> The thing about maturity > by Scekkel > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > The fleeing > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight walked up the stairs in the library; she was quite irritated this morning. Spike was supposed to have helped her reorganize the books this morning, but he had been sleeping through it all, and now she wanted to give him a piece of her mind. She opened the door quite forcefully and yelled ’’Spike!’’ Spike opened his eyes slowly and saw the lavender unicorn beside him. He yawned and stretched. ‘’What’s up Twilight?’’ he said as he sat up in his basket, scratching his neck with closed eyes before stretching again. Twilight looked furious. ‘’You were supposed to help me this morning Spike.’’ She said. ‘’You promised that you would help me reorganize the books.’’ ‘’But when I tried to wake you earlier you said you would come in a minute’’ Spike froze as he remembered his promise ‘’I’m so sorry twilight’’ The Dragon said with an apologizing tone, while he looked down. ‘’I was just so tired and fell asleep again.’’ Twilight looked down at him but could not scold him anymore when she saw his adorable baby dragon face. ‘’Well we have other things to do this morning so come down and make some breakfast as an apology’’ she said in a teasing tone. Spike knew that it was okay again so he walked down the stairs and proceeded to the kitchen. Twilight laughed lightly ‘’That is my spike always helping others, except when he is sleepy.’’ She walked downstairs looking forward to one of Spikes breakfasts. He was really good in a kitchen. When she came downstairs Spike was already making breakfast; Haypanckes, her favourite. Half an hour later Spike called from the kitchen ‘’Food is ready’’ Twilight looked away from her books and glanced at the sun. She wondered why Spike had taken so long to prepare breakfast. Usually he would have been done within 10 minutes or so, but who was she to discuss with haypancakes. She walked into the kitchen where Spike balanced two cups and some apple cider on some plates. He put it down on the table and Twilight sat down while he poured some cider in the glasses Spike took the chair opposite her. Twilight started eating with enthusiasm; it was only when she had eaten about half of her pancakes that she looked at spike. He was sleeping on the table with some pancake on his fork in the left hand. Twilight looked at Spike as he started to snore. ‘’Spike, Spike!’’ Spike just slept on like nothing happened. Twilight got a little annoyed and with her horn she levitated a pot lit and a spoon close to spike and started hammering them together until spike flew up from his chair. As he slowly discovered that nothing was wrong twilight put the lid and spoon back in place. ‘’What is it with all your sleeping Spike’’ ‘’I’m so sorry Twilight but I’m just so tired.’’ Spike looked down. ‘’Rarity needed help with more work than she thought and we forgot the time so I was not home until 4 in the morning.’’ Twilight looked at Spike who was still looking down with a serious look. ‘’Spike, I know that you love Rarity, but don’t you think that it is bad for you to strain yourself so much to help her?’’ ‘’I mean it is good to help a friend but you can’t go on like this.’’ ‘’But Twilight’’ the young dragon said ‘’I really like being with Rarity even if it is just as a friend. Maybe some day she will like me.’’ Twilight looked down on him with pity in her eyes. ‘’Spike, I know that it is hard for you to never have your feelings reciprocated by Rarity’’ She felt really horrible with punching Spike with reality. ‘’ I just don’t think she will see you as more than a friend, you are so young compared to her and I think she looks for a stallion her own age’’ Twilight bit her own lip just as she finished speaking, regretting what she said right away. Spike finally looked up with tears in his eyes. He cried. He looked angrily at twilight. ‘’What do you know!’’ he shouted at her. ‘’What do you know about anything!’’ ‘’You always sit here reading your books; you never even had a coltfriend. Spike ran out the kitchen and up the stairs. He curled up in his basket after locking the door. Twilight looked down at the rest of her food and looked like she was going to throw up. She know that she had hurt the dragon but she knew that somepony had to say it to him sooner or later and figured that it was better to hear it from her than being rejected by Rarity. Spike cried in his basket. He knew that Twilight was right, but he had always pushed the thought away. He knew that she wanted a big muscular stallion like big mac or somepony like that. He knew that she wanted some one who was more mature than him. He just didn’t want to think about it, but the realisation showered him like nothing else, and the thought of him never being with Rarity was tearing him apart and he could not. He was so sad that he never thought he would be happy again. He just wanted to run away from it all and forget about Rarity. He opened his eyes and walked to the dresser where he knew he would find some paper and quills. Rarity woke up and greeted the sun with a yawn. She blinked a few times before she rose from the bed. She undressed herself and walked to she shower. While in the shower she loved to sing and one of her favourites was art of the dress, which was always inspiring to her. When she got out of the bath she looked at the watch and noticed how late it already was. ‘’Oh my’’ she said ‘’Did it really get so late last night.’’ She walked into her workroom ‘’Spike really was a great help yesterday, I must say that he has become quite the gentledragon to be so helpful’’ She really meant it. She would never have been able to do all that work, not even in a week if it had not been for the little dragon. Because when she was in the zone it would slow her down when she had to fetch fabrics and sewing materials herself. She decided to take the rest of the day off and ask Spike to dinner at a fine restaurant this evening. She was sure that the little dragon was still sleeping and imagined her cute little Spikey-Wickey sleeping sweetly in his basket. Her image of the little dragon was destroyed when she reckoned that Twilight probably had already woken him. She decided to go ask him right away then there would still be time for her to get back to her Boutique and get ready for dinner. She walked through town waving and greeting her fellow ponies as she passed. Everypony especially the stallions always looked when Rarity walked past them. She was the most beautiful pony in Ponyville, maybe even in Equestria. She had had countless offers from different stallions through the years but it never got beyond dating, as she was saving herself for her special somepony. She had never asked out a stallion and the ones she had been out with had always only been after her looks, and even though that was half of it, they never cared much for her personality, and she never really liked their personality, therefore it always ended with a breakup. Finally Rarity reached the library and gently knocked the door. ‘’Spikie! Are you there?’’ she shouted Twilight opened the door and greeted Rarity. ‘’Hello Rarity.’’ ‘’Well good day Twilight.’’ Rarity gracefully greeted back. ‘’Is Spike there?’’ she asked looking inside the tree. Twilight hesitated ‘’Well…’’ ‘’Well?’’ Rarity said looking confused Twilight was about to tell her about her little green friend’s heartbreak but was silenced by a silent. ‘’Forever.’’ in her head. ‘’Did you hear that?’’ She asked Rarity ‘’Hear what darling?’’ Rarity said a little concerned ‘’Ehh nothing’’ Twilight answered. ‘’Well.’’ Rarity pushed. ‘’Well what?’’ Twilight said. ‘’Is he there.’’ Rarity said a little annoyed. ‘Uhm yes of course’’ Twilight said like awaking from a trance. ‘’He is just upstairs, wait here and I’ll go get him.’’ ‘’You don’t need to do that, I’m sure he won’t mind if it’s me’’ she said going around Twilight. ‘’Wait!’’ Twilight said, but too late. Rarity had already climbed the stairs and opened the door Twilight sighed and slowly climbed after her. About halfway she heard Rarity gasp loudly. Twilight took the last few steps in a hurry and ran into the room where she found Rarity sitting on the bed with tears in her eyes and a piece of paper in her hooves. Twilight walked over to her ‘’Rarity are you okay?’’ Rarity seemed very sad and sobbed a little while she regained her senses. ‘’It’s for you dear.’’ Rarity handed Twilight the letter and she immediately recognized spikes handwriting. Dear Twilight You are right about everything you said and I’m sorry I snapped at you. I’m not mature or strong enough to be with her. I guess I have always known but have always tried to just don’t think about it. Therefore I’m leaving. My decision is clear. My love for her is eternal but it is too big for me to handle right now and after our talk, the bare thought of me being around Rarity kills me inside when I know I can’t be with her. I don’t know what the future will bring but I will not come back until I can be the one for her, she is the only one for me. Yours truly – Spike. Twilight had to read it twice for her brain to comprehend it, and even then she found the whole situation ridiculous. How could Spike, her nr. 1 assistant have left. But a few moments later she realized what fool she had been. She had rejected Spike in Raritys place, before he had even talked to her about his feelings. Before he had had even the slightest chance to get his girl she had crushed his dream. She had said something she had no right to. It was her fault Spike had gone. ‘’It’s all my fault she said.’’ A tear found it’s way down her cheek while she collapsed on the floor. ‘’It’s all my fault’’ Rarity had been sitting looking straight into the wall since she handed Twilight the letter, but when Twilight collapsed she woke from the deep trance she had been in. She walked over to Twilight on the floor and looked at her. ‘’Twilight.’’ She said with a determined voice. Twilight looked up at her beautiful friend while revealing the tears streaming down the face. ‘’Twilight I am quite sure that whatever you said to him, it was something that had to be done. In reality the guilt lies with me. I should have talked to him about it long ago, but I never did. If you should blame someone it should be me. I am sure you did what you did in a good meaning, and you did the best you could and nobody can expect more from you than that.’’ Twilight looked at her still with tears in her eyes, but she had stopped crying. She just continued looking at her. She was really beautiful, majestic even; she could understand why Spike was so crazy about this mare. ‘’I should have spoken to you before I said all that to Spike’’ she sobbed. ‘’Now that is correct, you should have spoken to me about it that would have been the recommended course of action, but try to see what has happened Twilight. You did not want him to suffer anymore. You did it in his interest.’’ Twilight got up on her hooves again and hugged Rarity. ‘’We should both have done something different Rarity. But I am sorry I had no right to blend in and say those things. It was none of my business. Rarity hugged back ‘’Now we must believe in Spike and hope he can take care of himself. He will return when he feels ready I am sure of it.’’ Twilight pulled away and smiled at Rarity. ‘’You are right of course, and I think he will be alright.’’ Suddenly the big front door was kicked wide open and in shared joy of what they both thought was spikes return they both ran out of the room. But suddenly a voice called ‘’Twilight, hurry come here!!!!’’ > When we look up to others > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thing About Maturity chapter 2 "When We Look Up To Others " By: Scekkel My Little Pony © Hasbro It was Rainbow Dash, she had something yellow and purple in her hooves. Rarity recognized the little thing as Scootaloo. "Oh my, whatever did happen Dash," Rarity gasped ‘’She tried to show off in front of Rainbow Dash.’’ Sweetie Belle said as she and Apple bloom came running in behind Rainbow. ‘’She tried to do a Sonic Rainboom, but she couldn’t and ended up crashing into the Everfree Forest,’’ Apple Bloom continued. ‘’Then why haven’t you brought her to the hospital!’’ Twilight almost screamed in panic. ‘’Well we already did but they couldn’t find anything wrong with her, and when I told them I found her in a big pink plant they thought it could be something magical, and since you are the best magic caster in Ponyville we thought you could help.’’ Twilight looked seriously at Rainbow, ‘’did the tree have water drop shaped leaves?’’ ‘’Yeah I think so’’ Rainbow Said. Twilight exhales deeply and looked a little more relaxed ‘’Scootaloo have encountered the sleeping nest’’ ‘’The sleeping nest?’’ Rainbow said ‘’Yes, the sleeping nest,’’ Twilight continued: ‘’I read about it in Supernaturals, after we were at Zecoras the first time I thought I might give the book a read. The tree itself is not lethal but she might sleep for many years and that might lead to death if she is not cared for.’’ ‘’For years!!’’ Rainbow, Sweetie and Apple Bloom gasped ‘’Yes,’’ Twilight said, ‘’ there is however a cure, but I can’t really remember the exact recipe.’’ ‘’Well what are you waiting for,’’ Rainbow pushed. ‘’Where is the book?’’ ‘’Well’’ Twilight started carefully. ‘’ When I reshelved earlier, I was so angry at Spike, I didn’t really pay attention to where I put the books, so it could be anywhere.’’ ‘’What!’’ The others said. ‘’Well we just have to look for it,’’ Rarity declared. ‘’You’re right Rarity’’ Twilight said and started to give instructions ‘’Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle you look at all the lowest parts of the shelves. Rainbow you give Scootaloo to Rarity and start searching the upper part, I am going to look in the middle and Rarity you take Scootaloo and put her on my bed, and while you are in there, search my room and see if it should be in there.’’ '’Yes Twilight’’ everyone replied and split up. Rainbow flew up and down the shelves and sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom started in separate ends while Twilight looked in the middle. Rainbow had placed Scootaloo carefully on the back of Rarity, who at this moment carefully slid her down on the bed, and made sure she was okay before she started her search. She started at the desk but there was nothing, then the nightstand, also nothing, it was not long before she only had one piece of furniture to look in, the dresser. She looked in the first three drawers, but there were only clothes. It was not until she opened the last drawer that something caught her eyes. There was the bowtie she had made for Spike one year earlier and some finer clothes; after all he did not wear clothes regularly, so it was not surprising that had left it there. In the back of the drawer there was a notebook, some rolls of parchment and the big sapphire stone she had given spike a few years ago. She was a little surprised to see it. She thought he ate it the moment she gave it to him, but here it lay along spikes other belongings, which was few. After the whole story with his birthday he was afraid of it happening again, so he tried to not own too much. She opened the notebook and her eyes opened bright, when she saw what it contained. It was in Spikes handwriting and her name appeared as the only word in the first page. She was about to read further but was disturbed by a loud ‘’I found it’’ from the other room. Twilight popped her head in ‘’Rarity you don’t need to look for the book anymore. Apple Bloom found it beside some high skilled magic book. I don’t know what I have been thinking putting it there.’’ She pulled her head back and left Rarity alone. Rarity looked back on the notebook and the scrolls, she knew that she should not read them. It was Spikes private things for God sake, but he had taken his leave for now. She shed a little tear ‘’no Rarity you must stay strong,’’ she thought ‘’for twilights sake, she is also very upset and I may have to support her through this.” “But who is supposed to help me…’’ she whelped quietly. She grabbed the book with her mouth and levitated the scrolls with her magic. She looked out the door and saw that the library was completely empty. She heard voices from the kitchen. They were probably about to prepare the cure for Scootaloo. Rarity looked to the door and a little to the right, her eye caught what she was looking for. Her saddlebag. She left the book in her mouth to her magic and levitated the whole lot into her bag quietly without making any noise, while she praised herself for remembering the saddlebag. She walked back into the room to check on Scootaloo before going down to the kitchen. ‘’How is she?’’ Rainbow Dash asked immediately ‘’I believe she is okay, she haven’t really moved but her breath seemed to be normal.’’ ‘’Good,’’ Twilight commented ‘’Then she haven’t received a lethal dose.’’ Rarity looked confused, ‘’whatever do you mean darling? I thought you said the toxin was not lethal at all.’’ ‘‘Well,’’ Twilight started ‘’Apparently I remembered wrong. You can actually die from the toxin. It works as a nerve tranquilizer and if the dose is overdone your nerves might die from it. Apparently as a result from the toxin you pass out, but it seems like the medicine is done. Let’s go up to see if it works’’ They all climbed down the stairs; one pony in particular made sure she walked behind the others, making sure nopony noticed that her bag was suddenly filled with something. They entered the room and spread around the bed. Twilight who had a glass full of some blue coloured liquid in her magic aura, levitated it as close to Scootaloos mouth as possible before beginning to pour it down her throat. Almost instantly Scootaloo opened her eyes and started running around the room. Rainbow Dash tried to get her to stand still but twilight stopped her ‘’no no you mustn’t stop her she has to use the remaining energy, we just kick-started her body and it has so stabilize itself before we do anything.’’ Scootaloo finally stopped and fell on the floor. ‘’Scootaloo!!’’ Sweety Belle, Rainbow Dash and Apple bloom yelled while running to her side and help her to stand up. ‘’What happened’’ Scootaloo mumbled as they tried to sit her on the bed. Rainbow Dash looked angrily at her ‘’What did you have to do that for!!’’ she yelled at her. ‘’Why would you even try such an advanced thing, at your age! You finally learned to fly and before you get to enjoy it, you want to kill yourself!” Scootaloo looked down, as she suddenly didn’t feel so bad about the dizziness anymore. ‘’Well I, I, I just wanted to be like you, you made the Sonic Rainboom when you where little and I figured that if I could do it as well you would train me to be just like you’’ Rainbow Dash looked stunned, ‘‘is that really why you did it kid? To impress me?’’ Scootaloo nodded. Rainbow hugged her. Scootaloo was immensely surprised and even Rarity could not let a surprised look pass. ‘’Of course I will train you’’ Rainbow Dash said ‘’You should just have asked me, I got really lucky when I did it the first time and it’s a wonder I didn’t crash too’’ ‘’Really’’ said Scootaloo surprised when Rainbow Dash pulled back. ‘’You really want to train me?’’ ‘’Of course squirt’’ Rainbow Dash said with a grin ‘’After I became a Wonderbolt last year I have been searching for new challenges, and you may be exactly what I need’’ Scootaloo almost begun crying but held it in ‘’Thank you so much Rainbow’’ ‘’But you should probably get home soon squirt’’ Rainbow Dash said suddenly ‘’If you want to be ready to start training tomorrow’’ ‘’Yes Rainbow,’’ Scootaloo said. ‘’Come on,’’ she said to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle ‘’I am so gonna get my cutiemark tomorrow.’’ Scootaloo was the only one in the crusaders who had not got her cutiemark yet, but the others had stayed in the clubhouse with her to support her, but this time they were sure that she would get it. Rarity looked after the three friends who ran out the door. ‘’That was really nice of you Dash,’’ Twilight acknowledged. ‘’That is probably her greatest wish fulfilled’’ ‘’Well, when I was little I had my father help me training, until I got better than him of course, but Scootaloo has nopony to teach her so I figured it would be nice for her to get a coach just to start her out, so she would be able to fly her own path one day.’’ The two other ponies looked at her with big eyes. ‘’Well it’s not anything to get emotional over or something, it’s just helping somepony. It’s not like I feel responsible or anything. Rarity and Twilight giggled. ‘’Whatever you say,’’ Twilight teased ‘’Well anyhoof, I got to go home,’’ Rainbow Dash said looking out the window and then she took off, while Twilight and Rarity waved goodbye. Twilight and Rarity found their way down the stairs and talked about this and that until Rarity made a serious face ‘’Will you be okay by yourself darling?’’ Twilight looked very sad. ‘’I know that Spike does something which he has to and our talk earlier really helped me. So I feel very sad, but I just have to get used to be alone, at least for now.’’ Rarity looked at Twilight with a newly found respect for the lavender pony, she herself could burst into tears right away. ‘’Well dear I should really get on my way as well.’’ She grabbed her saddlebag and gave Twilight a hurried farewell before setting her course for the Boutique. Twilight stood waving in the open doorway, she noticed that it had become quite dark already and the moon carefully stood almost transparent in the sky. As soon as Rarity reached her home she locked the door, and put the bag on her bed in the upstairs chamber. She lay down on the bed and began to cry. She cried for what felt like several hours and when she finally opened her eyes, the moon stood big round and full outside her window. She sat up. This was all her fault she thought, why did she not do anything, why had she not spoken to the little dragon about all this. She sat there looking out the window at the moonlight. She just stared while thinking of the little dragon. Was he all right? Was he cold? Was he safe? She knew why of course, she had always enjoyed being together with Spike whenever they had the chance, but it had never been a must for her to take it to the next level. They had been so close the last couple of years, and that had been enough for her at the time. But now she found herself here crying her heart out only wishing Spike would come back. Rarity reached into the saddlebag with her magic and found the little black notebook. She dried her eyes with her hooves, as she would not like to spill on the book with her tears. She opened on the first page with her name on it. It was written with the finest curls and dots, she doubted she could write it more graceful herself. She took a deep breath before beginning to read. > It's good to have friends > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thing About Maturity chapter 3 "It's good to have friends" By: Scekkel My Little Pony © Hasbro The book became more valuable by the second. It contained not only things about her and pictures of her and Spike, well mostly her, but also poems, sketches and songs written about her. She felt completely lost in the containment of the book. Before she had even read the first ten pages her eyes where again full of tears, she tried to blink them away but it just poured down her face, she had to stop several times before finishing it. It wasthe most beautiful thing she had ever read. Such an innocent but experienced love. She suddenly remembered the sealed scrolls, which she also ‘borrowed’ from Spikes drawer. It contained sketches of her in different poses, but it was equal in all that she was laughing and with him. She blushed a little because one contained a sketch of them kissing but her whole head turned red when she found a rather intimate drawing of herself. She sighed and tried to take it easy. It was Spikes private stuff after all and she looked rather ravishing. It was certainly not something she could or would get angry over. Everypony have their secrets and Spike had no reason to hide his artistic talents. She folded it back together still blushing a little. Then she noticed a last scroll on the bed beside her, she opened it. It was not a sketch but a poem. She read it with tears in her eyes, this was probably the only thing meant for her to see. It did not rhyme, it sounded more like a letter but it was so beautiful and innocent that she could not get herself to stop reading. It was him, his feelings, his being, that was poured into this one piece of paper written in small verses. It held so much meaning, so much love and only meant to be read by her. She put the books and scrolls back in her saddlebag and levitated it down on the floor. She reached into her night table with her magic. From the drawer she levitated a big red heart shaped fire ruby. It was protected inside a gold locker. The great gem was given to her by Spike some years ago. She let it dump down in her hooves and hugged it. ‘’What have I done Spike’’ she said and only wished that he would open the door to her bedroom this instant. Spike finished the letter before climbing down from the Tree house. He started walking out of Ponyville towards the Everfree Forest. He thought that would be something a man would do, but eventually he found himself lost between close trees, but made himself walk further until reason finally caught up with him. ‘’What am I doing?’’ he mumbled to himself. This was not something Rarity wanted, he had seen the types of ponies she rejected all of them was somepony who was a complete show-off. That’s what she told him. They had all been very self-conscious and wanted her for appearance only. But what were he supposed to do then? How could he show Rarity that he was just as cool as any stallion could be? He sat down on a fallen tree. Tears began to fall down his cheeks and he felt as lonely and sad as ever. ‘’Now what in the world is that I see, I didn’t think I would meet somepony on my spree’’ Spike turned and looked over his left shoulder. ‘’Hey Zecora,’’ he said a little gloomy. Zecora walked to his side and placed a hoof on his shoulder ‘’You look troubled my friend, anything I can do to make it end? Spike who had turned around to face Zecora looked up at her ‘’No you can’t, unless you have a potion which will make me more mature’’. Zecora looked at him a little puzzled at first, but then said, “If it is maturity you seek my friend your journey will never end.” Spike looked confused. “What do you mean Zecora? Will I never become mature? Will I always be a kid? Zecora looked knowingly back at him with a surprisingly big amount of sympathy in her eye. “Maturity is not something you suddenly get, it is a hard road of insecurity and debt" "But tell me young dragon, why have you jumped on the maturity wagon”. Spike looked back at her with confusion painted in his face, but then understood that Zecora was asking about Rarity. “I… I mean… there is this mare that I kind of like, but she is a bit older than me. I love her so much, but she doesn’t seem to view me as a suitable dragonfriend. I mean she is so much more mature, and she seem like she never worries about anything. I love her and yet I don’t even know if she would take me serious". They stood there for a moment while Zecora suddenly looked surprised. "You know young dragon, I would say it’s time to get your saddle on. Only by asking your beautiful mare you can know if she really is fair." Spike understood her but he just could not seem to wrap his head around it… “She would laugh… for sure she would.” The beautiful mare of his dreams was laughing at him in his thoughts, it was just unbearable to him. But that wasn’t right, Rarity wasn’t that kind of pony. She was in fact a very generous and loyal friend, even to him, who was only Twilights servant, but sometimes it felt far better to just let her laugh than for her to reject him. He did not understand why, although maybe it had something to do with the fact that he would rather want to lose his feelings towards her if she laughed than being rejected and still love her. It seemed twisted to him, because he knew of Raritys kindness and deep down he knew that he could never hate her. Zecora slowly walked to him and bowed her head to the mumbling and concentrated dragon. “You know what you must do, to get your mare true". He looked up at her with tears in his eyes, something he had never really been able to control. He smiled. Yes he knew what he had to, it was fairly obvious in fact, he would just have to ask, did he not do it he would certainly never get Rarity. Hearing the name whispered in his brain suddenly made him yearn for his home and the beautiful mare. He looked at the sky and saw that is was already dark, and he did not really want to go through the forest tonight. “Zecora?” “Can I sleep in you cottage tonight?” Zecora smiled and said “Of course”.   Rarity awoke the next morning, her hair in great disorder and felt the dried out tears on her face. She looked down on the gem in her hooves, she had been warming it up with her body heat the whole night and now it just laid there in her hooves. Rarity quietly cuddled the stone. She did not want to get up and just when the tears started coming out again, she heard a knock on the door. Rarity sat up and kept looking at the door not believing her own ears. It knocked again. “It’s Spike” she thought “It must be!!”. She ran as fast as she could, though she had time enough to put the stone back in the drawer with a red face, before she reached the door. She practically ripped off the door with her magic as she opened it. “Spike!!!” She yelled “I’m so sorry”. On the other side of the door she met an extremely surprised Twilight, who reached by jumping a few steps back. Rarity looked at Twilight, and started crying again “I am so sorry Twilight, but in my dream Spike came to my room and and… I thought that it had suddenly come true.” Twilight looked at her crying friend and offered a helping hoof. She looked at the usually beautiful mare, who had sleepy eyes, messed up hair and fur. She looked nothing like her usual self. “Have you heard anything from him, Twilight?” Twilight shook her head. “No I haven’t and I am actually getting pretty worried. Rarity began to whimper, she looked so sad and Twilight began to stroke her friend’s mane. There was something Twilight wanted to ask her but that could wait till she had calmed down. Slowly Rarity pulled herself together and thanked twilight for being there for her. “It’s okay, what are friends for anyway. They smiled at one another. Rarity went down into the kitchen while Twilight sat down in raritys very comfy sofa. A few moments later Rarity came back with a teapot and two cups. As she levitated the pot and cups to the table a few tear escaped her eyes and Twilight grabbed her hoof. “We’ll find him Rarity” “Don’t worry.” Rarity smiled at the sudden kind act. She knew that Spike would return, but she was very scared that something might happen to her. “But there is something I don’t understand Rarity” Twilight said. “And what might that be?” Rarity said, with a questioned look. “ Why are you suddenly so interested in Spike?” “I mean, it has always been obvious that he liked you. So why is it that you are so sad?” Rarity sighed and closed her eyes before she poured some of the tea for her and Twilight. “I thought that you might bring it up.” “You see, I always thought good about the little dragon, but the thing is that it never was more than that. I have always thought about him as a very good friend, no more than that. He is such a sweet gentledragon and I really enjoy his company.” Twilight looked a little irritated at her and Rarity sensed that she wasn’t to be dragged around and Rarity knew that the battle was lost even before it had begun. Rarity sighed again. "He is just so young Twilight, I mean he is almost 6 years younger than me but..” Tears appeared in her eyes but she forced them to stop as best she could. “…But I just love him so much. I love being around him and as long as possible I wanted to just let it be as it was. I often wanted to kiss him and I knew that he would like that as well, but I thought that maybe I could let our relation move on and tried not to think about him to much. I was and I still am afraid what people would say if I were to be with him. It’s not that he is too young to be with someone, but on top of the age he is a dragon. How could a pony ever be with a dragon.” Rarity could no longer control her tears and they had full run as she collapsed on the sofa, crying. Twilight rose from the sofa and walked around the table. She reached out to the crying white unicorn, and reached her hoof, which the unicorn used to cover her eyes. Rarity uncovered her eyes and stopped crying, she looked at the smiling purple mare in front of her, and couldn’t help but smile back. “Thanks for being here Twilight” she said. “What are friends for?” The mare answered. The two Unicorns continued to speak for some hours until Twilight had to go and tend the library. “Don’t worry Rarity, I am sure we will find him back in Ponyville soon.” “I hope you are right” Rarity answered. She waved her off and went back in. Twilight walked towards the library until she knew Rarity could no longer see her. She then changed direction and walked towards the Everfree Forest.   As she passed the first line of trees a dread feeling washed over her. She was of course used to this, having been to the Everfree so often, but she automatically switched to a more “Aware of her surroundings mode” so that she could be on guard if any of the great dangers of the forest decided to come lurking against her. After some time she reached a little cottage, in the middle of the forest. She walked to the door and knocked. A second later Zecora popped out. “Hello Zecora” she said. “How is he?” “He will be counting a lot of sheep as I have given him a draught of sleep.” Zecaora answered. Twilight made her way in to Zecoras cottage and found Spike the Dragon sleeping peacefully on the couch. “How long has he been sleeping?” Twilight asked “Since I got your note he has been on the sleeping boat.” Zecora answered. She produced the note from her counter where half a bottle of sleep potion also rested. Twilight smiled “Thank you Zecora, it was imperative that he did not come home before I had a chance to talk with Rarity, I’m glad Owlowiscious found you before it was too late, I had him show the note to everypony we knew who lived on the borders of Ponyville. I had not instructed him to come here, but I am glad he did. Zecora smiled “Glad to help I am, wherever and whenever I can.” Twilight smiled, she had never really understood why the odd Zebra had to rhyme. She had always done so, and they had never been in a position where it had been “the right time to ask”. Every time the Zebra had shown there had been some sort of crisis and she never got around to it. But as they sat there Twilight suddenly got curious. Zecora offered her some tea and Twilight accepted and Zecora turned around to boil the water, Twilight suddenly recognized the smell of her favourite tea-blend. Zecora always made sure Twilight was fully stocked, as she was quite proud that someone else was so fond of her tea. As Zecora sat the cup in front of Twilight, she thanked her and waited for her to take the place opposite her. Zecora sat down and drank a little tea. Twilight sat indifferently and waited a little, trying to think of something to begin a conversation about Zecora and her oddities, but her thought process was soon cut of and her brain decided to wait and ask the question some other time, because now Zecora had a question to ask. “How long has the dragon had the feeling of love, to the pony white as a dove?” Zecora suddenly said. Twilight thought a bit and then replied: “Well, he has been in love with her ever since he saw her the first time. I believe it was when I originally came to Ponyville for the first time. She was picking out some decorations for the Summer Sun Celebration and ever since then he has been head over heels for her.” Zecora nodded in understanding. She seemed to think a lot over what to say next, but then drank some tea and Twilight continued. “It has not always been easy for him” she said with a sigh. “In the start it was okay because it was only a light crush and he could not see the problems of them getting together, but as time went on and Rarity showed absolutely no romantic feelings for him he got really sad. It was then he started to write” She said the latter with a smile. “Spike is actually a very good writer when it comes to romance. He became a little happier when he could experience him and Rarity on paper and would write a ton when he came home from having helped her in the boutique. It was such a charm to read and he actually made a few songs too.” Zecora looked amazed over the little guys determination about his love. “Love is a strong inspiration, it will always be a powerful relation. Twilight nodded, but saw that she had finished her tea and even though Zecora offered more Twilight really had to get home to oversee that everything went okay the day after, so she called it a night and went home. Zecora went to Spikes bed and stood there looking at him: “You are so lucky that you had such good friends and that your lover is still here waiting for you” “You don’t know how lucky you are” she said with a smile and went to bed with a little tear in her eye. > I name thee Brother and Sister > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thing About Maturity Chapter 4 "I name thee Brother and Sister" By: Scekkel My Little Pony © Hasbro When Twilight got home she saw two big shadows standing outside her tree. When she came closer she noticed, that it was two big ponies with capes on. She progressed with caution and moved nearer and she opened her mouth as to speak, but then one of the ponies turned around and Twilight was so shocked that she kept her mouth open. It was Luna, her mane shining bright in the moonlight as she took off her cape, next to her was Celestia who did the same thing, although her mane looked quite pale in the moonlight. “Hello Twilight” her old teacher said with a smile on her lips. Luna smiled seeing Twilight with her mouth still open. “I believe you have used a stun spell on your former student, dear sister.” Luna said. Twilight realized how ridiculous she looked and hurriedly tried to look normal. She bowed for the princesses. “Twilight, there is no need for this formality we are not in public.” Celestia said. “Sorry princess”, she said and blushed. “It has just become normal to me. Why are you here?” “We are here to discuss some important things with you. So may we come in?” Luna said with a smile. Twilight unlocked the door and had the princesses enter first. Luna looked searching at Twilight while she continued inside the tree. She showed them to the big table in the middle of the living room. Luna sat down opposite Twilight and Celestia took the place at the end of the table. Twilight became aware that she was the hostess and thought it rude not to have offered her old mentor and her beautiful sister anything to drink yet. “Do any of you want something to drink?” She asked hastily. Celestia politely said no, but Luna would very much like a cup. As Twilight made her way to the kitchen the two princesses began to whisper to one another. “Tia!” Luna whispered. “Do you really think she will say yes?” Celestia looked at her younger sister, even after all this time back from the moon she was still uneasy about other ponies. She had not yet found a way to become her old self again. A thousand years ago Luna had been a pony a princess with integrity and bravery. Now she looked to Celestia before taking any decisions. “Luna”, Celestia whispered back. “She is your friend, even if she says no you should not feel bad, but I am sure she will not, you are important to her. After all she did on nightmare night for you, you still doubt her”? Luna looked down, she knew it was not fair to be thinking that Twilight would not like her, but she could not help it, as soon as she had rejoined Equestria and her sister she had felt like she did not belong and as though she had no right to do anything much less be a princess after all she had done. “But Tia…” She was cut off as they heard the kettle from the kitchen and soon Twilight walked in with a tray and three cups. “I brought an extra in case you changed your mind Celestia” She sat down the tray and poured up the tea. “It is my favourite tea”. Twilight said smiling. Luna tasted the black liquid and could not remember she had tasted better tea in her time. “It really is good” Luna tried a smile but it came off quite hollow. Twilight did not notice and just smiled. “My friends Zecora makes it” she said glad. Celestia made herself noticed by coughing. “Twilight we have something to talk to you about.” “Good morning Spike.” Twilight said playfully, but when he didn’t react the slightest, she put her lavender hoof on his body and push him gently until he slowly began to sit up. Spike felt like he had been hit with a hammer, his head felt really heavy like if he had been sleeping for 2 days or something. As the blur in front of his eyes began to clear he could recognize the lavender spot in front of his eyes. Twilight looked worried down at her number one assistant, who sat on the bed with a claw to his head. She thought it best not to tell him, that she and Zecora had made him sleep for over 48 hours, right away. Instead she bowed down her head and said “Spike? Are you okay?” Spikes ears recognized the sound, but his brain refused to process it, he was still too sleepy. Twilight got a little impatient and decided to summon some water with her horn. Her horn buzzed a little as her lavender aura sparked from her horn. The water began to show inside the aura and continued to grow until Twilight stopped the spell. She hovered the water above Spike and with a grin, she let go of the liquid. Spike flew up from the bed, with a loud whelp, like someone had burned his tail, but as soon as he regained consciousness he saw Twilight grinning next to his bed and got quite embarrassed over his loud scream. Twilight laughed a bit while Spikes cheeks got even redder. “What are you doing here, Twilight,” the purple dragon suddenly asked. “How did you know I was here?” As lovely it has been to be awoken by Twilight, he did not understand how she could be here. He had left Ponyville and as far as Rarity and Twilight should know it had been for good or a very long while at least. He had thought her to be angry, but there she was as happy as ever, smiling at him. Twilight wasn’t good at lying. She was actually quite bad at it. She did not like that she had to deliver wrong facts, not even touching the subject of lying to friends and how bad she felt about it. She had once tried to lie to Celestia when she was still a student of hers: She had been sneaking around the castle at night in search for a book Celestia had strictly forbidden her to look in, and of course Celestias diary had been in her sleeping quarters. Twilight snuck in, took it and made her way back to her own room. When she discovered what was in the book she felt quite bad, but as she tried to sneak it back Celestia awoke and Twilight ran out. The next morning she tried to tell her that she had seen the book in the library and thought to return it, but that she was frightened that Celestia thought she had taken it. Celestia said nothing about it all, but thanked her for returning it. Later Twilight had been feeling so bad that she confessed to Celestia who of course had known all along. She forgave her, but warned her to never lie to anypony again. But now Twilight stood there, in spite of what her mentor had said, and prepared to lie to her number one assistant who she saw as a brother, but this of course was for Spikes benefit. It was essential that he didn’t know, what had been happening yesterday and the day before. She wasn’t sure how he would take it so had decided to put it away for the time being. Twilight opened her mouth. “Well, I am here to get some tea from Zecora, what are you doing here? She said a little harsh as though she was cross with him for leaving. Spike looked down. “I’m sorry Twilight, he almost whispered. “I didn’t know what to do, I just felt like it was the right thing to do.” Twilight loosened her expression and hugged the very surprised dragon. “I’m just happy you are okay Spike, but another time talk to me about it.” Spike smiled with a little hint of guilt though, but he hugged her back. Twilight pulled back from the embrace and said. “Well did you find what you wanted Spike?” “Well, Zecora and I had a talk about it and I kinda understand what it means to be mature. It seems that you can never really become mature, but you can only grow with your own pace, but there will always be things to learn and so on.” To Spike it felt good to tell Twilight about this. He understood what Zecora had tried to tell him when they met in the forest, or at least he thought he did. Twilight tilted her head and made her thinking face. “So you feel more mature now?”, she asked him. “Well, kinda but I don’t really know, it is hard to understand, and I don’t think I look more mature yet. “Spike,” Twilight said. “Of course you don’t look mature yet, you are not that old and even I with all my books and scrolls don’t really feel like I look mature. I’m only a few years older than you and in my eyes you are much more mature than all the other dragons I have met. You are really brave and sometimes I feel that you are much more mature than I. You always know what you want to do and you’re not scared of anything when it comes to the people you love.” Spike almost had tears in his eyes after hearing it, but pushed them back. “So, do you think I should ask Rarity out on a date?” He said while his cheeks grew red. Twilight remembered what she had said to Spike the day before yesterday and her talk with Rarity about it. She had been struck by guilt ever since she said those things to him and when he then ran off she felt really bad about it. “Spike, I never had any right to say those things”, she said. “I should not have intervened, but you have to understand that I was only trying to help you.” She looked down. Spike embraced her once more. “Don’t worry Twi, I know why you did it and you were right in doing it, after all these years we are more like siblings than anything else, so I understand why you did it.” Twilight answered the embrace. “I feel the same way brother.” Zecora looked through the door to her sleeping chamber at the brother and sister and couldn’t help but shedding a little tear. Half an hour later Twilight and Spike were on their way, waving back at Zecora until they were to far away to see her anymore. Then Twilight smiled and said, “let’s go home, brother.” “Yes let’s do that, sister” Spike answered Rarity blinked her eyes a few times before threading the needle again, the dress in front of her, that until a couple of hours ago had been a roll of fabric, some thread and other various things, now looked simply gorgeous. It was, after all, one she had made for herself and Rarity was the kind of pony who always wanted to look her best. She took the wine red cocktail dress off the table and with use of her blue aura she put it on. She looked fabulous; it only needed a small touch up to secure the quality of a Rarity made dress. She looked at herself in the mirror and when she saw herself, she suddenly felt hollow. Spike would always be there to tell her how beautiful she looked, but now he wasn’t. It wasn’t because she needed someone to tell her how beautiful she looked it was because it was him who said it. She liked going on the catwalk for the dragon, he would always come with the last little corrections for the dresses to look, if possible, even more amazing. But none of this mattered. It was the company she missed, a friend whom she had come to like over the years, her own personal little Spikey-Wikey. She didn’t cry this time, she knew why he had left and understood why, it was mostly her fault over all and knew that if she had the chance, she would ask the dragon out herself. Even though it was not something a lady would do, she had come to like the dragon so much that she wanted to give him a fair chance, to show her what he was worth. She suddenly thought of something and went upstairs to her bed and levitated the fire-ruby necklace around her neck and looked in her bedroom mirror. “Oh Spike,” she whispered. “If only I had said something while I had the time.” Suddenly she heard a loud but firm knock coming from the door. She took off the dress and necklace and put them on her bed. She then made her way to the door and opened it. > When we meet and when we part from people we love > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thing About Maturity Chapter 5 "When we meet and when we part from people we love" By: Scekkel My Little Pony © Hasbro Spike and Twilight had almost reached the old tree within they had been living since Twilight came to Ponyville, so very long ago. Spike was a little uneasy going back into Ponyville. Their friends probably knew what he had done and why. He had a feeling that Rainbow would pick on him, at least when Twilight and Rarity wasn’t close. She was of course as anyone knew pretty full of herself. He had expressed his uneasiness to Twilight, but she had reassured him, that with recent events Rainbow wouldn’t be up to anything for some time, that she would have her hooves full. Spike attempted to ask her about it, and she assured him, that she would explain at a later point. But she also confessed that she had not had the time to tell anypony. They had now reached the library, but Twilight suddenly stopped. “Spike, there is something we have to discuss before we go in, she said with a nervous look. Spike looked confused at her. “What is it Twilight”? Twilight sank once and took a deep breath. “Luna and Celestia came here yesterday evening, she started. “I had a long talk with both of them and it seems that Luna still has a hard time fitting in, she has after all been gone for a whole millennia. I can only imagine how much different the culture we live in today must feel to her.” Twilight closed her eyes for a few moments before continuing. “Celestia and Luna are very busy ponies and right now Celestia takes on most of the work and she has no time to teach Luna about all the things that have happened. That’s why they have asked me to tutor her in what has happened since she went to the moon.” Spike looked confused over the sadness in her tone. Normally Twilight would be head over heels to teach someone about history and especially legal knowledge. “So that’s why”, she opened the door to the library. “They have asked me to come to Canterlot.” Inside the Library trunks and packs where spread around the common area. Some of them were neatly stacked in the corner, but other was still in the packing process, books and clothing hanging out of the openings. Spikes heart almost stopped, it was too much to handle this. How could they travel to Canterlot now? Now that he had finally worked up the courage to ask out Rarity. “Spike I really am sorry about this, but I will be gone for almost a whole year.” She continued with a hint of guilt in her voice. “Wait what?” Spikes mind said. Did that mean he didn’t have to come with her? He looked at her with a puzzled look. “Does that mean I’m not coming with you?” Even though he would much rather stay. Twilight sighed. “Yes Spike, that’s exactly what it means. It is not that I don’t want you to come, but I won’t force you, especially after everything that has happened the last few days. You should stay here and work things out with Rarity. The thing is that the princesses asked me if it was okay, but I cannot turn them down. I have to help them Spike, they don’t have anywhere else to turn without everypony discovering that Luna isn’t fit to run the country” Spike had a weird feeling. He was not quite sure what to do, but he did not want to leave Ponyville, not now at least, but Twilight had to go, his sister who he had been living with almost since his birth. “Twilight I understand you have to go, but I will remain here. You are right I have to stay and talk with Rarity, and you know maybe it will be good for me to stay here and try out living on my own.” “Oh Spike,” Twilight embraced him. She would have had to go either way, but it meant a lot to her to have Spikes accept. “Spike I am so happy you are okay with this.” Her eyes were filled with tears and she hugged him tightly until Spike thought he would never breath again. Twilight walked in with Spike following and then closed the door. “Now I will be gone for quite some time, but I think that I'll be able to see you at heartswarming, but until then I will remain in Canterlot.” Spike wasn’t happy that Twilight had to leave him, but he was happy he could stay here and try out his luck on Rarity. When he thought about it, all this actually felt quite nice. He would have a lot more time on his hands, and the thought of living alone wasn’t unappealing and it was only for a year or so, so it wasn’t to strange. “So when are you going Twi?” Twilight looked up from the trunk she was preparing. “Well, tomorrow morning actually” “Tomorrow!” “Why already leave tomorrow!” Twilight looked at him with renewed guilt. “Well, Spike we have to start straight away. Luna has to start classes as soon as possible, and well I really want to get started Spike. Spike could understand. This was her passion. The knowledge and the magic was Twilight in a nutshell. She was the kind of pony who couldn’t wait to get started on a new project, so he just had to accept the fact that his sister was leaving in the morning. “Okay, Twilight I understand.” Twilight nuzzled him a bit “Thanks Spike, Thanks for being such a understanding brother.” They both smiled. The feeling was mutual. Later the same day when Spike knew Rarity would have finished her work for the day he wanted to go see her. Twilight had suggested that he should wait, but Spike had made up his mind. He wanted to go see her, and of he could work up his courage, he would ask her out as well. He walked along the dirt road until he came to the only florist in Ponyville, owned by none other than Roseluck. Roseluck, a yellow-colored earthpony with a rose as a cutiemark. When Spike entered the shop he walked up to the counter, where Rose was taking care of another customer who wanted a very special arrangement for her sister apparently were about to get married. When she was done Spike walked up to the counter and Roseluck looked happy to see him. “Hello Spike, what can I do for you today” she said smiling. Spike was a little nervous asking but tried to sound confident in his decision. “I would like a small bouquet” Rose looked a little confused at him. “A small bouquet?” she asked. Spike looked down, He did not really know what to buy. He wanted to ask Rarity out and thought that flowers would be nice, but he did not know which flowers he should buy her. He always heard people bought each other roses, but Twilight had said that roses were only for lovers and it would be better to start with something else. Rose looked at the dragon. “Spike are you going to ask somepony out?” Spike looked up. “How did you know” “Well it’s the same every time a stallion comes in my shop to buy flowers for a girl the first time. They don’t want to seem too overwhelming, buy buying roses or something like that. So they always end up getting embarrassed.” Spike felt a little more confident, that other ponies had the same worries as him. “In the end it doesn’t really matter because mares are only happy to get flowers." She said while turning away from Spike to work on something on her worktable, while continued speaking with Spike. “Not many stallions give flowers anymore. It really is a shame though. I would love someone to give me flowers, but they always seem to think I get enough of that at work. The truth is that I hate chocolate, but they never seem to stop bringing it. Spike looked up at her trying to see what she was doing, but as she stopped talking she suddenly turned around. “Well this ought to do it.” She said handing Spike the bouquet in her hooves. “After roses, lilies are her favourites” Spike looked a little confused. “Whose favourite?” “Well Raritys,” She said. “Isn’t it her you are going to ask out?” “Yes…” Spike said “But how did you…” “Well Spike, it’s not really the best kept secret. We have all seen how you look at her, so I just kind of figured.” Spike’s face became completely red and he couldn’t look Rose in the eyes. She chuckled. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of Spike, it’s actually quite cute. Nonetheless Spike paid Rose without looking her in the eyes. He took the bouquet and said goodbye to Rose without diverting his eyes from the floor even for a second. He walked the rest of the way to Raritys shop and knocked on the door. Rarity had been upstairs trying on her new dress when Spike knocked on the door so she took it off on the bed and walked down there to open. It was then that the butterflies in Spikes stomach became immense and he stood like pinned to the ground not moving a muscle, when Rarity opened the door with a smile. She hadn’t seen Spike through the window. She opened the door and saw him standing there with a bouquet in his hands. She became speechless for a second or two. Spike suddenly landed. “These are for you Rarity,” he stammered. Rarity took the bouquet but still didn’t say anything she just stood there with her mouth open. When suddenly… She hugged him. Spike was startled. “Oh Spike I’m so glad you are back,” she said in his ear. “Where have you been.” Spike was actually kind of happy she cared this much, he had after all only been gone for a few days. Spike hugged back until she finally let go. “I’m sorry I made you worry Rarity. I was not that far away actually. I met Zecora in the woods and had become so dark, so I decided to stay with her and this morning Twilight came and we had a talk. She made me see how foolish I had been.” He looked down. Rarity saw how down he looked and decided to let it go for now. “I am just glad you are back, my little Spikey-Wikey,” she said and nuzzled him. Spike smiled. They went inside the boutique and Spike sat down on the sofa while Rarity went to get a vase for the flowers. When she came back she had a blue-colored glass vase with her. She planted it on the table and picked up the flowers she had left on the table. It really was a beautiful bouquet she thought, it was mostly lilies and some other flowers, but it was really quite gorgeous. “I do not think I ever told him that I like lilies. I wonder why he did not bring Roses.” Spike opened his mouth as to speak, but not a sound came over his lips. He looked a away with a slight blush. “Is something the matter darling,” she asked him. “Well Rarity, I don’t know if you know but I kinda had a crush on you for a long long time.” He still did not look her in the eyes. “I really like you and I wanted to ask if you wanted to go on a date with me?” Rarity smiled. “I would love to Spike” Spike looked into the bright sapphire eyes of his love. He noticed something strange, they looked back directly into his. Always they would look at some fabric, plans or something else, never had they looked so intensely back into his own. His heart fluttered and one could almost hear it yell. “Yes!” The next day Twilight had prepared all her baggage and her friends had helped her getting it to the station. Pinkie pie had prepared a quick farewell party on the day of Twilights travel, and invited them all. As the train drove into the station everyone had said their goodbyes and Twilight had stepped aboard. While she saw the train drive out of the station she waved at her friends. They all had some tears in their eyes and Twilight could not fight her own anymore. As much as she looked forward to tutoring she would miss her friends immensely. Twilight was convinced that Spike would be okay on his own, but she still had a nagging feeling about him being alone. Well there was nothing she could do. Last night when Spike have come home, he had told her that Rarity had said yes to go on a date with him, and they planned to go out the following Friday. Twilight was extremely happy for him. She herself had been feeling a little lonely about it later that night when she laid in her bed. She had actually never been out with anypony and had never really had any interest in finding a mate, but that night she felt lonely, she wanted somepony to call her own, somepony she could love and cherish just like Spike did with Rarity. Even though they weren’t together yet, she was sure they would work it out and become a couple at some point. It did not help that she had to leave her friends now. They always had had a comforting word when they talked about stallions, but now she didn’t even have that. The train was on the edge of Ponyville and Twilight could see the big castle on the mountain far away. > The date > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thing About Maturity Chapter 6 "The Date" By: Scekkel My Little Pony © Hasbro Spike had been counting the days to his date with Rarity. It had been a week with constant butterflies in his stomach, but now that the day had come he felt so excited he could hardly move. He had been out with Rarity quite a few times before. Sometimes when he had helped her out with her dresses she would treat them to something good at a restaurant, but this was something else. They were two individuals who liked one another and wanted to see if they fitted together. The big clock on the wall in the common area of the library, told Spike that it was noon. That meant that he had lots of time to get everything done for tonight, but first he wanted to take a bath. He went to the bathroom, where he had put out his clothes for tonight. Normally he would just take whatever was first in the closet if he wore anything at all. Today though was special, he had to look his best for Rarity and had used a lot of time to choose his outfit. He stepped into the shower and started to thoroughly clean his scales and tail. When he was done, he grabbed a towel from the closet and started to dry himself. In the midst of drying his legs someone knocked at the door, he hurriedly finished up and went to the door. “Hey Spike”, someone said behind a mountain of roses. “Hey Rose.” He said a little unexpected. “Is it a bad time, because I can come back later?” Rose asked. “Of course not come on in” Spike said and let Rose in. She put down the Roses on a nearby table. “I know I agreed to deliver these Roses directly to Rarity later, but I wanted to make sure you approved of them before I delivered them. I picked out only the best ones we got in today for her, this being a special occasion and all.” Rose said. Spike smiled at her. The Roses looked incredible, not even one of them looked a little sloppy, they all had a perfect shape, and the way she had arranged them so they created a kind of heart when you looked at them the right way was absolutely jaw-dropping. Spike had been to her shop to request some roses for Rarity and Rose got so happy that she wanted to try this new arrangement style. Spike had decided to give her free hands and now he was very happy he had. “They look amazing Rose,” he said to her. She smiled “I thought so”, she said. “Just wanted to make sure before I delivered them”. “Are you going there now?” Spike said. “Yes actually. Why? Is it too early?” She asked. “Yeah actually, I thought it would be better around 6, because that’s an hour before I have to go get her.” He said “but could I persuade you to wait just a moment.” “Yeah sure”, she said. Spike ran upstairs and a few minutes later he came down with a card in his hands. “I just realized I had not written a card to go with the roses, but I had actually prepared a poem to give her tonight, but I think it would be better to give it to her like this.” He explained. Rose took the card and looked in it. A few moments after, she had tears in her eyes. “Wow Spike that was really sweet”, She confessed. Spike smiled. “You really think so?” “Yeah,” she said while drying away her tears. “But I have to go now, let me now how it all goes.” She took the roses and went towards the door, which Spike opened for her. He closed the door after her and went back to the bathroom where he opened a window to let in some fresh air. He then brushed his teeth and was extra careful to make his fangs clean. When he was done he took the clothes and walked in to his room. Well it was originally his and Twilights room, but now he occupied the bed. Other than that the room didn’t look much different, except for a curtain drawer, which until some days ago held some of the dragons most treasured documents. Since he come back he had not had any time on his hands. He had to take over all Twilights duties as the Librarian of Ponyville, so until today he hadn’t even thought of looking in that drawer. Well aware that there was a painstakingly long time until he had to go get Rarity, he walked over to the drawer and opened it. The drawer was empty. “How could it be empty,” he thought. “Were is it”. The contents were of course still at Raritys, but Spike didn’t know that so he looked in the other drawers and every possible place inside the room. He thought that Twilight had simply moved it, but an hour later when he had look everywhere inside the tree, he got desperate. Who could have taken it! He thought it best to ask Twilight so he began to write a letter. Spike and Twilight had grown up together and had since then almost always been together, but now that she had gone to Canterlot she had taught him how to send letters directly to her instead of Celestia. It was actually quite a complex spell to set up as it had to work forever and everywhere, and Spike had to learn how the magic signature of the Pony was. After all these years as Twilights assistant though it wasn’t too difficult for him. Twilight answered fast, but the letter had been written so fast that it was almost unreadable. “Did I not tell you not to bother me during tutoring unless it was of the most dire importance!! No I don’t know where your things have gone, I haven’t moved them.” Spike got a little embarrassed, he had panicked so much about his love letters to Rarity, that he had not even considered Twilight had classes, but this was of the most dire importance. Well, to him at least. But who could have taken them? He looked at the big clock in the common room. It was almost 4 O’clock Rarity had just come out of the shower, when she took a big pink towel to dry herself with. She then took off the smaller towel around her mane and blow-dried it. After she had finished both mane and tail, she walked into her bedroom. It really was tonight she thought. She was really happy, much more happy than when she normally had a date. It was a date with a friend, a person she already knew really well, so it was like starting on the 15th date, but there was still flirting involved and if anything, Rarity liked to flirt. Well not really flirting, but more for the fun of it. She stood in front of her giant walk-in closet and noticed her bag behind the door. It was neatly packed with all Spikes letters and such. She thought that she would be able to sneak it back to the library without anyone noticing it, but now he was back and already, when he had come to ask her out, she wanted to give it back to him, but she was afraid how he might react after learning about it. She had to give them back to Spike tonight, it was only fair to him, but she could not wear her bag to a date, she should take him home to herself afterwards and then explain to him. Rarity opened her closet to find the dress she had made the day before. She had just finished the last details yesterday. She was really happy with the design. It was a long dress with a clear cut at the bottom. It was a simple dress, but nothing had been forgotten in the process, and when you touched it you felt how soft it was. The red colors flourished along it to create a flowing effect. You could really see that Rarity had been making dresses for years. She dressed herself in the deep red dress and took a few paces in front of the mirror just to be sure. She then took off the dress and started doing her hair, a process, which always took a long time, but of course also here Rarity was a total master. Spike had again looked everywhere, but had been forced to conclude that his letters and poems were gone. He was a bit uneasy, but knew he had to pull himself together. He was convinced that someone had taken them, but who? He decided to let it go and just get on with it. After all it wasn’t too long before he had to go get Rarity. Rarity had just finished her hair when someone knocked at her door. She looked at her clock. It was much to early for Spike to come get her. Who could it be at this time of day? Outside her door stood a very happy looking Roseluck. “Hello Rarity,” she said “I have some flowers for you.” Rose handed the well-filled bouquet over to the surprised Rarity. “And here is the card” She said before she left Rarity in the doorway. It wasn’t the first time Rarity had received flowers, but she hadn’t expected such a grown move from Spike, from what she knew it had been his first date. “Maybe he had had somepony in Canterlort” she thought. She smelled the many beautiful roses, Spike really had made Rose select the best ones she had. They smelt amazing. She closed the door and put the flowers in some water, and then she took up the card Rose had left on top of the bouquet. It had Spikes writing on it. “For the most beautiful mare in the world.” It said on the outside. The poem it had inside was just as beautiful as any of those she had read. It was something, which can only be described as beautiful. Rarity read it again she then put it next to the crystal vase on her counter. She felt so wonderful inside. Nopony had never made her feel this special. She would make this night unforgettable. It was ten minutes to seven; Spike was on his way to the carousel boutique. It was already pretty dark outside, not that cold though. He saw that the moon was really large today. He wondered if Twilight had asked Luna to create a full moon for his sake. He smiled at his thought. He wandered along the dirt road. Nothing must go wrong tonight, everything had to be perfect. He knew that he would do anything he could to make this night special. He reached the boutique at exactly 7 pm and he then knocked on the door. A few moments passed but then he could see some shadows on the other side of the door. Rarity opened and Spike lost his jaw. Rarity had sat up her hair glamorously in curls. Her dress was amazing and her tail was expertly styled. She had not added a lot of make-up, just as to mark her features. Finally she had added one of Spikes roses in her hair. Spike was awestruck, but even more so when he thought. “She did this for me.” “Waow.” “Hello Spike,” Rarity said. “Hello Rarity,” he stammered. “You really look beautiful.” She smiled. Together they walked down the dirt path into the heart of Ponyville. Spike had reserved a table at the best restaurant in Ponyville. He knew the waiter and he had told him about his date. When they entered the waiter hurried straight to them. “Hello Spike”, he said. “Your table is right over here.” The waiter had placed them in the far corner of the restaurant, a table only for two far away from any other table. He had put flowers on the table and some candles. “I will bring your starters in a little while, please make yourself confortable. Spike pulled out the chair and Rarity sat on it, he then sat down opposite her. “Spike, this is all very romantic,” said Rarity. “How did you even get this table, normally only the owner uses it?” The dragon smiled at her. “Well, I know that waiter from way back. He one worked in Canterlot, but he didn’t like the great city, so he decided to move to Ponyville, and then he joined this place, because his brother is the owner.” “Where did he work”, she asked. “In Canterlot castle. He was my and Twilights personal waiter.” He answered. Then the Waiter came with their starters. “This looks really good Spike”, Rarity exclaimed. “I agree,” he answered. On Spikes plate there was of course a gem salad, but since gems were actually expensive he had been out to find them himself and delivered them to the kitchen a few nights ago. They talked through the starters and the rest of the dinner, and when during the desert Spike told her about when he had sneaked into the kitchen of Canterlot castle and ate all the chocolate ice, that was meant for the princess, when he was little, the princess had been so angry that she had made him do work in the Canterlot gardens. Rarity could not help but laugh a little. Usually it would be Rarity who talked the most, but today things where different. Spike felt much closer to Rarity this evening. It was like he had risen up the stairs and was now able to reach her on the giant pedestal, upon which he had placed her, himself. When they had finished eating and talked for a little while longer, the band suddenly stopped playing music. Then the waiter came and asked if they had finished their meal, and they both answered “yes.” “Very good,” he stated. He then flicked his fingers and two other ponies came, while Spike had pulled out Raritys chair, and removed their table and chair. The band started playing music with a bit more rhythm. Because Spike and Rarity where seated so far away from other guests, once the table had been moved to the side, they had lots of space. Rarity slowly caught on to what was happening and then Spike held out his claw. “Will you do the honour of dancing with me, my lady?” he asked. “Of course,” she answered. Of course even though Spike had grown over the last couple of years and that it was certain he would be higher than Rarity in a few years, he was still a little smaller than she, but he managed to dance very expertly with her anyway. The band really hit it off and soon the other guests in the restaurant wanted to dance too, so when they had finished eating the waiters would come and take the chairs and tables away, so that they would have much more space. Spike dragged Rarity on to the now great dancing floor. They danced for what felt like hour upon hour and even though only 1 had passed they were now pretty tired, and the band of course noticed that, so they started to play more gently, which gave them the opportunity to pull back to their own corner. They held each other tight and slowly stepped around to a very romantic melody. After some time they agreed to go home, because it had become quite late. When they were outside the Restaurant Rarity pulled Spike to the side. “Thanks Spike, it was amazing” and then she suddenly kissed him. Spike who had tried to be very cool tonight, suddenly felt like rubber in her hooves. She. Kissed Him. It was a long and passionate kiss. When they pulled away from each other, they both blushed and tried not to look at each other. As they walked down the dirt road, they spoke very little, too embarrassed to look at the other. Rarity was the one who felt the strangest. “What are you doing Rarity,” she thought. “You have kissed guys before.” With Spike everything had felt so wonderful tonight, and it was without question the best date she had ever had. None of the stallions she had gone out with had shown her such attention, as Spike had tonight. She felt like a school filly, who had just kissed her first boy. Spike didn’t dare look at her, all these times he had imagined how it would be to kiss the love of his life, but never had he imagines it would be this good. Her lips had been so soft and when he thought about it he shivered all over. When they arrived at the boutique the worst embarrassment had disappeared. Rarity was a little afraid in fact because a certain bag had taken place in her thoughts. She new she had to give it to him and tell him about it. “Spike, would you come in with me for a moment?” She asked. Spike heart tripped. “Why did she want him to come inside with her?” He wondered “Yes of course Rarity” he answered. Inside the Boutique Rarity made him wait while she walked upstairs. She came back a few moments later with her saddlebag in her aura and seemed to be very careful with the contents. “Please don’t be angry Spike,” she started. Spike looked confused, how could he ever be angry with her. “I did not mean to take it, but I wanted to read it all and I found it while the others prepared that medicine for Scootaloo, which I am sure Twilight told you about. I am so sorry, I didn’t think much of it at the time, but with everything that happened I thought it best to tell you everything.” She confessed. Spike had covered his face in his claws, not out of anger, but embarrassment. He wasn’t really angry with her for taking it, but to think that she had seen all he had written about her. He uncovered his face and the blush was back in his cheeks, he was about to say something to the Unicorn, when he discovered she had her head hanging down. He remained silent. “I really liked it”, she said. She had tears rolling down her face. “When I read it I felt so good, it was amazing to read something like that about myself, or at least how you see me. I understand if you are angry, but Spike, you are really talented.” She cried. Spike wasn’t the least angry anymore, he felt if possible even more embarrassed, than before, but it was a good kind. She liked it and she had praised him for it. He felt really glad. “Rarity, it’s okay.” He stammered. She looked up “I’m not very pleased that you took them, but in a way I’m glad that it was you who did it. They were after all meant for you,” he said. “But, I’m am very glad you like it and if you want to keep it, it would be okay with me.” He stated, while he looked her in the eye. “Oh Spike,” she exclaimed before she pulled him in for a big hug and a following kiss. “I’d really like that” > The thing about heartswarming eve > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thing About Maturity Chapter 6 "The thing about Christmas" By: Scekkel My Little Pony © Hasbro Spike was just finishing the last decorations for Heartswarming eve, and he smiled as he put the star on the tree. He could smell the food from the kitchen where Applejack and Pinkie pie had been cooking all day. The last few months had been heaven for Spike. He and Rarity had really hit it off together. They had finally told their friends about a month ago, that they were officially a couple. Their friends had just laughed, they had known for a long time and thought it was a bit unnecessary as it was quite obvious. Although, Fluttershy had been very happy for them, as she had whispered to them when the others had left. Spike had also send a letter to Twilight, who had answered with the longest letter since she had gone to Canterlot. “Dear Spike and Rarity. I am very happy for you and I look forward to see you when I come back.” Even though Twilight had told her friends that she had no time for visitors, they had tried. Spike could easily recall when Pinky had tried to get them all to Canterlot. Twilight had certainly been surprised, but had not been able to speak for more then 10 minutes. It was clear to see that even though she enjoyed the hard work with Luna, she missed her friends terribly. That was why Spike had arranged a Heartswarming eve in Canterlot. He knew that Twilight, even though she wanted too, just would not have the time to go to Ponyville, and Celestia had agreed that they could use one of the minor ballrooms of the castle. They weren’t so many ponies and the big one was to be used for the big Heartswarming eve event. So Spike had graciously accepted. Because of the size of the “minor ballroom” Pinkie wanted to invite a whole lot of people. So the guest list had become quite a bit bigger. That meant the all their parents and siblings would attend the party as well. All the princesses would attend it as well, right after they had overseen the bigger event. Spike had just turned on the lights for the tree when Fluttershy came through the door. “They’re here,” she informed. She had been at the train station waiting for the guests to arrive. Behind her Big Mac and the Cutiemark Crusaders entered, and right behind Scootaloo Rainbow Dash and her parents came in. Dash originally had to be there along with the other bearers of the elements, but had to work for the weather patrol as a big snowstorm had been ordered for Heartswarming. Spike climbed down his ladder and greeted all the guests. Rarity’s parents got the biggest welcome of them all. Sweetie Belle had noticed and teased him with Rarity. Spike blushed a little. Her parents just laughed. The truth was that they had only known for a few months, because Rarity had been a little concerned about what they would say about her dating a dragon. Her parents had been a little sceptical, but after having learned who he was they had decided that it didn’t matter as long as their daughter was happy. “Are all the preparations done?” Rarity’s mother asked Spike in a sweet tone. “Almost,” he said. “Applejack and Pinkie just have to finish the food and then all the last guests just have to arrive, then we’re about ready.” Raritys Parents was commenting on the nice work they all had done and her dad was especially interested in the nice smell from the kitchen, when Rarity called from a door opening in the other end of the hall, which lead to the rooms, which everybody would occupy tonight. Spike walked to her. “What’s up Rares?” He asked. She turned around. “Could you sip me?” She asked him. He went a little closer and zipped her dress up. Rarity turned around again. “Thanks darling,” she said and kissed him. “Have everyone arrived?” “Well everyone from Ponyville, but we still miss Shining, Cadance and Twilights parents. I just talked to your parents, they seem happy for us” he answered. Rarity smiled. She had always been very embarrassed with her parents, but somehow Spike could always sense when and save her from such a situation. “I’m sure they are, but not as happy as me” she teased. Spike smiled. “Well then show me how happy you are,” he teased back. “Are we making demands now darling?” She said and moved a bit closer to his lips. “If it involves your lips, I’m always making demands,” he said and kissed her. They embraced each other and when they departed they both said. “Happy Heartswarming.” And giggled a bit. “Now if ya lovebirds are gonna stand there and be all smoochy all day, you can just go find a room for yaselves.” Applejack said. Spike and Rarity followed Applejack out though the door, both a little embarrassed. They then proceeded to the other guests and started to talk their way through the rambling masses. Twilight sighed, as she looked herself in the mirror. The night blue dress did not seem to fit her very well. Lune had lent it to her so she would have something nice to wear for Heartswarming. It was a very nice evening dress and filled with patterns of moons and stars. Luna had it refitted because Twilight insisted not to buy any dress. Behind Twilight the door suddenly opened. “Are you ready, Twi?” Luna said from the shadows. “Yes Luna, but I don’t really feel like I can wear this dress, it feels weird,” she confessed, with her head bowed. Luna walked up to the mirror and looked at the lavender unicorn in the mirror. She said. “I think it suits you very well.” Then she nuzzled Twilight in a way, which made her blush. Twilight giggled and turned around facing the almighty alicorn who had a teasing smile on her lips. She looked so divine in her dress. Luna stepped forward and kissed her. Twilight was a little surprised, but kissed back. “I thought we agreed not to do this until you had finished your studies?” Twilight whispered in a teasing tone. Luna opened her eyes after a while and embraced her love. “What about we just forget about it? Just for tonight.” Twilight’s body shook a little because of the pleasure in her voice. Luna smiled over the effect her words had had on her love. Twilight looked at Luna for a long while, considering her words. “Just for tonight then,” she then whispered in her ear. Finally they had moved all the long table the their appropriate position according to Pinkie’s “super duper heartswarming party” plan and people started getting the tables ready for all the food which was currently in the kitchen. Pinkie carried one enormous tray after another and soon some of the other guests joined until everything had been placed in the tables. Now they just had to wait for Twilight and the princesses. Shining had arrived earlier with Cadence. Since she wasn’t a princess of Equestria she had no obligation to watch the show. Half an hour later the doors sprung open and Luna, Twilight and Celestia came through the door. They were received by many smiling faces. All Twilights friends came running towards her, and Spike was the fastest. Twilight then got hugged and it was just chaos. She smiled and so did Luna but no one noticed, except for her sister. When everyone had greeted the latecomers they started to eat. Spike sat with Rarity on one side and Twilight on the other. “Why did you not come sooner?” He asked her. “I had promised Luna to keep her company during the entertainment.” Twilight answered. “Okay. I’m so glad to see you,” he said. “It has been so long.” Twilight smiled at her little brother and then over the mare he had made his, and soon discovered that all the bearers around her sat staring at her. They were all very happy to see her. Luna, who sat on Twilights other side, decided to take a chance and tease her lover a bit. “Well, it is very nice to see you all, but I have been so glad to have Twilight tutor me over the past months and then she kissed Twilight on her cheek and smiled at the reaction she got. Twilight blushed, her heads new colour almost matching pinkies. All her friends sat with their mouths open. “Do you want to tell them or shall I” Luna said. Twilight looked down. “I will do it myself.” “Are you too together!!” Pinkie Pie almost yelled. “Well,” Twilight started “Not really.” Luna made herself noticed by making a short noise. “We are together, but not officially until we are done being tutor and student.” Twilight stated a bit more calmly. “How in tarnation did you two happen?” Applejack ejaculated. Lune took the word. “Well, after a few months together, some things happened and suddenly one night we found ourselves kissing in the library.” She confessed. Twilight blushed again. “But then we agreed not to do anything until we were done with the tutoring.” She did not tell them about all the candlelit dinners and other dates they had had. Nothing had happened on them, but that was sort of the idea, to learn to know each other, but not get intimate before the tutoring had ended. Everyone was a bit astounded by the new couples commitment, but decided to respect it. Rainbow dash even told Twilight that is was a nice score, which Luna had chuckled at. It had been a splendid dinner and even Rarity who normally did not eat that much, because she wanted to keep her figure, could not eat another bite. Spike helped pinkie and some of the others with carrying out the empty plates. They all agreed to exchange gift before dessert. Spike had made a very nice jewel box for Rarity out of wood with some burned in hearts in the top. It was quite large and inside she found a smaller hearts shaped fire ruby than she had. It was hung on a leather necklace. He gave Twilight some rare books, which she was overjoyed to receive. When she thanked him Rainbow tried to look in the gift Rarity had given him. He ran over and took it from her, while he blushed wildly. Dash tried teasingly to take it from him, but in the end he succeeded in taking it from her, under loud laughter from their friends, all except Rarity who blushed a little herself. They then ate their dessert and after a few hours they all agreed to go to bed. Everyone was to stay at the castle tonight. Rarity and Spike had occupying a big site with a balcony. The very same Rarity had used once before. The fire had already been lit and Rarity and Spike both sat down on the long haired rung in front of the fire. “Spike? Did you enjoy tonight.” She asked him. Spike thought a bit. “Very much my love, and it was so nice to just have fun with everyone.” “I still can still not believe it. Twilight and Luna, an item.” She said. “Well, we don’t really know what happened so maybe it wasn’t so sudden to them. Spike sat with Rarity’s head between his legs. She looked longingly up at him. Spike looked down at her. “You are so beautiful love, how you could ever have fallen in love with me, I’ll never know.” He said to her. She kissed him. “What? A prince charming like you? I was head over heels for you all along.” She said. Spike smiled, he knew she was teasing him. Deeply she really cared for him. “Come here my marshmallow.” He said and dragged her in for a long and pleasurable kiss. “Do you think you could use it tonight.” he asked. She looked at him with a ‘are you really serious look’ and said. “Well, I don’t really know if I want to.” Spike made his face hard. “You will wear it tonight.” “Oh my god.” She cried. “A raging dragon. Of course I will do as you say.” She took the present Spike had put on the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. Her action had been a little to dramatic and corny even for Spike, but it didn’t matter because she loved playing to the last bit. The Heartswarming bells rang throughout Cantorlot and as the two lovebirds in the suite happily played, another couple in the castle was very happy finally being together. Twilight had actually been quite thankful to Luna for making her telling her friends. It had been quite hard for her to tell them, and Luna knew, but this one night was not to be spoiled by talking. The two ponies had been yearning for each other since they agreed to make the most of the night. Everyone ended up having a good party and even though Rarity had bought Applejack a scarf she didn’t like very much, she had not complained one bit. Now they all slept peacefully through the storm nice and cosy. > The thing about Luna and Twilight > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thing About Maturity Chapter 6 "The thing about Christmas" By: Scekkel My Little Pony © Hasbro A month before: Twilight sat in the library; she was waiting for Luna to join her for her next history class. Twilight reviewed her notes on the griffin wars, which was a long and complicated matter, so who would be better at telling about it than Equestrias all time best organizer. She went over a few points and checked a few sources she had had the princess of the night read to this session. As she pulled the papers out from a stack on the table a letter fell out of it, she used her magic to levitate it back the table. It had the Canterlot seal upon it. She recognized it as the letter from Spike. It had been an dramatic episode at the morning table. Twilight usually ate with Celestia and Luna in the morning. Well not really morning actually they ate just before Luna had to go raise the moon. Due to her duties she had to be up at night and therefore it was most practical to have the classes at night. Twilight had fitted her schedule to match Luna’s, so now she had breakfast in the evening. A green fire had ignited out of thin air, this did not startle Twilight though, she was used to this way of messaging, but when she opened the letter having just taken a mouthful of tea, she spat it all on the floor and yelled: “WHAT!!!!” Celestia and Luna had sprung to their hooves before Twilight regained herself and had explained. Twilight was so happy for her little brother having finally got the mare he had desired. Twilight looked out of the window and remembered the feeling she had held for her little brother in that exact moment. It has been so incredibly happy. She smiled to herself as the moon rose and tried to imagine exactly how the little dragon had wooed Rarity. When she thought about it later on she did not understand her surprise, Spike was a charming drake after all and probably the only one in Ponyville who could give Rarity exactly what she wanted, though she still thought that Spike was a little too young to date her, then again, it was their business and not hers. Beside who was she to judge about age. Following that kind of logic she should be judged infinitely more than Spike. She was after all marefriends with one of the eldest beings in the country maybe in the whole world. Twilight thought back with a glimpse of red in her cheeks to that faithful night. They had finished class early and Luna had suggested they should take a glass of red wine. Twilight had on other occasions declined Luna’s offer but that night she had accepted her request. They stayed in the library and talked about personal stuff, about Celestia and others. Twilight had noticed that Luna mostly talked about Celestia. When she had asked Luna about it, she had become a bit sad and confided in Twilight that she really didn’t have other friends. They were still afraid of Nightmare Moon and she could not blame then that they needed more time to accept that the monster everyone had been told about since they were born was actually a very sweet and helpful mare. Twilight had reached in to hug her and to her mild surprise Luna had kissed her. Twilight had done nothing to push her away and being sufficiently drunk, the only thought in her head was that she kinda liked it. The next evening she had awoken next to Luna, in her room. Luckily very few ponies had access to this part of the castle so nopony had seen them. As twilight had risen from her bed, Luna had opened her eyes. She had no idea what to say to Luna in this state, but her red cheeks said everything. From that day on their relationship had begun. It had been a little strange for Twilight because she had always thought she liked stallions and not mares and now her job was to teach her lover. It was a strange thought, nonetheless she smiled when thinking about it. Twilight felt a soft swoosh of wind and then her lover’s lips on her mouth. Twilight slowly opened her eyes which she hadn’t noticed she had closed. She smiled at the great Alicorn in front of her and kissed back. “To think that only a few months ago you were afraid of even asking me to come to Canterlot, and see us now,” Twilight said with a teasing tone. Luna smiled and blushed a bit in her cheeks. “And to think that you required only one bottle of wine to open up to me like that, truth be told I hadn’t seen your kiss coming.” Luna teased back. “You kissed me!” Twilight said though her cheeks had gone redder. Luna laughed she enjoyed teasing her lover like this and if it could delay their class a bit she didn’t hesitate. “You seemed so quiet when I came in usually you would arrange your notes until I arrive. Were you thinking about something.” Luna said. Twilight looked at Luna and took the letter from the counter. “I’m just a bit worried about Spike, that’s all. I’m happy for him it’s just that I’m just scared of what might happen if Rarity suddenly pulls out. From what I can understand she kinda rushed into it. She hasn’t shown that much interest in him before so I’m just worried things might not work out.” Twilight said. “Twilight, I understand that you are worried and all that, but isn’t Rarity your friend? Do you think she would toy that much with someone’s feelings?” Twilight looked away from her letter. “Well I don’t think she would do it on purpose no”. She said slowly. “Then if Rarity is such a generous and good friend as you say, what have you to fear? Besides Spike is no little drake anymore he has to make his own mistakes and choices, you cannot screen him from everything his whole life.” Twilight thought a little about what Luna had just said. She was right of course though she still had worries and doubts about it. “And if it doesn’t work out” Luna continued, “you know who he will come too for comfort right? You’re his sister, or as close as it gets, so if he needs you he will come himself.” Twilight smiled to herself. Yes he would come if he needed guidance, he was almost an adult at least in pony-years and she would give him all the help he wanted. Twilight embraced her lover as thanks for the comforting words. Luna only smiled half-heartedly, but didn’t let Twilight see it. She did want to think that the little drake was smarter than she and sought help if he had to, and did not become what she had. Who was she to teach about love between siblings and matters of the heart, when she herself had done things beyond redemption to her very own sister. But at the same time she did not want her lover to be sad or worried. “How selfish” She though to herself as she let go of her partner. The remaining of the night was used to study. Twilight lectured while Luna became more and more bored. Sometimes she would have to remind Twilight to take a break. If she did not Twilight would go on for hours, though there was something about the purple mare and the way she walked back and fourth while lecturing, so passionately and happy. She suspected that that was had caught her interest initially, though she hadn’t really known she liked the mare before she kissed her through the mist of drunkenness. They had agreed though not to really become a couple before Luna had finished her studies, it would simply be too much and they didn’t want to spoil their relationship. They only kissed once in a while and even though Luna wanted them to sleep in her quarters Twilight stood firmly on that she wanted to wait. “Luna? Luna? Are you listening.” Luna shook her head slightly before realizing she had been daydreaming. “What?” she said a little confused. Twilight looked at her with a slightly annoyed look and Luna apologized. Twilight giggled. “I was just saying that we should take a break and grab some lunch”. Well really it was about midnight, but this was after all their day, even though most of the kingdom was already asleep. The two ponies walked out of the library and as they continued down the hallway the lunar guard saluted Princess Luna. It hadn’t been hard to re-establish the Lunar Guard. Surprisingly many ponies volunteered to become guards of the night. It was after all an enjoyable position in some aspects, except for when the city was under attack. The Lunar Guard, never had to do much other than watch over the castle at night so many of them trained in combat during the day along with the day guard, because the castle did not need as much protection at night. Luna would have had no problem with just having a smaller guard than the day guard but Celestia had insisted that two guards should be equal. It was also another good part of the job that you didn’t have to stand guard every night. On their way to the dining hall they passed Celestias bedchamber, and for a moment Twilight admired the various patterns and drawing on the door. She and Luna hadn’t told Celestia about their little arrangement yet, but Twilight had a funny feeling that Celestia already knew. A Lunar guard opened the dining hall door and bowed his head as they entered. Luna and Twilight sat down at one end of the long table as the night-chef came out of the kitchen to take their orders. As Twilight took a bite of her hay-pancakes she couldn’t help by think of Spike again. Truth be told his pancakes tasted a whole lot better than these, not because the chef wasn’t a good one, but she missed Spike and somehow that made her long that much more to see him and their friends. Her mind for the second time today became occupied with Spikes letter. She really hoped he was doing all right, and that he, Rarity and all her friends had a good time. She missed them a lot, even though she was enjoying her work she sometimes wished that she was back in Ponyville in her good old library, she smiled when thinking of the first ever pinkie-pie-party she had been too. “Thinking about them again my love” Luna said softly. Twilight looked away from her lunch. “Yes I guess so. I really like to be here and with you of course, I just miss seeing my friends and when they came to visit me I didn’t even have the time to speak properly to them. I just wish I could get to spend some time with them”. She said with a heavy heart while looking down to the floor. Luna rose from her chair and went to Twilight trying to comfort her by hugging her. “Well it was going to be a surprise, but Spike have asked Celestia if they could celebrate Heartswarming Eve here next month, so that you could be close to them” Luna said and she felt a tear touch her shoulder. As Twilight pulled back a few moment after she looked a little less sad maybe even smiling a bit. “I know it must be tough being away from them this much.” Twilight smiled to her fullest, she was so happy she could burst with happiness. It would be an epic party. “Yes Luna it is hard, but this... this makes it much more bearable. But Luna, don’t misunderstand me, I enjoy you and your company immensely, and I hope you understand it is not because you are not good enough. Luna smiled but it was fake, normally Twilight would have seen that, but being so happy she didn't see anything. Luna looked at her lover being so happy. She wanted to ask her about something she had been thinking off the past week, but see couldn't bear to see the smile vanish from her lovers face. Twilight looked at Luna sitting on the throne attending the ponies at her midnight council. As a ruler of the night she had to take care of various problems every Wednesday after lunch. Normally the council wouldn't take this long, but judging from the immense crowd who had come she could see that they probably wouldn't have time for a lecture on 'babsly the wild'. The griffin who went against it's own ranks and fought on the pony's side. Twilight went down to the kitchen to speak with the chef and staff about eating in the library tonight. (actually it was morning). She had a hard time not making it sound like a date. The staff of course already knew about Twilight and Luna, but had the courtesy not to tell anyone. Luna opened the door to the library “Twilight? The chef said you wanted to see me before dinner so I just went to low... ” Luna stopped mid-sentence when she saw what awaited her in the normally dark and boring library. A table with two candles and plates with food. Next to the table were two chairs, one though directly opposite Luna was already taken. Twilight looked at her lover and said: “Dinner?”. Luna sat down at the table. The early morning sun rays cut through the windows as the two ponies sat eating and talking. It was good food some kind of stew with a side salad. They drank some red wine on the side and Twilight was beginning to get a little red in her cheeks. When they were done the desert came on two trays and a pony who seemed like she had a hard time not giggling. "Princess Celestia sent up some cake for you two" She said and hurriedly left the room. Twilight and Luna looked at each other thinking the same thing. Celestia had to know about their relationship. Of course Celestia knew and it had only been because of the comic value that they had got a piece of her morning cake, it was Thursday after all. After they had finished their cakes Twilight looked at Luna who seemed a little upset about something. “Is something wrong dear?” Twilight said with a compassionate look in her eyes. “Well, yes Twilight, there is something I’ve wanted to ask you.” She said with a low voice. “When we are done. Do you want to go back to Ponyville?" Twilight understood where this was going, she had had the same worries for some time, but never said anything because they always had a good time. She knew now though that she could not run away from it anymore. "Luna I would never live in a place where you could not stay with me trust me on this. We are together now and you really mean the world to me" She said and walked around the table to hold her hooves before she continued. "But you have to understand that I have to go home for a while I think. I don't think anyone would think it weird if I moved here permanently when they hear about us. But I want to go home just a few days also so we can find our places, becasue we cannot just from one day to the other change from student and teacher to a couple. I know we play around a lot right now, but I would prefer that we could clear the air between us before becoming a real couple. You are a princess so you cannot live anywhere else than the castle I understand, that but once in a while I want to go visit my friends and you are of course always welcome to join me. The words came as easily to her as when she lectured. She just told her exactly how she felt and Luna smiled down at her an hugged her. "I'm so happy Twilight. I was so afraid to ask you too move here because I didn't want to pressure you into it. I really love you, you know." "And I love you too Luna" Twilight said happily. > The Thing About Engagements > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thing About Maturity Chapter 7 "The Thing About Engagements" By: Scekkel My Little Pony © Hasbro It had been a long day and a very warm one at that, which was uncommon to Spike who unusually enjoyed heat and normally wasn't bothered by it. But he had a feeling this wasn't normal heat, it was summer but, maybe he was just a tiny bit nervous about what was about to conspire that evening. "Rarity? Where are you?" Spike said softly through the open door to The Carousel Boutique. "In here Spike, I am just trying out some of these new designs." Spike rolled his eyes as he walked through the Boutique dropping off a basket on the sofa. Of course she were, at the rate that pony got ideas he wondered how she found time to make dresses at all. Spike couldn't help but smile though, he actually liked her obsessions, they where so familiar to somepony else that he could not help but find them cute. Rarity was in the middle of balancing a hat on top of a model when Spike walked in. "Rarity I wondered if you had some time to go have some dinner with me now." Rarity turned around and smilingly trotted over to kiss Spike on his cheek. "Of course dear. I just have to finish this bit or else it will fall off when I'm gone. Anywhere in particular you wanted to go this fine summer evening. Spike smiled "Somewhere special my love." "Why aren't we the smooth-talker today, where are you planning on taking me." Rarity said a little teasingly. "You'll see when we get there." He just answered. He supposed the blindfold had not been necessary, but he knew Rarity would adore the suspense. He had been preparing it all day, the roses, the candles, and it had taken him days to find the most secluded spot in the park. On the ground he had placed a classic white and red sheet for them to sit on. The candles where tall and slender, but placed so frequently around the edges sheet that they created a lovely atmosphere under the dark sky. The roses both whole and just petals where everywhere around them. In the middle he had placed a bottle of Rarity's favourite wine and a plate with fruits, chocolate and nuts. As they walked to this romantic location Spike guided his exited love along the bushes with one hand behind her neck and another holding the basket. "Spike I hope your are not walking me in to a fine restaurant blindfolded and in this state, I am in no state for a high class dinner." She said a little strictly Spike laughed to himself. She had spent half an hour getting ready and truth be told, he thought she had been planning on him asking her out tonight, he had been very secretive and she had of course not forgotten about this being the anniversary of their first date. "Don't worry love, I have something else entirely, planned for tonight." He guided her through the bushes and told her to wait a little while he prepared. He put down the basket at the edge of the sheet and lighted the last candles with his breath. He then walked to her and took off the blindfold carefully to avoid damaging her hair. "Spike!" She yelled. "By Celestia this is perfect, maybe not entirely for what I'm wearing but it is so romantic." She turned around and hugged him tightly and kissed him heavily on his mouth. Spike smiled at her and let her sit down and look at the stars before he started to feed her some of the food. "No Spike let me do that, you have already done so much." Spike ignored her and took some drapes and laid down so she could use his stomach as a pillow. She laid down under protest. "You don't have to do anything tonight my Lady, let me be the generous one tonight. He playfully lowered the draped to her mouth and she snapped at them on by one. She was extremely adorable Spike thought and he chuckled at her. Haven gotten a grape she suddenly rolled over facing Spike and shared the grape with him in a kiss. "You always know how to make a lady comfortable," she whispered, as she opened her eyes after the kiss. "If anyone had ever told me, a few years ago, that this would be my life now. I would never have believed them." he said with a expression of the utmost sincerity." She looked at him with lingering affection. "Spike you know we have spoken of this before, you can't think like tha.... Spike placed a claw on her mouth. "Shh, love, let me speak." He said. He replaced his claw as she fell silent. "Rarity a year ago today I was a nervous wreck. I did everything in my power to be someone you would like, to be someone fit for you." "but", she started. "...but", he said a little louder, as to make her voice become silent again. "We have come a long way since. I understand that you love me too and however weird it might sound I want to be honest here. There was a time where I did not think we could work. I wasn't sure if you loved me the same way I do you." he sounded sad Rarity had a little tear in her eye. She opened her mouth as to say something, but closed it again. As she sat there he thought how cute she looked when she was indecisive like this. He knew that when she showed this side of herself, it was his job to give her back her flair, her confidence. She looked a but frustrated and was about to resume his speech when she looked cross. "Spike you are really disappointing me. Do you have any idea how hard you make this for me. I know we haven't talked a lot about it, but it is eating me away darling. I cannot go on in a relationship where I have to constantly reassure you that I like you just as much love you even more that you do me." She started crying in a very unladylike manner. Spike got a little unsure of his approach, but decided to take a chance. "Do you think you are easy to be with. The entirety of our home is filled with fabric. You have meltdowns every two days and you are always stressed about your job. She looked up at him in anger at his harsh tone as he grabbed her tightly in a hug and she started to pull away from him turn a bowl of fruit over. "Let go of me Spike I need to go." She yelled. He did not let go of her. "But I love you regardless." He said. " "All your faults, all your night on the sofa with ice cream, to calm you down when you seem agitated, I love seeing your passion when you work, I love to be near you because every time you are near you make me smile. I know that you don't think, I think, you don't love me as much, but that is not true. Every time you show yourself as you really are under your mask of the busy business pony. When you calm down and don't mind spending a day with me without having to put on makeup and the fanciest dresses. For every Sunday you have spend with me in bed and let me see you as you really are. The playful little mare, who know every little bit about me, the little mare how knows me better than I know myself." He kept talking and she had finally stopped trying to get away. In stead he could feel her tears making his scales wet. "It is true, I was scared at the start, but you showed me that you loved me by letting me into your world, by understanding mine in return. I love you my sweet sweet girl. In this moment you are the only mare I want to be with." He ended his speech. "Spike.. I really love you too, and even though you may not believe it I might even love you more." She squeaked through her tears. "Why would you think that my darling" Spike asked with a big smile on his lips." "Because when I'm with you I can never stop smiling, because I know that however crazy, I must seem or annoying, you will never stop loving me, and I love you for just that. For the fact that you are willing to put up with me, I am eternally grateful to you." He smiled and discovered that it wasn't all Rarity's tears. Spike got up from the ground while Rarity sat up and tried to redo her mane. He tipped over the bowl, she had flipped when trying to get away. The fruits were ruined, so he threw them off as to have more room to himself While she was still tending to her air and trying to cut off the tears that were still running down her face he suddenly got down on one knee. She did not notice until he spoke. "Rarity, my precious, most beautiful mare." He said. Rarity looked up at him. Her eyes grew bigger as she saw the fat ruby on the gold ring he was holding out. "Will you do me the honour of marrying me" He said with a confident voice. "YES YES YES YES DARLING A MILLION TIMES YES" She said as she jumped into his arms and hugged him for dear life. "There is nothing I would rather do" "Then sit still so I can put it on you" She pulled away as he put the perfect fitting ring with a big ruby upon her horn and she started crying from happiness again. It goes without saying that they had a joyous evening when they went home. Luna looked a little nervous as Twilight was grading her last paper. It wasn't like it was thing required by twilight, to invent tests to Luna, she knew exactly how far she had gotten in her study, but Twilight loved tests and she would not feel right if they did not end their engagement the right way. Therefore the teacher and the student had met in order for twilight to properly examine her student. To be honest Luna didn't really give a rat's ass how well she did, this was only so that they could finally be together. Twilight put down the last piece of paper and wrote something on the front of the pages. Luna got up. "So, how did I do" "I don't really know." She answered with a quizzical look. "Come take a look" Luna walked closer. She had really hoped tonight would be the night. "What is it," she asked. Twilight got up quickly and kissed her. "It was perfect" They kissed long and deep. hours could have passed when they suddenly heard a sound like someone who wants to be noticed. Luna and Twilight opened their eyes. and looked towards the door. It was Celestia. "I come to inquire about the test, but I see that I didn't need to ask you" Both mares reddened on their cheeks. "While I don't want to disturb you two, could I borrow Luna a few minutes.?" she asked. Twilight whispered into Luna's ear. I'll be waiting in your chambers. and went out the door past Celestia. "Sister I am sorry to intrude" Celestia started "It is alright dear sister. Now, what do you want say?" Celestia looked fondly at her sister. It was so nice seeing her this happy, this time she would do the right things. She wanted to keep her happy, make her feel more included as a princess and a sister. "I wanted to give you something" She said: "I have seen how much the two of you care for each other. As have the rest of the castle." She mumbled the last bit. Luna looked at her sister, quizzically. Celestia went closer to her. "Now I don't know how close you too are, exactly, but you should know that I am behind you guys 100 percent and because of this I wanted to give you this." She levitated a ring to Luna with her horn and the dark aura of Luna's magic took it off her. "what is it dear sister." She said. When the ring came closer she recognised the enchanted ring. The diamond in it was unlike any other. It was black and infused with magic from both Luna and Celestias parents. It pictured a starry nights sky.. "This is their ring isn't it..." Luna looked confused, "but why? and wasn't there supposed to be sun in here". Celestia looked at her sister. "Yes it has always depicting a night and day. Dad used to say that the ring was made with the love of both of them and would depict a day and night sky swimming along into infinity, but now it only shows the night sky. "But why sister, why would it only show this?" A tear could be seen in Celestias eye as she went closer to her sister and hugged her. "When you refused to lower the moon and I banished you it stopped depicting anything. It was black and seemed dead. But ever since you and Twilight got together it has been shining more and more intensely." She released her sister and noticed a tear and wonder in her eyes. "But I could never.... I don't deserve" Luna started. "I think that is our parents way of saying that you are every bit a princess and part of the family as you ever where. And I think you know what to do with it when you are ready" Luna smiled: "Thank you sister, thank you so much." "I won't hold you any longer and I think Twilight has just about had time enough to prepare" "What do you mean sister" Luna said. "Haha, nothing sister, just remember what I said." "Is that you Luna?" Twilight called from inside Luna's bedchamber. "Yes love, it is me" She walked inside and saw that twilight had lighted candles and laid on her bed with quite the provocative outfit on. She felt her heart skip a beat. There was nothing to say, nothing to discuss they flew into each others embrace. An hour later they lay, their hearts pounding. "Twilight I love you" Luna gasped "And I you moonie" She answered Luna lifted her eyebrow at the nickname. "I have something I want to talk to you about." she collected herself and sat up. Twilight mirrored her pose and looked at her with a smile. "What is it love." She asked "These months has been hell. Waiting for this moment dear love, I wanted to do something special for you, and then you go and make everything so simple. It was everything I have ever wanted. I have never felt for anyone as I do for you." Twilight pulled her in for a hug. "I feel the same way Luna, but we are now free to do whatever we want. So there is something I want to ask you." "Oh what is it"? she seemed a little perplexed, she was after all just about to propose marriage to Twilight, but there was something in the mares voice that made her keep quiet. Twilight looked at Luna with a serious face. "Now that we are free, love, there is something I want you to answer. As Alicorns we are gonna live forever, but how to you feel about us now? I mean we are able to stay together for literally forever. I just want to know that we are in the same place." She looked at her lover with praying eyes as to convoy how hard it was for her to ask this question. Luna got up and sat herself next to twilight while embracing her. The moon and the stars outside the tall windows were still peeping in to their private sphere and as Luna noticed this she made Twilight look up. "Twilight look up. Look at my stars" Twilight looked up at the spectacle before her. "I love you, you know that. But if there is anything my many years in this world has taught me it is that nothing can last forever, even the two of us will someday perish and make way for the next world. Celestia knows this fact too, but standing in front of forever can be scary. And I understand if you are afraid of the future. To tell the truth, so am I. I keep fearing that history will repeat itself and the nightmare within me will erupt, but somehow when, I am with you, everything seems a little less complicated and scary. I have no idea how to predict the future in its entirety. But looking at my night sky I have always observed the same thing. Every winter, summer, fall or spring. Every night just before the night sky makes it's presence there will always be twilight. No matter what twilight and the night will always continue to make the balance between light and night. What I want to say is that you and I are forever, yes, but I can promise you that my desire to be with you is as strong as my certainty that the Night will always follow Twilight. I don't know what will happen, but I will always be her for... hmmmhm" The princess of the Night was silenced by the princess of Friendship in a spectacular passionate, albeit wet kiss "Marry me Luna, become mine and I'll become yours for eternity Twilight cried. I don't ever want this feeling to end." She looked down at her confused looking partner that she had just tackled to the bed. Luna had tears in her eyes again. "Ok love, let's get married. Let's become one, let's claim our ownership of each other." A light was pulsing from a bundle of clothing Luna had tossed when she came in. It was a silverly moonly glow. Luna levitated the ring out of her things and put it on Twilight's horn. They did not sleep that much this night. > The Thing About Weddings (Last Chapter) > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Thing About Maturity Chapter 8 "The Thing About Weddings" By: Scekkel My Little Pony © Hasbro "You whaaaat" four voices said at the same time in the dining room in the Canterlot castle. Spike, Rarity, Luna and Twilight yelled at each other in the exact same moment. "Congratulations." They all yelled equally highly together. "Are you serious." Spike said. "Yup" Twilight answered. "Well, well isn't this the lovely turnout," Rarity said, with a smile. "I don't suppose you lovely dears have picked out a date yet?" She asked them. "Well no not yet." Twilight confessed. But it will be this summer in any regard. "Spike I can't believe my little brother is getting married." "What about yourself" Spike said with a joking tone. "So who proposed." He asked. "Well." Twilight dragged. "We were never really clear on that. It was sort of both of us." She said with a red face. Luna looked away briefly and her eyes fell on Celestia who had been sitting and enjoying the conversation so far. Luna looked at her and mouthed the words "You knew!" Celestia stared innocently at her cup of tea. They all started chatting about wedding stuff. Rarity was of course the one who seemed most into it, but it wasn't until an hour later that Celestia opened her mouth. "Why don't you just get married together everyone?" "Twilight, Twilight! Please calm down it's going to be okay" Luna said with a slightly annoyed, but at the same time worried voice. Twilight didn't notice her lover right away, she was very occupied by looking at some list she held paranoidly in her hooves. Luna walked over to Twilight and embraced her tightly. "Twilight please relax it's going to be okay". Twilight finally realised she no longer were alone in the room and looked up at her lover with a slight blush of red. She finally relaxed and Luna let her go. "I'm sorry Luna, it's just that there is so much to do and the wedding is in only 3 days. I don't see how I'm supposed to be able to have time, to do it all." Luna looked at Twilight for a few seconds. Normally she liked this obsessive side of Twilight, she always thought of it as passion and because it often were about little things that no pony really noticed anyway, it reminded her of how she felt when she made the night sky and nopony saw it. But this was different. Twilight had not been herself the last few days though. After taking all the scheduling and planning of the two weddings on herself a few months ago she were finally about to crack. "Twilight I have told you that I would help you if you just asked me. I have said it almost a thousand times and believe me I don't exaggerate, I know how much a thousand is." Twilight looked down. "Sorry Luna, but everything has just been so hectic that I have not had any time to ask anypony for help." Luna looked down at the purple mare, with a soft look. It was true that things had been hectic at the least in the last few days. The bakery who was supposed to deliver the pastries and wedding cakes had backed out at the last moment because their best baker had become ill. After a lot of writing around Twilight had finally got her friend Pinkie Pie to take the order, which she had been immensely happy about. But this and a lot of other things had caused Twilight not to sleep very much. Always waking up remembering something she had to write down or do right away. "Twilight I know that you really wanted to plan this wedding, but you should have known that a double wedding would require twice as much planning as the one you planned for your brother and Cadence." Luna took twilight into her hooves again and kissed her lightly on her cheek and held her tightly. "But you know that I'm here for you right? You have just to ask me to do it, whatever it is." Twilight looked up the blue eyes of her lover. They always made her feel calm, they seemed as deep as the night sky their owner would make every night. Twilight was lost for a moment, but quickly came back because Luna nuzzeled her ear. "Maybe you could take the bottom half of the list today it's only 3 tasks and if we hurry we could have a bit of time before you have to go take up night court." Twilight said with a little blush Luna looked at Twilight with a smile. "Now this is some planning that I enjoy" The two soon to be wives kissed and hurried of to do what they had to, before meeting at their rendezvous. "Spike!, SPIKE! Where are you! I need those fabrics dear." Rarity shouted in a slightly panicked voice. She was just about to loose it, the inspiration she had been waiting for, for days. She had almost given up on the "final touch" as she called it these days. Spike had with all his might convinced her that she needed some times off and had dragged her along to Sugarcube Corner in order to calm her down a bit. Just as Rarity had tried to relax she had seen some new cupcakes Pinkie had made and the only thing Spike heard was something about, how the white sprinkles had fallen on the purple frosting before she had pulled him back to Carrousel Boutique and manically started to work on a dress. Spike came running under a mountain of different coloured fabrics. "They're here love" Spike were of course no longer any puny little dragon he had grown to the height of a pony, so task like this were no longer hard for him. He but the large rolls of fabric down on the table next to Rarity and watched as she started creating the last touches to her wedding dress. Normally the groom weren't allowed to see the dress, but Rarity didn't care, she wanted to do this herself and if that required the dress to stand in the middle of the living room she didn't care in the least that Spike saw it. Of course Luna's and Twilight's dresses had been finished weeks ago and stood ready to be fitted when they would arrive tomorrow "Then, now it is finished. Oh I cannot wait to wear it." Rarity almost screamed Spike looked happily at his fiancée, he loved seeing her like this, it was this passionate part of her that he liked very much, that and her amazing looks. "It is very beautiful" he said as he walked close to Rarity and put a claw behind her neck and pulled closer to her ear. "It could only be prettier if you were wearing it". Rarity looked at her lover. "Always the gentledrake" She smiled and kissed him. "Who would have known, just a few years ago, that we would be standing here, about to get married." "I knew Rarity, or at least hoped for it. You are everything that I ever wanted in life" He kissed her again. and she smiled at him. Rarity suddenly kicked off from the ground and threw herself into her lovers arms and he caught her with much experience. "Ever my gentledrake, ever my love." She kissed spike as he landed them both on the diva. She did not stop kissing him. The night blue Pony and her purple lover lay breathing heavily on the bed, both so happy to be rid of their bonds as teacher and pupil. In fact, the roles had switched, but in a much less official manner. Luna stretched and her now sleeping lover smiled. Luna got up and threw the blanket over her as she walked to the door. She hoped that night court would be over quick. She would not allow her mare to sleep the whole night alone. Not when they were going to get married in a few days. Luna had demanded that the ceremony was conducted in the evening so that she could decorate the sky for the special occasion. Funnily enough, the prospect of having stars and the big full moon shine down on her like a spotlight had not been a deal breaker for Rarity All their friends were invited. They decided to make the ceremony in Ponyville, away form the prying eyes of the nobles and newspaper ponies. The gift table was enormous, everyone was happy and as the sun disappeared in the horizon the full moon began to make it's entrance. two small shadows could be seen making their way down from a tall building. Luna and Celestia had raised the moon and Luna had set the stars. "Good luck dear sister" Celestia said in a hurry before she flew off. A voice behind Luna said: "It is beautiful, love" Luna turned around assuming she appreciated the night sky, but Twilight was looking at her. And she gave her a tasing smile. Half an hour later the guests began to gather and find their places on the rows of white chairs. In the midle their was made room for the ponies of the hour and a purple carpet had been placed leading all the way down to an arch made of tree. All along the carpet the chairs had a green and white band twirling around themselves on the left side and a purple and night blue on the right side. As the last pony found her place the music started and the two couples went down the carpet. Twilight and Luna to the right and Spike and Rarity to the left. Many ponies cried when they saw the two happy couples and as the moon looked down upon the stage of their love it enveloped them in a moonlight that made the white dresses shine. Rarity had really outdone herself this time. They had all made special vows for one another. "I love your Rarity. From the first time I saw you, you made me smile. And you have kept doing that for a long time and I know you feel the same about me. There's nothing in this world as important for me to protect, as you. From today on, we own each other, you and I are one ready to be there for each other. And you can of course always count on me, for I aim to be your knight in shining armour" Spike finished as everyone awed. "Spike. I know I can be stubborn, a little annoying and obsessive from time to time, but you are able to see past that, you once told me that it was because of these things that you loved me. You told me that you feel like I have let you into my world and that you feel we are one. I will forever love and cherish that thought because it is one of the dearest I own. I real love exist that is what you have shown me." Of course everyone began crying at that point. Twilight looked at her little brother and her friend and when Rarity had finished she reached with her magic to get her own vows. Nothing about learning them by heart, in Twilight's planning there was no room for mistakes. But is was not there. "Where is it, Luna I cannot find it! I forgot my vows Luna... Oh no this is a disaster." Luna smiled down at her. "I have it here twilight. I knew you would forget the most important thing, just relax and tell me what you feel like you did that night" She whispered as she let her magic rip up the piece of paper. All the onlookers looked excitedly at Luna and Twilight. Twilight began to stammer as Luna suddenly spoke "My love, I love you. You always go to the deepest lengths to please everyone. You even went and planned this whole wedding by yourself. You are amazing, you always want the best for ponies even though they don't always deserve it. There is no one I'd rather stand with here today. But remember what you asked me when you proposed. That we became one. So from now on I demand that you share the pressure with me, that you will let me be your stone when you get obsessive, because I want to share everything with you. Twilight stood still with tears in her eyes. "I, I dunno what to say. I can tell you I love you but I have said that a million times. When I am with you, my life seems easier, I do not worry as much because you are there to help me. I will promise to let you more in to my world like Spike and Rarity has done for one another. I want to see your light as well as your darkness. As I want you to see mine. We have eternity in front of us, but I promise you my love, that not matter how hard things get, there will always be one pony to admire your night sky. The crowd started cheering as the rings was placed and the party was started for real. The evening was a blue of laughter, kisses and happy couples. It was the wedding of their wildest dreams and early in the morning two carriages had collected them all and set course for their honeymoon.