.

“Oh, Spike, you have a visitor,” She walked closer and whispered in his ear. “Try and be nice, okay?”

Flitter followed behind and slowly waved at him. “Hey, Spike. I was just wondering if we had time to talk about a few things about, well, you know.”

“Yeah, I guess so, but I was talking to Twilight… about the situation,” Spike replied, motioning to the smiling purple unicorn by him.

“Oh, don’t mind me, Spike. If you all need to talk, I can just-”

“Does she know?” Flitter asked.

“Know what?” Twilight interjected.

“Well, she was about to. That’s what I was explaining.”

“What am I about to know?”

“You mean you haven’t told her yet?”

“What haven’t you told me?”

“I haven’t exactly had time since yesterday!”

“Both of you, stop!”

Spike and Flitter turned their heads in synchronous to look at Twilight who was standing right between them.

“Will someone please explain to me what’s going on here!”

*knock knock*

“Of, for the love of sweet Celestia,” Spike said.

“I’ll go get the door, but I expect a full explanation when I get back, please?”

Spike and Flitter both nodded and looked at each other as Twilight left them to go answer the door.

Unfortunately, fate was once again finding ways to make Spike’s once simple life even more complicated.

“Oh, Vinyl! I take it you’re also here to see Spike? Come join the party.”

Twilight once again walked back in, quickly followed by Vinyl, who looked like she hadn’t gotten an ounce of sleep with her discombobulated mane and baggy eyes.

“Spike, aren’t you popular this morning,” Twilight said, pointing toward Vinyl.

“Hey, Spike. We need to talk. I was thinking and… Wait, what’s going on here?” Vinyl asked, eyes darting back and forth between a glaring Flitter and Spike, who was staring at the ground, begging it to open up and swallow him.

“I’d like to know the same thing!” Twilight shouted.

“Look, everypony, just calm down and I’ll explain the situation!”

“Oh, so you’re girlfriend is here now?” Flitter asked. “Did you tell her at least, or are you so ashamed of our history that you’re just hiding it from everypony?”

“What don’t I know?” Vinyl asked, looking directly at Spike.

“The question of the day!” Twilight chimed in.

“Spike, you need to tell them!”

“What does he need to tell me?”

“What’s going on here?”

“Spike, you need to explain what’s going on.”

Spike’s ears were filled with angry voices and his eyes saw nothing but angry mares.

“Ahhh! Everypony! I’m going to be a dad! That’s it!”

The loud voices that filled the room a mere second ago came to a dead halt after Spike’s outburst. Twilight and Vinyl were stunned speechless.

“And I’m the mother.” Flitter’s voice broke the silence as she walked over to Spike and stood next to him. “We’re going to have a baby.”

Spike looked at the stunned faces of the other two mares in the room and one thought crossed his mind.

Why didn’t I just stay in bed today?

It's Not Love (If It Doesn't Hurt)

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“Flitter, Flitter… Stop!” Spike tried to push the mare off of him, but she crawled her way back up his body and licked his ear playfully.

“Hmm, I think i’m going to have to say no to that, Spike.”

Spike tried to wrestle free from her but she had him pinned down to the mattress while playfully licking and kissing him.

“Ermph, just stop, okay?” He managed to break free from her and sat up in bed.

“What’s wrong, Spike?” she asked, pushing her mane out of her face. “Are you just not feeling it right now?”

“I guess. I don’t know, something like that.” Spike turned away and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the floor.

Flitter crawled over and curled up next to him. “Look, tell me what’s up, okay? You can tell me whatever, you know that.”

“Yeah, I know,” Spike said, continuing to occupy his sight with wooden floor beneath him.

“Then why don’t you tell me? I’m all ears.”

“I don’t know, something just feels… off.”

“Off?” She asked. “What do you mean?”

“It’s hard to explain, but it just feels, I don’t know, wrong. This,” he said, pointing to the bed, “this is all we do. Every time we’re together, it ends up here.”

“And so what? You don’t like ‘this’?”

“No, I do, but…” Spike let out a deep breath and looked her in the eye. “It’s getting old and I want something more. Our relationship has just devolved into nothing but ‘this’ and I’m tired of it.”

“Wait, Spike… What are you saying?”

“I’m saying I just don’t feel it anymore. I think we need to take a break. For a long while.”

“Spike, no, please!” Flitter instantly began crying. “Are you seriously breaking up with me?”

“Look, I’m sorry, but I’m just not happy anymore. It’s been the same thing for awhile now, and I don’t want to drag you down with me.”

Flitter sniffled and then hopped off the bed, glaring at Spike. “You know what, fine! Just do whatever you want, Spike!”

Spike could feel his heart sink a bit as he looked at the expression on her face. “Look, Flitter, I’m sorry.”

“Forget it, Spike. You can just save it. Heck, you can go jump off a cliff for all I care! I just hope you remember how much you broke my heart… How much you hurt me!”

*****

“Spike, are you serious?” Vinyl said, breaking the silence. “This has to be a joke, right?”

Spike looked around the room. Twilight was still standing, mouth agape. Flitter was standing next to him, a straight face adorning her muzzle. Vinyl was staring directly at him, gazed fixed on his eyes.

Oh, how he wished it was all a joke.

“No, Vinyl, it’s not a joke. Flitter’s pregnant, and I’m going to be the father. It’s true.”

“No way…” Vinyl shook her head and backed away from him. “Just, no way.”

“Yes, it’s true,” Flitter said, glaring at Vinyl. “Me and Spike are going to have a baby, whether you like it or not.”

“Flitter, calm down,” Spike said. “She is my marefriend, so she has a right to be upset about the whole ordeal.”

“Marefriend?” Vinyl said, anger and hurt spitting from her voice. “I thought when ponies were in an actual relationship, they were honest with each other.”

“Vinyl, I promise i never lied to you!” Spike said, trying to reach out for her, only to have her pull away even further.

“Yeah, right! How long did you keep this hidden from me? What, did you think i just wouldn’t find out and everything would be like normal?” Vinyl was practically hissing through her teeth as tears began to drip down from her eyes.

“No,Vinyl, that wasn’t it at all! I literally just found out!”

“Save it, Spike. Modem was right about you, wasn’t he?”

Spike shook his head in confusion. “Modem? What? Look, Vinyl, this isn’t a big deal. We can make it work.”

“Excuse me?” Flitter butted in. “What do you mean, not a big deal?”

“Spike,” Vinyl cut back in. “This is a huge deal! You’re having a baby, and you tried to hide from the whole situation with me, huh?”

“No! Just listen for a second, and-”

“Look, just forget it, Spike. I… I need some time away to think.”

Without another word, Vinyl shook her head and left them behind, tears freely flowing from her eyes to the floor.

It was all Spike could do to hold his own tears back as the mare he loved walked away from him.

“Vinyl, I’m sorry!”

Spike looked on hopelessly as the mare walked away, leaving him behind with Flitter at his side.

“Spike, I know that must have been hard,” Flitter said, lightly rubbing up against him. “I promise, we can make all this work, though. Together.”

“Spike!”

Spike jumped in the air, only to look over at Twilight who’s fierce eyes were glaring directly at him. He had almost forgotten that she was present for the whole ordeal.

“Look, Twi, I promise I can explain what’s going on, just give me a ch-”

“Flitter, please go back home. Spike and I need to have a serious talk. Right now.”

Spike gulped down a deep breath of air and watched as Flitter nodded and headed for the door.

“Yes, of course. Spike, please come visit me later. We have a lot of things to talk about, I’m sure.”

With a quick wave, Flitter walked out the door and left Spike alone with a very angry Twilight.

“Spike, let’s go up to your room.”

This was not going to end well.

*****

Vinyl slammed her door shut and collapsed onto her pillow, crying and screaming into it.

“Stupid Spike! Stupid Flitter! What the heck!”

Did he really lie to her this whole time? Was it all just a misunderstanding? Did she overreact? Why did she keep finding herself in these painful situations? Why couldn’t things be simple for once?

Those and a billion more questions kept floating through her mind as she let out her frustrations on her pillow.

“I actually had feelings for that stupid dragon! Why did he have to mess it up!” She flipped over and flung her pillow across the room. She began to stare at the ceiling, trying to calm down.

She needed somepony to talk to, and Octavia was going to get an earful when she came home that night.”

Present, Future, and Past

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Spike slowly slipped up the stairs leading to the room where Twilight was awaiting him. They creaked beneath his feet with each step he took, as if signaling the doom approaching with each step.

He had a lot on his plate right now, and adding yet another angry mare to the situation was not going to make things easier. And judging from what he knew of Twilight, he'd be lucky to make it out without being turned into a living crater after the talk they were going to have.

He inched his way down, carefully navigating the hall to the room where Twilight awaited him.

He couldn't help but feel the weight of all the changes his life had undergone hit his heart like a ton of bricks. Not that long ago, approaching Twilight was something he'd do on his own. There were no negative ramifications and the worst thing she'd ever have to say to him would be a lecture regarding proper alphabetization of her books.

Fast forward to the present, and here he was, about to explain how he had messed up and was a soon-to-be father. Oh, how times had changed.

Spike gulped down a breath of air and slowly approached Twilight who was standing in the middle of the floor, her stern gaze piercing through his heart.

“You wanted to talk, Twilight?” he asked, trying to keep his cool.

She nodded her head and signaled for him to come stand by her. “Yes, Spike. We need to have a discussion.”

“Alight, I can do that. What do you want to talk about?”

“Spike, you know exactly what we need to talk about. First off, from your point of view, what happened between you and Flitter? Before we can even move forward with any plans of action, I need to know what happened.”

Spike let out a deep sigh. “I don't know, Twi. Do I really have to go over it? It was so stupid and a while ago and—”

“Yes, Spike, you do have to go over it,” she said, cutting him off. “Right now.”

Spike let out a deep breath. “Alright, here goes. It all started about a year ago when we first started hanging out…”

*****

“Oh, wow, Spike. So you actually saved the entire Crystal Empire? That's so cool!” Flitter sipped on her milkshake while keeping her eyes glued to him.

“Yeah, it was pretty epic. Can't say I'm surprised though. Being awesome just comes with the territory of being me.” Spike sent a wink in her direction.

“Hmm, I suppose I should consider myself pretty lucky then, huh?” Flitter reached across the table and latched onto Spikes claw with her hoof. “Not every mare gets the opportunity to date a hero.”

Spike chuckled and slowly stroked her hoof. “Well, not everypony gets to date a mare as cute as you. I suppose I'm just as lucky.”

Flitter giggled and looked into his eyes. “You know, Spike, we've been dating for some time now, and I've still never gotten to see what your place looks like on the inside. So, I was thinking, since Cloudchaser is out of town and all, maybe I could come over tonight. Just for a visit?”

Spike’s eyes popped open and he lost his breath. Was she actually insinuating what he thought she was?

“You want to come over tonight?”

“Yeah, I really do,” she said with a sweet smile.”

Spike played out all of his options in his head. Normally, Twilight would have a slew of release forms and waivers for any guests to sign, but luckily, Twilight was out.

“Sure thing. Twilight’s not home, so it wouldn't hurt just to, you know, show you around.”

“Excellent!” Flitter said. “I'll see you tonight, then.”

*****

“Wait a second, Spike,” Twilight interrupted, a very large frown on her face. “Are you saying that you used my absence to engage in loose conduct at our home?”

“Um, yeah, that’s pretty much what I’m saying,” Spike said, kicking at the ground.

“Spike! Urgh, you know what? I can forgive it because it was so long ago. Just… continue.”

“Well, that’s pretty much it,” Spike said. “After that our relationship pretty much devolved into sneaking her over when you weren’t home and, well, you know. And that pretty much went on for about 2 months or so until I finally broke it off. I never really thought of it too much after that until this whole situation made its way in.”

“So, about a year ago was when it all started, correct?” Twilight said, rubbing her chin.

“Yep.”

“And it ended a few months later, you say?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And have you had any more encounters of an innapropriate variety with her since then?”

“No. None at all. Heh, I kind of went out of my way to avoid her, to be honest.”

Twilight rubbed her chin and let out a sigh. “Okay, now it all makes sense. Spike, there’s something you need to know.”

“Oh, sweet Celestia. Please tell me I don’t have an STD or something…”

“Actually, on the contrary, this is good news. For you at least.”

Spike’s curiosity was piqued. “Okay, what’s going on?”

“You’re not going to be a father.”

Spike looked quizzically at Twilight. “Say what now?”

“Flitter’s not pregnant. And even if she was, it wouldn’t be your baby. Given how long ago your intercourse took place, she would be a lot more showing than she is.” Twilight shook her head and looked at Spike. “Maybe you should have done your research about this whole thing before you caused all this commotion.”

Spike tried to process what he was hearing and shook his head. “Wait a minute. So what are you saying? She’s just lying about this whole thing? Why would she even do that? Just because I’m in a better relationship? And on that note, how do you even know she’s not pregnant?”

“Spike, I studied quite a few medical textbooks in my time and all it took was some common sense to tell that there was no baby inside her.”

Spike mentally facepalmed. Why didn’t he think of that earlier?

“And, Spike, to answer your first question, no, I don’t think she was lying.”

“Then how do you explain the whole situation with her saying she’s pregnant?” Spike asked. “You can’t have it both ways.”

“Spike, the brain is a powerful and often misunderstood tool. Sometimes, when under stress or when a mare has a desire to be pregnant, hormones will release that cause the body to show symptoms of carrying a foal. It can even trick pregnancy tests. Science doesn’t fully understand how it works, but it is a fairly common thing that happens in relationships.”

“And… you think this happened to Flitter? But why?”

“Spike,” Twilight said, “it would be my guess that Flitter is going through a very tough time right now whether in her family or whatever, and seeing you in a happy relationship may have sent her body into that area of confusion, and it responded by making her think she was pregnant with your child. I mean, it almost did its job and got you back to her, did it not?”

Spike took everything that Twilight said in, and had one response. “Oh my Goddess… I’ve messed up, big time. I have to go talk to Flitter about this, right now.”

“Spike, I’ll talk to Flitter. Celestia knows what trouble could happen if you try to explain things to her.” Twilight shuddered after thinking of the possible consequences. “Besides, you have a certain DJ unicorn that needs to hear an explanation and the world’s biggest apology.”

Spike’s eyes instantly snapped open. “Vinyl! Oh my gosh, she probably thinks I just left her behind throughout all this. I have to go find her!”

Spike quickly threw his arms around Twilight to give her a big hug. “Twilight, even after all these years, you’re still saving me on a day-to-day basis.”

Twilight returned the hug. “What’s family for, Spike? Now go, find Vinyl and get her back. Go!”

Without looking back, Spike dashed out the door and toward Vinyl’s apartment. It was time to make up in the biggest way possible. He was gonna get her back no matter what it took.

*****

Knock! knock! knock!

Spike squirmed around at the door of Vinyl’s home. As soon as the door handle jiggled, he readied himself to give the biggest apology ever.

“Can I help you?” Octavia said, looking outside the door. “Oh, it’s you.”

Spike’s heart fell in disappointment. “Sorry to bother you, Octavia, but is Vinyl there? I have to talk to her. It’s important!”

“I’m sorry, Spike,” Octavia said, shaking her head. “You just missed her.”

“What? Where’d she go?”

“We had a little talk, and she decided she needed to get away for a bit to think about some things.”

“Oh no,” Spike said. “I bet those things involved a crappy dragon boyfriend, huh?”

“You would be correct,” Octavia said.

“Oh man, I messed up so bad,” Spike said. “We had such a great thing going, then I throw her to the wolves when an issue pops up from the past. I feel so bad! I just came over here to apologize. I’ve never felt so strongly for somepony before, and I just go and mess it up!”

Octavia shook her head. “Spike listen. Vinyl cares for you a great deal. You’re all she ever talks about anymore. I think she was just as confused and hurt by this situation as you were. Now, at this point you have two choices. One, you can stand at my doorstep and sulk about it some more, or two, you can get out of her and tell her what you just told me.”

“Do you really think she’ll even listen to me at this point?” Spike asked.

“Well, that’s implying she ever listens to anything beside her raucous music, but yes, I know for a fact she’ll hear what you have to say.”

Spike’s face instantly turned into a smile. “That’s just what I needed to hear! Do you know where she went?”

“She said something about a waffle place in Manehattan. Other than that, I’m not sure.”

“I know exactly where that’s at. Thanks a bunch!”

With a flash, Spike was gone, leaving Octavia with a smile as she walked back into her home.

“Oh my goodness, those two are so impulsive… It just works.”

Rise or Die Trying

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A strong, musty scent filled Vinyl’s nose as she stepped into the home. Alcohol, sweat and other tinges of irresponsible living were quite prevalent in the air.

“Sorry it’s so dirty in here,” Modem said, leading her into the living area. “You know how the boys are, though.”

“Heh, yeah, I remember that pretty well,” Vinyl said.

She looked around the room. A few stallions were passed out on the couch, bottles of alcohol on the floor. A mare was in between them, her fur matted from what was probably a crazy time.

“Hey, guys! Wake up! We got a guest.” Modem kicked over the couch, sending its now awake contents onto the floor.

“Yo, Modem, what the heck, man?” one of them said, rubbing his head. “Brah, that hurt.”

“Take it to your own place, man. Vinyl and I have got some stuff to catch up on. Got it?”

“Whatever man,” the stallion said. The other ponies got up and followed him out the door.

“Sorry about that,” Modem said, looking over toward Vinyl. “Those guys can get pretty crazy sometimes.”

“It’s fine,” Vinyl said. She looked from Modem’s seemingly friendly smile down to her hooves. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t feel a little uncomfortable, but the feeling would go away soon… hopefully.

Modem picked the couch back up and motioned for Vinyl to sit down next to him. She cautiously played along and took a seat.

“So, Vinyl, let’s talk. How has life been?”

“Well…”

*****

Spike dashed as fast as he could to the train station. If he could sweat through his scales, he’d be drenched.

“Welcome to Maneshep Expressway, how can I he—”

“I need the quickest trip to Manehattan you have!” Spike yelled at the clerk behind the ticket counter.

“Um, yes, of course, sir! That’ll be the Manehattan Express. It leaves in ten minutes. Is that acceptable?”

Spike threw his bits on the counter and dashed off. He had a train to catch.

*****

“Wow, so he really pulled a fast one on you, huh?” Modem asked. “Some guys just don’t know when to grow up.”

“Yeah, well, it would’ve been nice to at least here some kind of explanation about the situation. I mean, it’s not so much he had a fling in the past, but the fact he was just hiding it from me.”

“Yeah, you don’t need that kind of drama in your life. Someone who’s going to lie and hurt you like that, totally not worth your time.”

“Yeah, I guess. I just, I don’t know, I’m really just confused about all of this.” Vinyl slumped her head into her hooves. “I really thought, I don’t know, I thought he really liked me.”

Modem looked over at Vinyl, his smile turning to a frown.

“And I really liked him.” Vinyl could feel tears swimming at the bottom of her eyes.

“Hey, it’s okay. Look, you don’t need someone like that around.” Modem gently reached out to wrap a hoof around Vinyl’s neck. “You need someone a bit more… mature.”

Vinyl felt his hoof wrap around her and quickly jumped up. “Whoa, what was that?”

“Huh? I was just trying hug you, calm down.” Modem said. “You looked pretty beat up, figured it might help.”

“Oh, sorry,” Vinyl said. “I’m just a little stressed. But if it’s all the same, I’m not really in a touchy-feely kind of mood.”

“It’s cool, it’s cool. I understand,” Modem said, getting up from the couch. “So, what say we blow the living room, and you let me show you my new guitar and distortion pedal setup? I think you’ll find it pretty interesting.”

“New guitar, huh? Yeah, that sounds pretty cool. Where’s it at?” Vinyl asked.

“Back in my room. C’mon, I’ll show you.”

*****

Spike squirmed around in his seat, watching the scenery pass by, wishing for some way to make the train go faster.

His thoughts were completely occupied with thoughts of Vinyl. The tears on her face. The way she just ran out the door. The image of her, by herself, without him… It was too much.

“Hey, um, conductor,” Spike shouted up to the stallion in the front. “Any idea on when we’re gonna get there? I’m in a bit of a rush.”

“We’re still another thirty minutes out. I’ve got this baby going as fast as she can.”

That’s not good enough, I need to get there now!

A lightbulb went off over Spike’s head.

“Hey, so, I don’t suppose, I don’t know, this hefty bag of bits here could turn that spedometer up a few notches, could it?” Spike wiggled his eyebrows and received a coy smile in return.

The conductor snatched the bits from his claws. “Alright, we’re exactly seven minutes out. Hold on, kid!”

Spike quickly returned to his seat. “Alright, Vinyl, I’m coming.”

*****

Vinyl listened intently to the chords being chugged on Modem’s guitar, a smile growing on her face.

“Not bad, not bad. You gotta love that distortion,” Vinyl said with a chuckle.

“Yeah, it’s a nine string model, but you really only need the first one to play most songs. Pretty cool.”

Modem set the guitar down and sat down on the bed next to Vinyl. “So, it’s been awhile since we’ve ever gotten to hang out. We should do it more often.” He slowly reached out his hoof to grab ahold of her.

“Woah, hey, what are you doing? I thought we already talked about this.”

“Hey, just relax. I’m just trying to help you relax.” Modem shrugged and smiled. “And it looks to me like you could use some relaxation right now.”

“Well, yeah, but not in that way.” Vinyl shook her head. “Look, I’m not really interested in being in a relationship with you again.”

“Hmm, didn’t think so.” Modem said. “That’s a real shame.”

“Yeah,” Vinyl said, inching toward the door. “So, if you don’t mind, I’m just going to head out.”

“Uh, nah, I don’t think you will.”

*****

Spike ran through town as fast as his legs could carry him. If Octavia was correct, there was only one place he could think she would be. And that place served waffles twenty-four-seven.

He burst through door and immediately leapt onto the nearest table.

“Everybody, listen up! I’m looking for a white unicorn with a crazy, electric blue mane. Her name is Vinyl Scratch. Anyone seen her around here tonight?”

He looked around and realized there were only two ponies in the restaurant, a couple of younger stallions, and he just happened to be standing in their food.

“Yeah, thanks for ruining my waffles, man,” one of them said, tossing his fork away in disappointment.

Spike blushed and hopped off the table. “Sorry, but it’s an emergency. I really need to find her. Can you help me?”

The other pony spoke up. “Hmm, was she wearing sunglasses by any chance?”

“Probably.”

“Yeah, we saw her, bro. She left with some stallion about an hour or so ago. He had a black mane and dark purple fur, or something. She said his name was Modem or some such nonsense. I can’t remember. I’m way too high right now, to be honest.”

Modem. Oh no…

“Thanks, broski.” Spike threw a few bits on their table. “Buy yourself some more waffles.”

And without a second thought, he was out the door.

*****

“Modem, stop, I’m serious!” Vinyl tried to squirm out of his grasp as he gripped tighter onto her. “Let go of me, you creep!”

“Hey, shut your mouth! You need to just relax a bit and let me show you a good time, alright? Then you can go.” Modem grabbed onto her tighter and began dragging her toward the bed.

“No! Let. Me. Go! I'm being serious!” She twisted and turned, but to no avail.

“I’m being serious, too. You never should have dumped me in the first place!”

Vinyl swung her head around and bit hard into his shoulder.

“Ahh!” He let go and grabbed his shoulder, giving Vinyl a brief moment of opportunity to escape. “Oh no you don’t!” he bellowed.

Modem chased after her down the hall and quickly caught up to her in the living room. He lunged and grabbed her by the leg. In one swift motion he pulled her toward him and forced her to the ground.

He pinned her down with a hoof. “Nopony fucks with Modem!”

He moved his face closer to Vinyl, going straight for her lips. Instead of meeting her lips, a fist met his cheek, sending him flying onto the floor.

Vinyl looked up, eyes wide in shock at her savior. “Spike?”

The dragon nodded to her before walking right over to Modem. He picked him up and pulled his face within inches of his own.

“Nopony fucks with my marefriend.”

Spike tossed him to the ground and ran over to Vinyl. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” She threw her hooves around him and hugged him tightly. “Spike, what are you doing here? How did you find me?”

“We can talk later. But first, wait outside. I’ve got a ride back to Ponyville waiting for us, so I’ll meet you in a second.”

“Wait, why can’t we leave now?”

“Because...” Spike turned to face Modem, cracking his knuckles. “I’ve gotta teach Modem here a little lesson on what happens when you hurt someone like that. And he’s gonna learn the hard way.”

“Thanks, Spike, but you should really—”

“Go, Vinyl! Let me handle this! I’ll meet up with you later!”

Spike turned his attention from Vinyl back to Modem, who was just now rising from the ground. “Alright, bro, let’s dance.”

Heart Invasion 101

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Spike tried to crack open his left eye, but the swelling did its job and kept it shut. He reached his one good arm over to grab his cup of water from the bedside table and took a few sips to wash away the taste of blood from his mouth.

“Oh… this sucks so bad.”

He heard the door to his room crack open, revealing Twilight.

“Hey, Spike. How are you feeling?” she asked, approaching him. “Any better?”

Spike chuckled and motioned toward his bruised and bandaged body. “Well, I can officially move my left leg now, so that’s a plus.”

Twilight laughed and lightly nudged him with her hoof. “Well, nobody ever said being a hero was easy.”

“Yeah, yeah, I guess. But I didn’t know it’d be this painful.” He groaned slightly as he stretched to put his water back on the table. Twilight quickly intervened and set it back for him.

“Well, Spike, I have some good news, if that’s any consolation,” she said.

“Oh yeah? And what might that be?”

“You have a visitor,” she said with a smile.

“Oh dear sweet Celestia, if it’s Pinkie, ask her to save the party for next week when I’m mobile again. I’m not exactly up for visitors right now.” He frowned and sunk his head into his pillow.

“Oh, I think you’ll want to make an exception,” Twilight said with a wink before turning back to the door. “Alright, c’mon in! He’s ready.”

Spike moaned and looked up to have his eyes greeted by a familiar sight

“Vinyl?”

“I think I’ll just leave you two alone,” Twilight said with a wink as she backed out the door.

“Hey, Spike,” Vinyl said, slowly approaching him. “How are you doing?”

Spike laughed lightly. “I’ve been better.”

“Heh, I imagine,” she said. “Modem got you pretty good, huh?”

“Yeah… you know, you could’ve mentioned he was a martial arts expert before I stepped in to save the day,” Spike said. “That could’ve saved us both some trouble.”

“I tried,” she said sitting next to him on the bed. “But, I know you would’ve saved me anyway.”

Without another word, she planted a light kiss on his cheek and nuzzled him. A muffled groan escaped from his lips.

“Ah, okay, that kind of hurt. In a good way, though.”

Vinyl pulled back and chuckled. “Sorry, but I just couldn’t help myself. You know how these moments are. Anyway, thank you, Spike.”

Spike tried his best to ignore the blushing on his cheeks and play it cool, but it was to no avail. “Hehe… no problem, Vinyl. A little bodily injury was more than worth stopping that guy from hurting you like that. And I’d do it any day, any time.”

“I know you would.”

Spike gulped down a breath of air. “So, Vinyl, about the whole thing with Flitter. I promise, it wasn’t—”

Vinyl cut him off with a hoof to his mouth. “Twilight explained everything. And besides, they call it the past for a reason. What matters is right now, and what we do toward the future. You feel me?”

Spike tried to continue, but instead relaxed beneath her touch and nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I feel you. Quite literally at the moment.”

“And that’s what’s important.”

Vinyl couldn’t help but to smile as she looked at him. She’d been searching a long time for the perfect stallion for her. But somehow, someway, that perfect stallion ended up being the perfect dragon instead.

She rested her head up against his. “Hey, Spike?”

Spike turned his head toward her. “Yeah, Vinyl?”

She motioned her head slightly toward him and whispered in his ear. “I love you.”

There it was. Spike could feel his heart bubble and melt into a horde of butterflies in his chest. Those words. Three simple words, yet they had never sounded better.

He had only one response.

He leaned over and shared a deep kiss with her.

“I love you, too.”