> Our Garden Of Love
>  by HAKDurbin
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

    “All passengers, we are now getting ready to make our stop at Canterlot Station for this line heading to Baltimare. Transfers are available for lines destined to Ponyville, Appleloosa, Manehattan, and Las Pegasus. Please do not leave your seats until the train has made a complete stop and kindly keep track of all your belongings.”
    Spike smiles fondly at the train conductor’s announcement. After traveling for the last few days, he's relieved to hear that he’s about to finally arrive at his destination. He looks through his seat window to watch the Friendship Express climb up the mountain and go through a tunnel until he can see a familiar white city standing as tall and proud as he remembers it.
“Home at last,” he whispers quietly. 
It has been 7 years since he left Equestria to spend time with Ember and the other dragons in the Dragonlands. Since that time, Spike has changed slightly from how he looks before he left his home. He has grown tall enough be a couple inches taller than a full-grown stallion or mare, his wings have gotten stronger, and his voice has changed into one fitting for a young adult creature like him. 
Spike feels his heart leaping a little at the site of Canterlot. Though he has already encountered many familiar faces and places in Equestria during his long journey here such as Griffonstone and the Crystal Empire, and there is a sense of love and security in Ponyville, he has always felt like Canterlot has always been his first home in a way. It is the city where Twilight Sparkle hatched him on the same day that she gained her cutie mark; it is where he learned how to walk, how to speak, how to read and write, how to use his fire to transport messages, and is where he had some of his countless adventures with Twilight's and their friends. To Spike, Canterlot is the place that has been home for him all of his life more than any other place in Equestria or beyond. 
Spike’s mind begins to think about all of the many things he plans to see again for the first time in years before going to the palace. He thinks about dropping by to say hi to Lemon Heart and Minuette, at the castle grounds, drop by the Canterlot Library to see Moondancer, or more than likely drop by Doughnut Joe’s Doughnut shop for a box of his best pastries. For in his mind, the one thing he learned to count on during the first fifteen years of his life is that Canterlot is a place where very few things change. 
As the train gets closer to the city, however, his mind suddenly drifts to one place in particular that he would love to see again: Canterlot Carousel. His heart flutters a little as he knows there’s only one reason that this particular shop in the capital of Equestria would mean anything to him; because it makes him think of its owner. The mare who always made the most beautiful garments and decorations that the dragon has ever seen in his life. The unicorn who always worked hard and had the most incredible eye for detail. The one pony in the entire world who always had a way of making him smile just by looking at him with her sapphire eyes.
Rarity.
Ever since the day he first met Rarity back when he and Twilight first came to Ponyville, Spike always felt like she was somepony very special. In his heart, he believed that nothing in the world would ever be as beautiful as her. When Princess Celestia had him write a declaration that Twilight was to continue her studies in Ponyville, Spike was secretly thrilled because it also meant he could stay and see Rarity regularly. Thus when he and Rarity were not going an adventure with Twilight and their other friends, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, Spike would often finish his chores at the Golden Oak Library as soon as he could just to visit Rarity. 
The white unicorn would always greet him with a smile and gladly accept any help he would offer. Although, much of the help she would ask would involve most of the hard work she needed to be done like taking out the trash, be a pin cushion while she works on a gown or hold the basket for her whenever she was hunting for jewels. As Spike thinks about those days, his smile falters as he thinks about how often he was asked to do so much of the hard work because he could never resist it whenever Rarity so much as batted her eyelashes. But even when he thinks about those moments, all he has to do is think of when she supported him, cheered for him, helped him whenever he needed a friend and his image of seeing her as the perfect Element of Generosity returns to his mind. 
Going back and forth on his opinion on Rarity tended to happen every now and again when he was in the Dragonlands. With him away from his pony friends and pony society, he had a lot of time to reflect on his life in Equestria. He used to think about all the joys and troubles he had to face throughout the years and even imagine how he would have done things differently. But while most of the things he reflected on while staying with his own species were minor, he always found himself questioning how he really felt about Rarity or even how she felt about him. 
He sighs as shakes his head, as the train finally stops at Canterlot Station. He grabs his suitcase and exits the train with a crowd of ponies. As soon as he steps foot in the station, the purple dragon beams as he looks at the entrance to the beloved white city and takes a deep breath through the nose to get a whiff of the mountain city air. He starts to enter the castle gates until two guard ponies suddenly get in his way with shocked expressions on their faces.
“Spike, is that you?” one of the guards asks.
“Oh hey, Blazing Star,” Spike replies with a grin and a wave.
“Oh my goodness, I can't believe you're back. look how you’ve grown,” the other guard says.
“You better believe it, Trailbreaker,” Spike replies with a grin. 
“Why we haven't seen you in ages,” the guard called Blazing Star says. “Word has it you went to the Dragonlands.”
“Yeah, I did,” Spike answers. “I just came back from there.”
“Ooo, I'm surprised we haven't heard about you coming back,” Trailblazer says. “I imagine Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would be here to welcome you back after so many years.”
“Actually, they don't know I'm back,” Spike says. “This is kind of a surprise return. So if you guys could keep quiet, that would be great.”
The two guards nod in understanding and quickly returns to their posts. Spike smiles and begins to enter the city when Blazing Star runs to his side and leans in his ear.
“Welcome home,” is all the guard says before returning to his position.
Spike smiles appreciatively at the guard before passing the city gate and starts walking through the city. The dragon’s smile grows as he explores the many parts of his old home. Everywhere he goes, he feels a sense of familiarity with all the glamorous buildings, water fountains, parks and all the high-class ponies walking down the street with the fanciest tuxedos and dresses. All of them pass by him with their heads up high not even acknowledging him.
Spike drops by Doughnut Joe’s shop and the stallion himself was just as surprised yet thrilled to see one of his long-time customers return. Spike orders a box of his favorite flavored doughnuts and Doughnut Joe was happy to oblige free of charge for old time's sake. Thus, Spike continues exploring the city while gorging himself with doughnuts that taste just as sweet and flavorful as he remembered them. 
As he walks while eating the last doughnut in one bite, however, he finds himself in a familiar street. His heart skips a beat as the throws away the box in the nearest public trash bin and walks on until he finds himself standing just a few feet away from Canterlot Carousel. The building looks just as majestic as it was when he last saw it. He finds himself smiling as he sees some dresses in the display windows. Each one looks more beautiful than the last in Spike’s eyes as he knows in his heart that they were all personally designed by Rarity if not also made by her. For a moment, he considers the possibility that she might actually be there on a business trip with the store’s manager, Sassy Saddles, but he shakes the thought away. If he remembers correctly, Rarity would not be having business trips around this time and even then he hopes that he doesn't get to see her no matter how much a part of him wants to.
Not yet anyway.

***********************************************************************************

Spike feels both flattered and amused when he hears the trumpeters sound their instruments upon his arrival to the throne room. He thinks it is unnecessary, but the guards at the entrance insist they give him a royal welcome. He walks down the hall heading toward a surprised Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as one of the guards clears his throat. 
“Announcing his arrival from the Dragonlands, Spike the Dragon,” he says out loud. 
Spike smirks as he walks over to the two royal sisters who get up from their thrones and walk over to him looking both shocked yet happy to see him.
“My, my, Spike, what a surprise,” Princess Celestia says as she hugs the purple dragon.
“Indeed, tis a most pleasant surprise, dear Spike,” Princess Luna says as she also hugs him. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”
“Well, the blunt answer is I wanted to come home,” Spike answers with a smile. “I learned so much about dragon culture and their way of life, but now I decided it was high time to go back to Equestria where I truly belong.”
“Well, it is wonderful to see you come home,” Celestia says with a heartwarming smile. “Tell me, have you already come to see Twilight and all of your friends back in Ponyville?”
Spike’s smile falters slightly and he scratches the back of his head. 
“Actually, they don't know I'm back,” he admits. “In fact, no one outside of you, a number of the guards and Doughnut Joe knows I'm anywhere near Equestria much less in Canterlot.”
The royal sisters look at their dragon friend confused.
“You say that like you want your return to be a secret,” Luna speculates. 
“Well, as a matter of fact, I do,” Spike says. “In fact, I'm kind of here to ask a favor from the two with you.”
“Oh?” Celestia asks. 
Spike takes a deep breath and says, “I’m wondering if I can secretly stay here in Canterlot with you.”
The two princesses stare at him even more confused as he continues.
“You see, now that I have learned all I wanted to know about my kind, I want to come back to my real home and try to make something of myself,” he explains. “I have been Twilight’s loyal assistant for more than half of my life and devoted the rest of my life to find myself as a dragon. Since my heart belongs to Equestria, I want to find my own purpose among pony society. Not an assistant or a natural dragon, just...my own thing. So I was hoping I can stay here where I was born and try to figure out where do I go from here.”
“And you do not want to visit your friends while doing that?” Luna asks. “I imagine they would want to see you again after 7 years.”
Spike shakes his head.
“As much as I want to, I don't feel ready to go see them again yet,” he says. “When I left for the Dragonlands, I told Twilight that I was going to return completely changed and fully discovered myself. And while I have changed enough to come back to the country, I don't think I found enough about myself to say I'm ready to go back to Ponyville accomplished. So I want to stay here until I've figured it out before seeing everyone again. So...is it alright if I stay here?”
For a moment, silence overtakes the throne room. Spike begins to think that they are going to deny his request. But then suddenly, Celestia bursts into laughter. Spike looks at her appalled to see her laugh, but Luna, on the other hand, smirks at her older sister.
“Oh great, she’s actually laughing again,” she says rolling her eyes. “There goes the universe.”
Celestia continues laughing for a minute before placing her hoof on Spike’s shoulder.
“Spike, you should never feel like you need our permission to stay here,” she says. “You're always welcome here in Canterlot Castle.”
Spike smiles brightly at this response and says, “Thank you so much, Celestia!”
Celestia merely smiles in response before turning to a guard.
“Please have one of the bus ponies show Spike to one of the guest rooms,” she orders.
“At once, Your Majesty,” the guard answers before leaving.
“And I hope you will stay for us for dinner tonight, Spike,” Celestia says. 
“Indeed, we would love to hear more about your time in the Dragonlands,” Luna says.
“Absolutely,” Spike says cheerfully. 
The two sisters nod pleased with his response. 
“Well, I better join the bus pony in getting myself set up,” Spike says.
“Of course,” Celestia says in understanding. “Then I guess we shall see you tonight then.”
“I'll be there,” Spike says giving the two sisters a bow before turning around to leave.
Spike exits the throne room feeling pleased to hear them say yes to his request. But then suddenly, the doors open behind him and he turns around to see Luna running towards him. 
“Forgive me, Spike, but there's something that slipped the minds of myself and my sister,” she says.
“What’s that?” Spike asks curiously.
Luna hesitates before she asks, “Well, are you sure you don't want your presence to be known to any of your friends from Ponyville?”
Spike looks at Luna confused and answers, “Yeah, why?”
The Princess of the Night gives Spike a smug look before she answers.
“Well, I think you'd like to know that Rarity lives here in Canterlot,” she says.
Spikes body freezes in place. His mouth hangs open as he stares at the princess in shock. 
“R-r-rarity...lives here?” He manages to say.
“That’s right,” Luna replies. “She moved here from Ponyville about three years ago.”
“But...but what about Carousel Boutique?” Spike asks. “I thought that was the home base for her business. Did something happen to it?”
“Oh, no. It's still there,” Luna says in a reassuring tone. “It’s just no longer her home base. I don't know the details, but apparently, it made more sense to move to Canterlot and have Sweetie Belle take over Carousel Boutique.”
Spike continues to stand in place, unable to believe what he just heard. The mare that he has the longest crush on and somepony that he doesn’t want to see yet is living in Canterlot of all places. He knew that she always loved Canterlot, but he never imagined that she would move here given how she was so devoted to stay in Ponyville when he last saw her. Spike’s face becomes uneasy with this information. On the one hand, a part of him really likes the idea of seeing her again and admire her beauty, generosity, and her skill in making beautiful gowns once again, but deep down he still doesn’t want her to know that he’s back in Equestria yet. 
“Sooooo,” Luna says. “Are you certain you don’t want her to know about your whereabouts now that you two are in the same town again?”
Spike frowns not knowing the answer to that question. He begins to consider the possibility that Rarity might learn that he’s back eventually with so many ponies already knowing that he returned. With such a beloved social butterfly like her, he wouldn’t put past the idea of her already finding out right now. Eventually, he sighs in reluctance. 
“If I see her, I’ll deal with it and hope I can convince her to keep my return a secret from the others,” he says. “Otherwise, I’ll try to avoid her as best as I can.”
Luna nods in understanding.
“If that is so, then you should stay close to the castle grounds while you’re figuring out what to do with your life,” she suggests. “Twilight’s study is still open and only Moondancer uses it, so maybe a few books on certain occupations might get you to start thinking. Otherwise, there’s a small, gazebo in the private section at the castle gardens. I used to go there a lot to think about my life in solitude after Nightmare Moon was defeated. Maybe that will help while you’re keeping yourself away from your crush’s sight.”
Spike feels his cheeks heat up as the Princess of the Night gives him a teasing look. 
“You knew?” he asks.
Luna merely chuckles with her mouth closed and says, “Dearest Spike, your subtlety may not be so poor that all of Equestria knew about your feelings long before you left, but like any young boy with a crush, you can be read like a book. All of our friends knew about your crush on Rarity.”
“E-even her?” Spike dares to ask.
Instead of an answer, Luna just chuckles with her mouth closed again and walks back into the throne room. Spike stands in place shocked from everything he just heard. He then realizes that he’s still blushing.
“Darn,” he mutters to himself. “I haven’t done that in a long time.”
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a couple of days since Spike moved back to Canterlot Castle. By now, everypony who works for the Royal Sisters including Lemon Hearts or works near the area like Moondancer knows of his return and understands that he wants it to be a secret. Spike has been enjoying living in a nice room with a comfortable bed again as opposed to living in a cave. He has been spending most of his free time reading at Twilight’s old study where Moondancer often comes to study. Lemon Hearts asked if she could at least share Spike’s secret to Minuette and Twinkleshine so that they all could catch up together when they and Moondancer can get together next and Spike reluctantly said it was okay. 
It’s his third full day back in Canterlot and Spike is exiting his room in Canterlot Castle feeling fully rested. He makes his way to Twilight’s old study to read again. It starts to rain so Spike heads over to the study with an umbrella only to find it locked. He looks at it confused until he sees a note hanging on the door.

Spike, 
Had to leave Canterlot for a family emergency. I probably won't be back until tomorrow.
Sorry,
Moondancer.

Spike frowns as he was hoping to continue reading in the study. He scratches his chin wondering what he should do until he remembers something Princess Luna said.

There’s a small, gazebo in the private section at the castle gardens. I used to go there a lot to think about my life in solitude after Nightmare Moon was defeated. Maybe that will help while you’re keeping yourself away from your crush’s sight.

Spike scratches his chin in thought and ultimately decides that maybe he should try it since he has nothing else to do. With a shrug, he makes his way to the royal gardens, until he enters the private section. At the far end of the garden closest to the mountain wall is the gazebo, looking big enough to shelter about half a dozen ponies with a couple of benches. Spike has a small smile on his face, thinking it's a perfect place to sit peacefully until he notices something else and he freezes in place with his eyes wide open.
Sitting on one of the benches inside the gazebo on the right side is a familiar white unicorn with a beautiful purple mane and tail and sapphire blue eyes. She doesn’t seem to notice Spike as she is looking far into the distance. Spike stares at her, unsure of what to do until his look of shock fades and he looks at her a little more closely. The mare is staring at the rainy clouds with a spiritless look on her face. Her sapphire eyes look dim and she is holding a can of cider with her magic and a bag full of chocolate candy bars is lying on the floor. She takes a small sip of her cider robotically as she keeps her eyes on the dark gray clouds. 
Spike stares at Rarity confused. He wonders why is she here of all places and why is she drinking canned cider and has a bag full of chocolate. Above all, he wonders why she looks so depressed. Eventually, he decides he still wants to avoid her and she probably wants to be left alone anyway and so turns around to leave until he hears a faint voice.
“Spike?”
The purple dragon freezes in place again, this time feeling his heart leap, his cheeks heat up and goosebumps forming all over his scales. She spoke very softly but it was enough for Spike to have a warm feeling in his chest. He remembered her voice very well in all the years that he was in the Dragonlands, but it felt as if he was hearing for the first time all over again. 
“Spike, is that you?” Rarity asks with her voice a little louder.
Spike hears her slowly get off the bench and walks over to him. He takes a deep breath and reluctantly turns around to face her. Her eyes are a little wider in disbelief as she walks toward him like a deer unsure of whether or not something is safe. Spike gives her a small but sincere smile before he finally responds. 
“Hi, Rarity,”
Rarity’s eyes light up a little and a happy smile appears on her face.
“Spike!” she says in a weak yell as she runs over to Spike and pulls him into a hug.
Spike feels his cheeks grow hotter as his crush hugs him tightly. It takes a moment before he hugs her back with a sincere smile on his face. Even though his cover is blown, he can't deny how good it feels to feel Rarity’s embrace for the first time in years. When they finally break the hug, Rarity looks at him fondly. 
“You're back, from the Dragonlands,” she says. 
“Uh, yeah I am,” Spike admits. “I just got back a couple days ago.”
At hearing this, Rarity frowns and gives him a suspicious look.
“Really?” She asks. “Then how come you haven't come to visit me in Canterlot Carousel?”
Spike hesitates and makes up a lie.
“I actually didn't know that you're in Canterlot,” he says. “Besides, I figured that if I just came in I'd catch you at a bad time. You are a very busy business pony after all.”
Rarity tilts her head in confusion before she lets out a giggle. Spike frowns at her laughter; not because he thinks she’s insulting him, but because her giggle sounded a little lifeless. She laughs as if she’s laughing out loud on her mind, but in reality, her giggle does not have the same melodic ring that he remembered.
“Dearest Spike, you may have forgotten some things while you were gone, but I would think you would know I would always find time for my friends and that especially includes my favorite dragon,” Rarity says.
Spike feels slightly bashful again at her words before Rarity takes him by the claw and pulls him over to the gazebo.
“Come, come, sit,” she insists as she leads him to the bench opposite from hers. “Tell me, how were the Dragonlands?”
“It was pretty good,” Spike answers. “I learned a lot about dragon life and culture while I was staying with Ember.”
“Oh yes, how is Ember?” Rarity asks trying to sound cheerful. “It’s been a couple of years since I last saw her.”
“She’s been doing well. She enjoys ruling the lands when she wasn't helping me understand our own kind,” Spike replies.
“That sounds like her,” Rarity comments.
Spike nods in agreement before he decides to change the subject.
“So I heard that Sweetie Belle is running Carousel Boutique now,” he says.
Rarity winces and her smiles falters. Spike looks at her confused before Rarity gives him a sad smile.
“Yes. That is correct,” she replies. 
“Is she enjoying that?” Spike asks while giving Rarity a concerned look.
“Oh yes...yes she is,” Rarity answers assuringly. “She’s been managing the store very well. In fact, she has been making extra money by using it as a place to have singing performances for herself. She’s become very popular over the last year.”
“Oh, that sounds great,” Spike says.
“Yes, I'm very happy for her,” Rarity says.
Spike looks at her concerned as Rarity looks away to have another sip of her canned cider. The way she said she was proud of Sweetie Belle felt off to him. Like she wants to be happy for little sister, but something is getting in the way. Rarity glances at Spike, noticing the way he is looking at her and shakes her head before speaking again.
“So have you told Twilight and the others that you're back?” she asks.
“Uh...no I haven't,” Spike admits. “In fact, I'm not going to yet for a while.”
This time, it is Rarity’s turn to look at Spike confused.
“You're not?” she asks. “Why is that?”
Spike hesitates and scratches the back of his head before he answers. 
“I’m kind of back in secret,” he says. “I wanted to come back to Canterlot Castle and figure out what I want to do with my life. I want to figure out what that is before going back to Ponyville and see Twilight and the others again.”
“Really?” Rarity asks.
“Yes,” Spike says. “So if you could please keep it a secret that I'm back from everyone back at Ponyville, I would deeply appreciate it.”
Rarity looks at Spike surprised with his explanation. She can only recall a couple of times when he was younger where he would talk about wanting self-discovery including when he decided to go to the Dragonlands and stay there for a few years. Out of all the times that he's made such decisions about his life, there's something about his quest that feels different to her. Like she feels a strange sense of maturity from him to want to find something like what he wants to do with his life back in Equestria.  
Finally, she shakes her head and gives Spike a weak smile.
“Tell you what, Spike; I'll keep your secret if you can keep mine,” she offers.
Spike looks at her interested.
“What secret is that?” he asks.
Rarity lets out a soft sigh and says, “I would like for you to not tell anyone I come here or that you have ever seen me.”
Spike tilts his head in confusion.
“You want it to be a secret that I ever see you here?” he asks.
“Yes,” Rarity confirms. 
“Can I ask why?” Spike asks.
Rarity frowns and looks away from Spike.
“It's complicated,” she answers. “It's kind of something I don't want you to worry about.” 
Spike frowns and gives her a pleading look.
“Maybe I'd like to worry about it,” he suggests. “You know I always have a listening ear for you, Rarity.”
Rarity keeps her serious frown for a moment until she turns her head to give her purple-scaled friend the closest thing to a heartfelt smile he’s seen her give in years. 
“That’s sweet of you as always, Spikey-Wikey,” she says sincerely, earning a faint flutter in Spike’s heart to hear his nickname. “But this is something that I have to handle myself. But if I'm ever ready to share it, you will be the first to know.”
“Promise?” Spike asks.
“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” Rarity replies while robotically making the hoof gestures of a Pinkie Promise.
Spike hesitates, unsure of whether or not to press the issue further despite her claims but ultimately decides to let it slide, knowing it’s not like her to make a Pinkie Promise unless she really means it. 
“Alright, Rarity,” he says making a zip-of-the-lip gesture. “No one will get a peep from me.”
Rarity keeps her smile on and says, “Thank you, Spikey. I know I can always count on you.”
Spike can't help but smile back at her compliment. The two of them beginning to sit in silence for a few minutes, unsure of what to say next until Rarity gets up.
“Well, I think I should head back to Canterlot Carousel,” she says in a stale tone. “Sassy Saddles will want me to come back and help her with some new orders.”
Spike nods in understanding despite feeling down with watching Rarity put away her canned cider and chocolate in her knapsack.
“Okay, well maybe I'll see you around sometime?” he says hopefully.
Rarity stops walking away from the gazebo and stares at the rainy sky.
“I’d like that, Spike,” she says softly. “I'd like that very much.”
Without another word, Rarity walks away leaving Spike alone in the private garden. Spite feels a sense of sincerity in her last words before he frowns and thinks deep in thought. Despite looking as beautiful as ever and acted as friendly to him as he remembers, this was not the same Rarity that he had crushed on for so many years. Something about her felt like her life has been drained away somehow during the six years since he left for the Dragonlands. He wishes she could tell him what’s up, but he knows he would never try to force something like that out of fear of losing her trust. 
And yet in his heart, he knows he wants to see her again and find a way to maybe save the mare he has always loved.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It’s been a couple of days since Spike bumped into Rarity at the private royal garden. He has visited the gazebo from the garden whenever he is on his way to or back from Twilight's private study to his room but hasn't found her there. A couple of times he has considered dropping by to visit her at Canterlot Carousel but figured that she must be very busy at the moment and he can't ask any pony else if they know about her hanging out in the royal garden because of his promise to her.
Thus, for the most part, Spike has reluctantly accepted that he is going to hardly if ever see Rarity again. He began to take to heart how saddened she sounded when she said she would like to see him again. He wondered if she said that thinking it's going to be impossible to see each other in the same place because of how busy she is at her shop or perhaps something else. Maybe the stress of handling the shop is starting to become too much for her and that’s why she was carrying canned cider and chocolate. Or perhaps she has a handsome, high-class boyfriend and they are just going through a rough patch.
Spike shook the last thought from his mind, thinking it’s just his crush on her getting the better of him. It was a terrible habit for years that he would secretly worry about Rarity getting together with some other guy like Prince Blueblood, Trenderhoof, and even Capper for a brief time when he, Rarity and their friends were in Kludgetown. He knows he was being childish over how much he dreaded the idea of Rarity dating either of those guys even when he pretended to be happy for her.
It’s his twelfth full day back in Canterlot and Spike is exiting his room in Canterlot Castle feeling fully rested. He makes his way to Twilight’s old study where Moondancer is heading there as well. The unicorn walks to the entrance and takes out the key with her magic before turning her head to see Spike heading her way.
“Is having you come here just to read and study with me going to be a regular thing?” she asks with a smirk.
“I think so,” Spike answers with a chuckle.
“Well, at least we have that cleared up,” Moondancer says as she unlocks the door.
The mare and the dragon enter the study and Spike stops only a few steps inside to admire the inside. Even though he’s already been here every day since he came back, he feels a childish sense of nostalgia to see the study that he helped Twilight at for the first several years of his life. His thoughts are interrupted, however, when he hears Moondancer clearing her throat.
“So what are you studying today?” she asks half-teasingly. “The History of Ogres and Oubliettes again?”
Spike chuckles as he remembers reading the history of the board game Ogres and Oubliettes yesterday just to remember the days when he played the game with Discord and Big Mac.
“Nah, I think I should look at something a little more serious,” he says. “Does this place still have the first three volumes of Celestia’s solo reign after Nightmare Moon’s defeat?”
Moondancer scoffs in amusement.
“Does Celestia love butterscotch filling in her daily slice of cake?” she asks as she uses her magic to take three large books out from a shelf and place them in Spike's hand. Spike struggles to hold the books up due to their weight as he makes his way to a table and begins reading while Moondancer takes out a couple of books with her magic and begins reading at the table from the other side of the room. For a while, the two of them read in silence until Moondancer remembers something.
“Oh hey, Spike, do you remember two of Twilight’s students from the School of Friendship, Sandbar and Silver Stream?” she asks looking at Spike
“Yeah, I remember,” Spike says with his eyes still glued to one of the books he's reading.
“Well, I learned from my last letter from Twilight's that they are dating now,” Moondancer says.
Spike diverts his eyes from his book and looks at Moondancer shocked.
“Dating?” he asks.
“Yeah. Apparently, Sandbar has been staying with the Hippogriffs for the past couple of years and that led to him forming a relationship with Silver Stream,” Moondancer explains. 
Spike blinks one before scratching his head.
“Huh,” he says. “I never would have imagined those two together.”
“Really?” Moondancer asks slightly surprised. “They sound like a cute couple from what Twilight said in her letter. It seems Sandbar is there to keep Silver Stream calm when she needs to be while her personality helps him loosen up.”
“I guess that makes sense,” Spike says before he gives his friend a small smile. “But hey, if they're happy, then that's great for them.”
“I agree,” Moondancer says before she frowns and scratches her chin in thought “Although, I imagine it will be hard to be together with the fact that they are totally different species. Other creatures will probably look down on them.”
“Why do you say that?” Spike challenges. “I thought Equestria has become more diverse when it comes to ponies getting along with other creatures ever since Twilight founded the School of Friendship.”
“It has, but dating somecreature who is a different species is something else entirely,” Moondancer says adjusting her glasses. “No pony or any other creature has ever done that in the history of Equestria. I know there are ponies like Twilight who won't care and it seems like the Hippogriffs don't mind, but even in Equestria, not every pony shares Twilight’s views about friendship with other species much less the idea of friends of different species falling in love.”
Spike frowns at this information and looks down at the table. He never thought about the idea of interspecies relationships becoming an issue before. He especially never thought of the idea of him dating a pony becoming an issue, not even when he was growing up fawning over Rarity.
“I guess that would be a problem,” he admits.
“It probably would be worse here in Canterlot,” Moondancer says before turning back to her book. “Take it from a mare who has lived here all her life, Spike. If the nobility finds something so out of the norm, they’ll treat you like a fate worse than death and socially outcast you within a blink of an eye.”
Spike winces at his friend’s words. The thought of how that kind of relationship can hurt you socially sounds dangerous for someone like Rarity. He suddenly begins to imagine if he did woo her to become his very special somepony before he left for the Dragonlands. She probably would have lost a lot of clients and her career would have been ruined beyond repair. He would never want something to cause her to destroy her career even for his happiness.
“When you put it that way, it's probably a good thing that only Sandbar and Silver Stream are taking that risk,” he says. “I mean imagine if a dragon gets together with a pony even if it's a well-known dragon like me.”
Moondancer notices what Spike is this thinking and gives him a supportive smile.
“I don't think it would be as big of a problem for you, Spike. You are after all somecreature who has helped save Equestria multiple times, so I don't think it would be as big of an issue for most ponies,” she says before chuckling. “In fact, with your popularity at the Crystal Empire, I bet all the Crystal Ponies would want your wedding to be at their home. Maybe they'll even build a statue of your wife right next to your statute.”
Spike chuckles back at her joke. It's no secret among his friends that the Crystal Ponies practically worship him for the number of times that he’s helped them whether it was aiding Cadance and Shining Armor defeat King Sombra, saving everyone during the final event at the Equestria Games or helping Thorax become friends with them. There hasn't been a time that he has visited the Empire without the crystal ponies showing endless praise to him. In fact, on the train ride to Canterlot, he had to hide under his seat when the train was briefly stopping at the Crystal Empire in order to keep his return a secret. 
His thoughts are interrupted, however, when he hears Moondancer sighing. 
“Still, with your case put aside, it would be extremely difficult for dragons to have an interest in forming a relationship with a different creature,” she says. “Dragons are not the most friendly creatures and even with some of them going to the School of Friendship, there’s not many who really learn to be friendly as you, Smolder or Dragon Lord Ember.”
Spike frowns and nods in agreement.
“Yeah,” he says. “It would be very difficult.  Maybe the most difficult case of them all.”

**********************************************************************************

The next day, Spike wakes up from his bed and hears the sound of raindrops. He lifts his head up to see the rain falling down through his window. He smiles at the pretty sight of the gray clouds covering the view of Equestria. His mind begins to drift as he has an idea.
“I've been hoping to see Rarity at the gazebo for days now but she hasn't been there since,” he thinks. “Maybe somehow the rain plays a factor as to whether or not she’s going to be there.”
With an optimistic feeling in his heart, he gets out of bed, takes a shower, grabs his backpack containing some of the books he borrowed from Twilight's study yesterday and his umbrella, and heads out for the royal gardens. The raindrops fall heavily on his umbrella as he walks down the tower steps and makes his way to the gardens.  
As he walks through the garden path, he sees the gazebo in the private section at a distance. Despite the raindrops covering his vision, he sees a figure sitting at the gazebo. He squints his eyes and smiles to sure enough see Rarity sitting on her hump while holding up canned cider and her knapsack lying next to her. She stares at the sky glumly again while taking small sips of her drink. Spike’s smile falters briefly as he notices how much she’s still not her normal energetic self. He takes a deep breath before he walks over to her with a serene smile on his face which catches Rarity’s attention. The beautiful white mare smiles again at the sight of the purple dragon and puts down her cider.
“Well, good morning, Spike,” she says warmly. 
“Good morning, Rarity,” Spike says while scratching the back of his head. “Uh...lovely weather we’re having?”
Spike mentally kicks himself in the head for saying something so dumb. Luckily, Rarity giggles lightly at his response, which puts him at ease.
“Yes, I suppose the garden looks lovely despite the rain,” she says with a small smile as Spike sits down. “Though I wonder what you would be doing outside on a day like this. If I remember my Spikey-Wikey, he would use this weather as an excuse to stay in bed or have a nice, hot, 7-hour bubble bath.”
Spike blushes at he calling him by his nickname again. He casually takes out one of the books from his backpack and clears his throat.
“I just thought a quiet read here in the gazebo would be really nice,” he says. “Uh, what about you, Rarity? You aren't usually somepony who would be outside when it’s raining either, leastways while you can make some more fabulous dresses.”
Rarity’s smile weakens and she looks down on the floor.
“I’m...skipping work,” Rarity says. “Just decided to unwind after managing the business.”
“And having some canned cider while at it?” Spike asks. “Not exactly something that is in your normal diet.”
“Oh, and you know all about how a lady must keep her figure?” Rarity asks with her eyebrow raised. 
“Uh, no. That’s not what I meant at all.” Spike says waving his hands.
“Well, if you’re suggesting that I eat something, will these do?” Rarity asks. 
She unzips her knapsack with her magic and a large collection of chocolate bars fly up in the air with a blue aura surrounding them. Spike looks at the display shocked and uncomfortable at her display. 
“I can see in your eyes that you think I’ve gone crazy,” Rarity teases.
“Uh, no...no I think…” Spike stammers.
“Sppiiikkkkeee, you know better than to lie to me,” Rarity says in a warning tone.
Spike rubs his arm ashamedly, confirming Rarity’s suspicions. Unexpectedly, however, Rarity merely lets out a soft giggle.
“It’s alright Spike,” she says softly. “I assure you, nothing is out of the ordinary with me. Just found some new...quirks like everyone else.”
“Really?” Spike asks.
“Promise,” Rarity says with a weak smile.
Spike looks at her unconvinced with her explanation, but smiles and nods as a sign of letting the matter go. Rarity nods back before looking away to watch the view while sipping more of her cider and opening a bar of chocolate while Spike begins reading. The two of them are silent for several minutes before Rarity glances at Spike’s book.   
“A history book about Celestia’s solo reign?” She asks in confusion. 
“Yeah, thought I would just read stuff like this to give me ideas about what I want to do with my life,” Spike explains.
Rarity covers her mouth with her hoof and giggles lightly making Spike look at her in confusion.
“What?” he asks.
“Oh, forgive me, Spike,” she says. “It’s just that I’ve never seen you so interested in books like that before. I guess I’m used to seeing the small you reading comic books and getting excited about the Power Ponies facing some supervillain. Seems like you really have grown up.”
Spike chuckles bashfully and his cheeks heat up, making Rarity giggle again only with her voice sounding high pitched like it used to be.
“There he is,” she says.
“There’s what?” Spike asks bashfully.
“There’s the adorable little dragon I remember,” she says. “Always bashful to a tee when I give him a compliment.”
Spike covers his face with his book knowing that his cheeks are turning even redder by the second. He hears Rarity giggling again, making him feel even more bashful. And yet, despite his shy state, he finds himself smiling at the sound of her laugh. They sound genuine and full of life the more she giggles the way he remembers it so many years ago. It’s as if laughter is helping her come back to her normal self. 
“Oh, I remembered something,” he says, lifting his head to face Rarity. “How are things going with all of our friends in Ponyville?”
Rarity winces and she stops in mid-laughter and she falls back to her gloomy state. Spike’s heart sinks as Rarity looks away from him. 
“I’m afraid I haven't been in touch with most of them in a while, Spike,” she confesses. “I write to Fluttershy as often as I can, but not a lot has changed for her or any of our friends in Ponyville that she can talk to me about. Just her enjoying living with the woodland critters while Rainbow Dash is with the Wonderbolts, Pinkie Pie and Applejack are working hard at Sugarcube Corner and Sweet Apple Acres and Twilight is still managing the School of Friendship. None of us have had a chance to get together in ages.”
“Oh,” Spike says sadly before his face lights up. “Then I guess you haven't heard about Sandbar and Silver Stream?”
Rarity turns her head to face Spike again and tilts it in curiosity.
“What about them?” she asks.
“According to Moondancer, they're dating,” Spike says.
“Aaawwww, really?” Rarity asks suddenly acting excited like a giggling school filly. “That sounds adorable!”
Spike looks at her with interest.
“So you don't think the fact that they are different creatures is an issue?” he asks.
“Of course not, darling,” Rarity says plainly. “Why would I? I think the idea of finding love with someone who is a different species is rather exciting and at the same time very romantic.”
“You do?” Spike asks surprised.
“Of course, darling,” Rarity answers with a gleeful look. “If you and the other person mean that much to each other without worrying about the logistics about what you are then it's clear you love them for who they are. That sounds about as wonderful as romance can get, don't you agree?”
Spike smiles at her response.
“Yeah, I do,” he says before he remembers the rest of his conversation with Moondancer. “But wouldn't it also cause problems socially? I mean no one has ever done what Sandbar and Silver Stream have done before and people can have issues with that.” 
Once again, Rarity’s face falls and she looks away sadly. Spike immediately regrets what he said even though he doesn't know why Rarity is sad this time.
“I suppose you're right,” she says in a dull voice. “That would cause a serious problem for somepony.”
Spike mentally kicks himself in the head for causing Rarity to return to her depressed state. He wishes he didn't say anything to bring her back to her lifeless act.
“But it wouldn't matter as long as the couple is happy, right?” he asks, desperate to make her smile again. “I mean with so many different creatures coming to Equestria now, there may be others who might follow Sandbar and Silver Stream’s example and they will have all their family and friends to support them, right?”
For a moment Rarity doesn't say anything. Then, she gives Spike a small smile.
“Yes, you're right, Spike,” she says. 
Spike smiles back until Rarity looks away and frowns unconvinced. It's clear that he keeps striking a nerve with her that must have something to do with her depressed state. He turns back to his book, but deep down his mind is only on what could possibly have happened to Rarity. Could she have had a fallout with Twilight and most of their friends in Ponyville and that’s why she moved to Canterlot and is only in touch with Fluttershy? Did she consider falling for someone who is not a pony and received social backlash for it? 
Suddenly, Rarity closes her backpack, finishes her drink and gets off her bench. 
“Well, I better head back,” she says.
“I thought you were skipping work,” Spike says feeling a little down.
“I was until the rain stopped,” Rarity says with a weak smile. “That’s the deal I made with myself. I only skip work when it’s raining.”
Spike frowns at this, hoping he would have more time with Rarity, but gives her a smile and nods.
“I see,” he says pretending to be cheery. “Well, then I guess I’ll see you here again soon. I mean it’s bound to rain someday.”
Rarity nods and says, “I’m looking forward to it Spikey-Wikey.”
Spike blushes lightly at the nickname making Rarity giggle again in amusement. He smiles sincerely for a moment as the laugh sounds like the Rarity he once knew. The mare takes out her umbrella and gives the dragon a happy look before she walks out of the garden. Spike watches her go until she is out of sight and sighs in thought.
“So she only leaves Canterlot Carousel when it’s raining,” he says in thought. “I wonder why she would do that. It’s not like her to hold off on making dresses. Is she just going through a dry spell when it comes to inspiration or is there something else going on? And what is with her constantly bringing hard cider and chocolate to the royal garden?”
The more he thinks about it, the more confused he is and wants to ask Rarity about it despite knowing she likely would say that it’s related to her complicated matter. But then he remembers how when she was laughing and talking about when he was younger, she felt more like herself and he smiles. 
“It does seem like my presence somehow helps her act more like herself despite whatever is wrong with her,” he thinks. “Maybe what she needs is a friend to ease her mind while she’s dealing with whatever is troubling her. And since she barely talks to any of our friends apart from letters with Fluttershy, that might have to be me.”
At that moment his eyes light up at that idea. His smile changes to a determined smirk as he makes his decision.
“Then that’s what I’m going to do,” he says to himself. “Rarity needs a helpful friend to be around for her and that’s what I’m going to be. So every time it rains, I’m going to come here and just sit with Rarity just so that she has a friend. We might do nothing but read while she drinks cider and eats chocolate, but it won’t matter because I’m going to be there for her just like I was years ago.”
Spike’s smirk falters slightly and he scratches the back of his head.
“But that might happen very rarely though,” he says with a sigh. “I mean who even knows when it will rain again?”
Little does the young adult dragon know that it’s the beginning of Canterlot’s rainy season.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the rainy season began in the city of Canterlot, Spike happily found himself spending more time with Rarity at the private section of the royal garden. True to the white mare’s word, he finds her sitting down in the gazebo with cans of hard cider and a bag full of chocolate candy bars whenever it rains. 
Thus Spike would only be reading at Twilight’s study with Moondancer when it isn't raining. When Moondancer herself began to wonder why she doesn't see Spike whenever it is raining, he made up a story claiming that he prefers to stay in his room in the castle to keep warm by staying in bed or have 7-hour-long bubble baths. The unicorn looked at him suspiciously for a moment before she smiled and said that he’s still the baby dragon she knew years ago. When she turned around, Spike secretly chuckled to himself for coming up with that story from Rarity’s own assumption of what he does when it rains.
Eventually, as time went on, Spike began to grow more uncomfortable with Rarity’s choice of snacks when he meets her at the private garden and decides to bring food with him for him and Rarity to enjoy together. So every day that it rains, Spike would pack enough sandwiches, drinks and chips fit for a small picnic with Lemon Hearts’ help in the castle kitchens and bring them to the gazebo and claim that the amount of food is normal for a dragon of his age but is more than willing to share some of it to her. Rarity was hesitant the first time he brought food, but after a few more meetings she gave in and decided to take Spike on his offer. The first time Rarity took a bite from one of Spike’s sandwiches, her eyes lit up and she ate the rest of it down quickly with a gleeful look on her face. Spike smiled in amusement when she saw her look so happy before she politely asked for another one. 
As it began to rain almost daily in Canterlot, it started to become a routine for Spike and Rarity to meet at the gazebo and Spike would bring food for them to eat together while they talk and occasionally sit quietly while Spike reads and Rarity enjoys the rainy scenery. Each day that Spike spends with Rarity warms his heart more and more as Rarity becomes more lively then she was before. It’s as if every time he steps foot in the gazebo to meet her, she instantly becomes less of the lifeless husk that looks like Rarity and more of the cheerful, charming mare that he fawned over for so many years. Each day, he and Rarity laugh and talk like they never have before and Spike loves every moment of it.
At the same time, however, his worry for what happened to Rarity that would cause her to act like a hallow version of herself still remains in Spike's mind. Whenever he and Rarity would go their separate ways after a rainy day in the garden, he would say his goodbyes to her and only walk a few steps before he turns to watch her leave. Whenever he does, his heart sinks as he sees her head down and her walk becomes slow and glum as if she becomes a completely different pony the moment she turns her back on him. Deep down he starts to accept that what he’s doing to cheer her up is only helping Rarity when he gets to see her and be a friend to her, but it’s not helping whatever is ailing her in the long run. He’s nothing more but a brief relapse in her mysterious world of melancholy. 
It also doesn’t help that he still doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life. Every now and then, Moondancer or Princess Celestia would ask if he has any ideas about what he’s going to do with his life. Whenever he does, he instantly realizes that he hasn’t been thinking about it with his mind so devoted to his meetings with Rarity and so honestly tells them that he hasn’t come up with any ideas yet while scratching the back of his head. Princess Celestia seems to be patient enough with his lack of progress, but Moondancer has been feeling that he should make a decision soon or at least get an idea soon so that he doesn’t overstay his welcome in the castle. Deep down, he knows that Moondancer is right, but at the same time, he can’t bring himself to stop thinking about Rarity and what could be happening to her when she’s not in the private garden with him.
It is currently a sunny day in Canterlot and so Spike is reluctantly at Twilight’s Study with Moondancer. Spike is reading a book about dragons and he finds himself chuckling in amusement which bothers Moondancer who is reading at the table opposite from Spike.
“Spike, could you keep it down, please?” She asks calmly.
“Sorry, Moondancer,” Spike says apologetically. “Couldn't help myself. The information about dragons in this book is just so out of date.”
Moondancer frowns and asks, “If you know that it’s out of date, then why are you reading it?”
“Mostly just out of curiosity,” Spike says plainly. “After learning so much about my kind at the Dragonlands, I just thought I could amuse myself by looking how far Equestria has come to know about dragons since back before Twilight and I moved to Ponyville.”
Moondancer keeps her frown for a moment before a small smile emerges on her face.
“That is true,” she says as she turns back to her book. “Thanks to your friendship with Dragon Lord Ember, Equestria has learned more in eight years than we ever did in a thousand years. Though I think we could be doing more in terms of being friends with the dragons.”
Spike frowns a little before turning to his own book.
“I agree,” he says. “There haven't been a lot of dragons that have tried to be friends with us apart from Ember, Smolder and a couple of others. If there’s anything unpleasant I learned about dragons during my seven years there, it's that it's going to take more than Ember’s leadership over the dragons and Smolder’s time at the School of Friendship to change the dragon way of life for the better. It probably doesn’t help that there are so many kinds of dragons with different quirks and abilities than what pony society knows about from the few dragon friends Equestria has.”
Moondancer hums in acknowledgment without looking away from her book. The two then continue to read in silence for a couple of minutes until Moondancer’s ear twitches and she lifts her head and scratches her chin with her hoof in thought.
“Come to think of it, just how many kinds of dragons have you gotten to know at the Dragonlands, Spike?” She asks.
Spike looks away from his book and shrugs.
“All of them,” he answers.
“Well, have you considered writing a book about your experience?” Moondancer asks.
Spike tilts his head, surprised. 
“Now that you mention it, no,” he answers.
“Well, maybe you should,” Moondancer suggests with a smile. “If you have all the information that ponies should know about all of the dragons, then you should write down your experiences and stories about living there in a book and publish it all over Equestria. You could make a lot of money selling copies and it would help ponies get to know more about dragons in a way that could help improve relations between both races as a whole.”
Spike scratches his chin in thought. He went to the Dragonlands as a means of self-discovery as a dragon who was raised by ponies. He never thought he could use his time there to help anyone else apart from having a few stories to tell all his friends. Yet, the more he thought about her suggestion, the more it made sense.
“You know what, Moondancer? I think you’re right,” he says. “That’s what I should do; write a book about dragons that can help everypony - heck, every creature understand my kind better than the world has ever thought possible.”
Moondancer chuckles at her friend’s enthusiasm.
“The world, huh?” She says with a smirk. “You're shooting pretty high.”
“Well, why not?” Spike challenges. “Since Twilight never got around to writing a book about dragons with Ember’s help when we first became friends with her and with more creatures coming to Equestria to learn about friendship in her school over the past several years, this would be a good opportunity to give everyone greater knowledge about a species so dangerous and commonly feared like dragons.”
“That’s true,” Moondancer says as she adjusts her glasses. “Plus, if I recall correctly, you should have a fair amount of experience with writing after years of being Twilight's assistant.”
“Exactly,” Spike says confidently before he realizes something. “Actually, you wouldn't happen to have a quill or ink and some sheets of blank paper, would you?”
“Actually I do,” Moondancer says with a smile as her horn glows bright pink and a quill, a bottle of ink and several sheets of paper fly out of her bag and land in front of Spike. “I always carry these in case for taking notes and I always have backups so you can use these.”
“Thank you,” Spike says enthusiastically. “I'm gonna get started right away.”
Moondancer smiles with her eyes closed, amused by her dragon friend’s enthusiasm. She goes back to reading her book intently as Spike dips the tip of the quill into some ink and begins to write. By the end of the day, Spike filled all of the papers Moondancer gave him, even writing in his room when it was time to close the study. The more he wrote, the more excited he got, thinking this must be the what he has to do next with his life. 
As he did, a grin begins to form on his face as a part of him is excited to break the news to Rarity the next time it rains. 

**********************************************************************************************

“You want to write a book about dragons?” Rarity asks surprised.
It’s the day after Moondancer gave Spike the idea and it turned out to be raining again just as he hoped. He woke up happy to hear the sound of rain coming from outside his room so that he can tell Rarity the good news.
“Yeah, it’s a perfect way to take advantage of my time in the Dragonlands,” Spike says excitedly. “I wouldn’t just be sharing my experiences from the last seven years, I would be giving ponies and many other creatures an understanding about dragons that they've never had before. Maybe with my book, they can learn to be friendlier with them and that can lead to a long-term friendship between the dragons and all the other creatures of Equestria, Yakyakistan, the Badlands and so forth.”
Rarity looks at Spike surprised before she covers her mouth of her hoof and giggles in a high-pitched voice.  
“What is it?” Spike asks a little hurt. “Do you think it’s ridiculous?”
“Not at all, Spikey,” Rarity says sincerely with a smile. “I just realized how much I missed seeing you this enthusiastic. You’re really passionate about this.”
Spike smiles, satisfied with her explanation.
“So do you like it?” he asks determined for an answer.
Rarity stays seated for a moment before she gets off her bench, walks over to Spike and places her hoof on his cheek, making him blush.
“I think it’s a positively divine idea, darling, and I think you should go for it,” she says with a warm smile before it fades slightly. “My only worry is that it might still be difficult with ponies and other creatures becoming friends with dragons, especially with creatures like that dreadful brute, Garble.
Spike frowns at the mention of the dragon that was a bully to him ever since the Dragon Migration. 
“I don’t blame you for thinking that,” he says. “Truth be told, some dragons like him are just at rude and greedy as ever. Ember keeps them under control, but who knows how long that will last before she has to step down as Dragon Lord?”
“Indeed,” Rarity says sadly before she gives Spike a serious look. “Nevertheless, you mustn't let those fears keep you from your dream. You have an opportunity to use your time in the Dragonlands to benefit all sentient life in Equestria and beyond and you should take it.”
Spike looks at Rarity, shocked to see her so determined.
“You really believe that?” he asks.
“Of course, Spikey-Poo,” Rarity coos. “Besides you said it yourself, you were the assistant to Princess Twilight Sparkle, the most literate ponies in all of Equestria and I might add you are one of Equestria’s dearest non-pony citizens. I can’t think of anyone better qualified to write this book for every creature to get to know dragons more.”
Spike’s blush grows and he looks away from Rarity bashfully.
“Aw gee, you give me too much credit,” he says.
“Nonsense,” Rarity says with a wave of her hoof as she returns to sitting on her bench to continue eating her lunch that Spike brought. “You can do it, Spikey. I believe in you.”
Spike’s face turns redder much to Rarity’s amusement. After a moment, he shakes it off and he becomes serious again.
“Well, there’s a lot that I don’t understand about writing a book like this,” he says honestly. “I’m writing now, but I bet there’s a lot about how to explain this in a formal way that I don’t understand. I’m tempted to reveal my secret to Twilight just to ask if she has a book about writing informational books, but I’m not desperate enough to do that yet.”
Rarity frowns and sadly nods in understanding.
“I suppose that does present a dilemma,” she admits. “A little professionalism in your book’s presentation would be wise. Are there any books about it at Twilight’s Study? Perhaps there’s one in the Canterlot library?’
“None on both counts,” Spike says. “Moondancer knows both places from top to bottom and assured me that 'how to' books like that are not exactly something that commonly interests high-class ponies in a city like Canterlot.”
“Hmmm, that is a problem,” Rarity says.
“Yeah, and I can’t say I’ve actually read informational books before,” Spike says before gives a half-hearted chuckle. “That’s what I get for focusing on reading comics more than something that has no pictures in it back in the good old days in Ponyville.”
Rarity snickers with her hoof covering her mouth again.
“That might have helped, darling,” she says with an amused smile. “Still you shouldn’t give up. You should write what you know now and worry about that later.”
“Are you sure?” Spike asks.
“Positive,” Rarity answers assuringly. “One thing I’ve learned about the creative process as a fashion designer is that sometimes it’s better to just let out what you want to show first and figure out the appropriate changes later. In other words, you should just let out everything you want every pony, mule, minotaur, griffon, yak, and what not to read and then make the right adjustments after you take a break and then read your work with new eyes.”
Spike hesitates with her logic before he accepts that what she’s saying makes sense. 
“Okay then,” he says. “Then I’ll just continue writing my book the way it is right now.”
“Marvelous,” Rarity says pleased. 
“Thank you, Rarity,” Spike says with a sincere smile.
“My pleasure, Spikey,” Rarity says.
With that, Spike begins taking out pieces of blank paper from his backpack and begins writing again. Rarity smiles fondly, pleased to see Spike looking determined again, but then her smile fades as she looks away to watch the rainfall again.  
           “Shouldn’t give up,” she says quietly. “How hypocritical of me.”
“Did you say something?” Spike asks.
Rarity’s eyes widen and she turns to Spike who looks at her confused. She lets out a nervous giggle and rubs the back of her head.
“Sorry, darling,” she says sheepishly. “Just...thinking out loud to myself.”
“About your dresses at Canterlot Carousel?” Spike asks.
Rarity frowns and turns her head away to look at the scenery again.
“About a lot of things, Spike,” she says softly. “About a lot of things.
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few days have passed since Spike proudly announced to Rarity that he wants to write a book about dragons. He has become devoted to writing constantly that he writes even when he’s at the gazebo with Rarity when it rains. He still finds time to have conversations with his crush at certain points during the day such as when they are having lunch together, but it has become clear for Rarity that the dragon has most of his attention on writing his book. She mostly doesn’t mind as she is happy to see her friend so cheerful, but she feels down whenever Spike is not looking at her. She’s careful not to let her friend notice as she doesn’t want to bother him when he’s so happy at work, but she worries that it will be a matter of time before she has to tell him what is wrong like she promised.
Rarity is walking back to Canterlot Carousel after another day with Spike at the royal garden. She holds her umbrella close to her with her magic as it is still raining, but she is also using it to hide under the canopy. As she enters her beloved boutique, she finds it barely lit as it is past closing time. She smiles at the sight of it so deserted before she walks over to her living room upstairs and plummets onto her favorite couch. She lets out a groggy sigh as if her time outside drained the life out of her despite doing nothing but eating and talking with Spike. 
Eventually, Sassy Saddles knocks on the open door, letting her boss know that she’s here and gives Rarity a small smile.
“Good evening, Rarity,” she says softly.
“Oh, good evening, Sassy,” Rarity says with her couch covering her face before she robotically lifts up her head to give her friend and employee a weak smile. “How was business today?”
“Steady but profitable,” Sassy Saddles reports. “I sold a few dozens of the Drizzling Glam dresses.”
“Good, very good,” Rarity says as she rotates to lie down on her back. “I knew I can count on you to sell a lot of them.”
Sassy Saddles frowns a little at Rarity’s compliment. 
“Credit goes to you for making the dresses as always, Rarity,” she says. “I may run the shop to sell the dresses, but they're your own design.”
Rarity turns her head to look at Sassy Saddles with a small frown.
“You know it's not your job to try to cheer me up, darling,” she says dully. 
“Never claimed it had to be,” Sassy Saddles says firmly. “You should know by now that I worry about your well-being whether you're my boss or not.”
Rarity’s frown turns into another lifeless smile to show her appreciation to her store manager despite her lack of energy to properly show it. 
“Anything else happened today?” she asks.
Sassy Saddles frowns disapprovingly knowing that Rarity is changing the subject. 
“Not really,” she says. “But you do have your meeting with Fluttershy tonight.”
Rarity’s eyes widen and she gasps in shock while springing up into a sitting position.
“Oh my goodness, Fluttershy!” she squeals. “I completely forgot that she’s coming here!”
“Not to worry, dear, her train won't come for another two hours,” Sassy Saddles says calmly. “That should give you more than enough time to prepare dinner, right? Although if you need help, I'm more than happy to assist you.”
“No. No thank you,” Rarity says politely. “I promised in my last letter that I would prepare her a dinner worthy of her brief visit to Canterlot and that's what I'm going to do.”
Sassy Saddles looks at Rarity skeptically before she gives the white mare a kind smile.
“Very well. If that is what you wish,” she says before she turns to leave. “In that case, I better take my leave. See you in the morning, Rarity, and give Fluttershy my best wishes.”
“Thank you, Sassy, I'll be sure to do that,” Rarity calls out as Sassy Saddles leaves. “Good night.”
“Good night,” Sassy Saddles calls back as she exits the boutique.
Rarity stays still after Sassy Saddles leaves for a moment before she lets out a long sight and reluctantly gets up to prepare for Fluttershy’s arrival. She goes to the kitchen an prepares a salad dinner containing cucumbers, lettuce, onions, sliced apples and crystal corn from the Crystal Empire. By the time she finishes making her dish and setting up the dining table, she hears a soft knock on the front door which made her smile knowing that there is only one pony and all of Equestria who would knock so gently.
Rarity walks all the way to the front of the store and opens the door with her magic to find a familiar yellow pegasus with a pink mane and tail looking at her with a small, sad smile. Rarity feels small tears in her eyes as she smiles back and pulls the other mare in for a tight, friendly hug.
“Oh Fluttershy, it's so wonderful to see you,” Rarity manages to squeak out. 
“It's good to see you too, Rarity,” Fluttershy says giving her best friend a gentle hug. 
The two of them hold their embrace for several seconds before they part and Rarity welcomes Fluttershy in. For the next 45 minutes, they silently eat their meal and talk about various things going on in their lives. After they finish their meal, Rarity puts the dirty dishes in the sink and two of them decide to move their conversation to the living room couch.
“The crazy thing about eating those sandwiches was I could actually taste them. They had flavor to them,” Rarity says.
“It sounds like you're doing a lot better than you were in your last letter,” Fluttershy says optimistically. 
“Oh, I wouldn't go that far, dear,” Rarity titters. “But I must admit it was lovely to taste something other than cider and chocolate. It's a miracle that I remembered how to make anything close to our salad just now. My tongue just feels as numb as the rest of me. I'm practically trapped in my own body.”
Fluttershy looks at her friend sadly and places her hoof on top of Rarity’s supportively. 
“For what it's worth, I think you're making the right decision for yourself,” she says.
Rarity gives Fluttershy a broken-hearted look.
“But this was my dream,” she said. 
“I know,” Fluttershy says sadly. “I wish you didn't have to give it up, but it seems clear to me that apart from that old mare who gives you lunch at the royal garden or Sassy Saddles, there’s nopony to truly help you here. I honestly would feel better if you go through with this and I know that if Twilight and the other knew what is going on, they would say the same.”
Rarity secretly gives a half-smile at the mention of the “old mare” who gives her lunches who is really Spike. But her frown instantly returns as she thinks about everything else that Fluttershy said.
“You're right, darling,” she admits. “For the most part, I feel lost without all of you here to be there for me. Sure the princesses could have helped too, but I don't want to bother them just because I'm an element of harmony. Still, it’s frustrating how I thought I had had everything figured out and then it all blew up in my face.”
“I know,” Fluttershy says sadly before giving Rarity a supportive smile. “But maybe all you need is time to recharge your batteries. We could start going to the spa like we used to.”
Rarity gives Fluttershy a frail smile.
“That does sound like a splendid idea,” she says. “Doesn't change the fact that I might never find somepony who comes close to a perfect boyfriend like him.”
Fluttershy frowns defeated. The two of them remain silent for a few seconds before Fluttershy starts giggling quietly.
“What's so amusing?” Rarity asks. 
“Oh, sorry,” Fluttershy says. “I guess bringing up you and him sort of reminds me of Spike.”
Rarity rules her head in confusion and asks, “Oh? How so?”
Fluttershy hesitates for a moment before she answers.
“Remember how he had a huge crush on you back when we were all living in Ponyville?” she asks. “He used to help you at Carousel Boutique whenever he had free time from helping Twilight. Do you remember?”
Rarity frowns and looks away.
“Yes, I do,” she says. “He was rather head over heels over me, wasn't he?”
“He sure was,” Fluttershy says before chuckling with her mouth closed. “I remember Twilight telling me how he decided to give you his fire ruby that was meant as his birthday gift for himself. You were so happy that you kissed him on the cheek and he didn't want to wash his cheek again.”
Rarity winces at the mention of that Spike’s first birthday in Ponyville. Fluttershy, however, doesn't notice as she’s staring at the floor, reminiscing the old days.
“Come to think of it, do you still have the ruby?” Fluttershy asks.
“Yes, I do,” Rarity answers without looking at her friend. “I think it's in a chest somewhere in my bedroom.”
“I wonder if he still has feelings for you even now while he’s in the Dragonlands,” Fluttershy says. 
“Yes, indeed,” Rarity says robotically.
Fluttershy notices her friend’s tone and looks at her concerned.
“Are you okay?” she asks.
Rarity snaps out of her train of thought and chuckles nervously. 
“So sorry, darling. I guess I was...uh...thinking about how much I miss Spike,” she lies.
Fluttershy keeps her worried look before she smiles, believing Rarity’s fib. 
“I do too,” she says before she giggles cutely. “Better make sure he doesn't know you feel that way, though. He might get his hopes up.”
Rarity pretends to chuckle with Fluttershy while deep down her heart feels heavy. 
“Still though, he’s a very sweet dragon, wouldn't you say?” she asks.
“Well, of course, I would,” Fluttershy says with a smile. “Sure he has his prideful faults, but Spike was always a kind and helpful dragon. No pony could deny that.”
Rarity gives her best friend a soft but sincere smile before turning her head to look out the window where Canterlot Castle can be seen.
“Yes, he is very kind,” she says softly.
Once again, the room is quiet until Fluttershy sees Rarity's grandfather clock and squeaks out a surprised yelp.
“Oh my goodness, is that the time? I should be getting back to Ponyville,” she says worriedly.
“Gracious, you're right,” Rarity says that she sees her clock too. “Let me quickly get dressed and I will walk you to the station.”
Rarity quickly runs upstairs and after a few minutes comes back down with a large trench coat, sunglasses, and a big hat that covers most of her face. 
“Um, not that I’m one to judge your clothing choices, Rarity, but don’t you think that’s a bit much?” Fluttershy asks nervously.  
“One can never be too careful when your public life can be the center of attention, dear Fluttershy,” Rarity says seriously. “Surely you can understand that after your modeling career.”
Fluttershy lets out a nervous squeak at the mention of her brief modeling career and nods in agreement. The two mares exit Canterlot Carousel and make their way to the Canterlot train station where the Friendship Express is being boarded. Fluttershy and Rarity turn to each other and hug again. 
“Thank you for coming to see me, Fluttershy,” Rarity whispers. “And thanks for agreeing to help me with this.”
“What are best friends for?” Fluttershy asks with a kind smile. “So next month is when you have to file the final paperwork, right?”
“Correct,” Rarity says.
“Okay, then I will see you then, backing you up all the way,” Fluttershy says. 
“I wouldn't want it any other way,” Rarity says before she pulls her best friend into another hug.
“All aboard!” the train conductor announces. 
Rarity’s heart sinks at those two words. Fluttershy reluctantly breaks the hug and gives Rarity another sad look before she enters the train. Rarity watches Fluttershy wave to her from one of the windows as the train slowly begins its long trip back to Ponyville. Once the train is completely gone, Rarity stands still for a minute before she glumly turns around and makes her way home. 
The sky is clear and the moon shines brightly as Rarity walks through the Canterlot streets alone. Her mind ponders on the things she has planned with Fluttershy and what will happen after that. 
But then her mind turns to Spike and a small smile emerges on her face. She looks back on all the time she has spent with the young adult dragon and how much he has grown since the day she first met him many years ago. Her smile grows slightly as she thinks about how her time with him in the royal garden has been wonderful for her and how even after his time in the Dragonlands, Spike is as sweet and caring as ever.
Sweet and caring.
Rarity’s heart sinks again at those words. She begins to remember all the times in Ponyville when she used Spike’s attentive heart for her own selfish desires. Taking out her trash, be her own personal pin cushion, fan her while she would relax at the spa, carry her luggage…
Give her his fire ruby.
Rarity stops walking as she thinks about the week before Spike’s first birthday in Ponyville. All of her friends thought their dragon friend was doing something generous out of his own free will.
“No,” Rarity mutters to herself. “It wasn't by his free will, was it? I still remember it like it was yesterday.”

************************************************************************************* 


“Hello? Anypony home? Twilight?” Rarity asked in a singing voice.
It was years ago and Rarity was visiting Twilight and Spike at the Golden Oak Library. She opened the door with her magic with a smile on her face only to gasp in shock as she saw Spike standing in the middle of the library wiping a fire ruby with a rag while licking his lips. With the original intention of her visit in the back of her mind, Rarity runs over to her little dragon friend with her eyes fixed on the jewel.
“Is that a fire ruby?” she asked while examining the ruby excitedly. “Oh, that must be at least twenty carats. No inclusions, pristine facets.”
“And totally delicious,” Spike said happily.
Rarity kept her eyes on the fire ruby, having not heard what Spike just said until she heard Twilight’s voice.
“Uh, you guys don’t mind?” she asked in an impatient tone.
Rarity snapped out of her hypnotized state and turned to her friend.
“Oh, uh, of course,” she said with a slightly nervous smile. “I-i just came by to see if you had any books on historical fashion.”
As soon as she finished her sentence, however, her mind snapped back to the ruby and Spike’s comment was fully processed. She quickly turned to the dragon who was holding the jewel with a hungry look in his eyes.
“Did you say ‘delicious?’” she asked nervously.
“Sure did,” Spike said gleefully. “Next week is my birthday, and this is my birthday dinner.”
Rarity had a devastated look on her face as Spike walked away and she reached out with her hoof in a futile attempt to take the jewel out of a desire to protect it from her friend’s mouth. Her thoughts are interrupted, however, when a book flew right in front of her face.
“Start with this one,” Twilight said as she walked past her friend without looking at her. 
Rarity remembered what she came for again and took the book with her magic.
“Thanks, Twilight,” she said while flipping through the pages with her magic. “I’ve got a feeling ruffled taffeta capes are going to make a huge comeback this season, and I want to be ahead of the game.”
Twilight didn’t make any response as she was clearly focused on reorganizing her books. Rarity kept her eye on her own book until her eyes glanced on Spike holding the fire ruby again. She bit her hoof as it pained her to see Spike look at the jewel with the intent to devour it without a single thought. She wanted it for herself knowing that it isn’t hers to take. Rubies like this one are close to never found, much less one so large and flawlessly shaped like a heart. But she didn’t want to appear cruel or selfish taking something that is meant for a preteen dragon's birthday meal.
Then she got an idea. In her heart, she knew that it was a selfish idea, but her desire for just a precious jewel was overcoming her mind and she couldn’t resist the urge no matter how clear it is that she should. She walked over to Spike and gives him a sweet smile as he places the fire ruby inside a chest.
“I hope it’s as tasty as it is beautiful, Spike,” she said batting her eyelashes to grab the dragon’s attention. “I’ve never seen anything so stunning before.”
Spike looked at her taken aback. He picked up the fire ruby and stared at it as he started to understand what Rarity was getting at.
“Gosh,” he said nervously.  “You really like it huh?”
“Like it?” Rarity asked before flipping her mane and giving him a beauteous look. “It’s magnificent.”
She bats her eyelashes again for good measure as Spike took in everything she just said. He sighed with a smile, hypnotized by her beauty before he looked down at the fire ruby sadly, knowing that he can’t resist what the mare he is crushing on wants.
“Then you should have it,” he said as he placed the jewel on Rarity’s hoof. “This beautiful gem was meant to be with you.”
Rarity lifted up the jewel with her eyes widened. Her surprise turned into a smile as she lifted up the jewel with her magic.
“I don’t know what to say,” she lied before walking around in circles while Spike struggled to keep a brave face. “This is so thoughtful. Oh, my little Spikey-Wikey.”
Without even thinking of it, Rarity turned to give Spike a kiss on his cheek. The little dragon froze in place in shock before he fell to the ground. Rarity giggled in her mind at his reaction before she started bouncing out of the library.
“Thank you, so much!” she said gleefully as she exited the building.
“Wow, Spike. That’s one of the kindest, most generous things you’ve ever done,” Rarity heard Twilight say at a distance as she giggled her way back to Carousel Boutique like an excited school filly. “I’ve never seen Rarity so happy.”

****************************************************************************************

“Kindest, most generous thing he’s ever done,” Rarity says to herself in a guilty tone. “Oh, if only Twilight knew I was practically using his feelings to steal that...that...thing from him. Maybe she could have taught me some friendship lesson about not manipulating friends or something.”
Rarity sighs defeated as she starts walking again robotically. Shame covers her face as she replays all the ways she used Spike’s crush for her own means in her mind.
“I was always like that, wasn’t I?” she says to herself. “Even before he left for the Dragonlands he would always come to visit and practically every moment he was in my presence was spent helping me with chores or work on my dresses or some special aid in collecting gems without a word of a complaint. All I ever really gave him in return was that kiss and maybe just one gem out of all the dozens we collect each time and that’s it. Years of devotion and I may as well have given him crumbs.”
Her face falls even more as it hits her even further.
“And after years in the Dragonlands, here he is again, bringing me food, making me laugh and offering an ear to listen to my problem and I didn’t even ask nor has he asked for anything in return,” she huffs. “I was the Element of Generosity and yet that...that...precious drake keeps on being more generous than I ever was.”
She lifts her head high with a determination in her eyes and her walk becomes more firm.
“Then I need to turn this thing around,” she said. “I’ve been taking for so long that it’s time to give once and for all. And I’m not taking no for an answer. Now, I just need to figure out how I’m going to do that the next time I see him. I do have a lot of spare gems that I won’t need any time soon. But perhaps…”
Suddenly, her eyes turn to the window of a shop and she gasps excitedly. 
“Of all the implausible luck,” she says excitedly.

***********************************************************************************

The next day, Spike sits inside the gazebo waiting for Rarity as it is another rainy day in Canterlot. He continues to write on his book as he waits for her, but he becomes uneasy as he notices that it has been a half an hour and she hasn't arrived yet. The dragon starts to grow worried until he hears the faint sound of Rarity humming a sweet tune as she walks over to the gazebo with an umbrella and her knapsack looking bigger than usual.
“Well, good morning,” he greets with a warm smile. “I was beginning to think you weren't going to come today.”
“Good morning, Spike,” Rarity says cheerfully. “Sorry to keep you waiting. I just had a quick errand to run before meeting you.”
“Oh? Grabbing some dressmaking materials?” he asks eyeing how stuffed her sack looks. 
“Not exactly,” Rarity answers. “But first, I brought breakfast.”
Spike sees Rarity open one of her bags and chuckles nervously.
“I don't know if I'm in the mood for cider and chocolate,” he titters.
“Spike, you should know better than to jump into assumptions like that,” Rarity says with a playful pout. 
“Uh...you’re right, Rarity, that was wrong of me,” Spike says rubbing the back of his head. “So...what did you bring?”
Rarity smirks as she runs through the bag with her magic and takes out a large green gem. Spike stares at it with his eyes widened and his mouth watering as the jewel floats into his hand. He turns to Rarity who merely nods with a happy smile before he slowly takes a bite. He chews for a couple of seconds before his eyes light up and he puts the rest of the gem in his mouth, eating happily. Rarity giggles, pleased with his reaction before she lifts her bag to reveal that it is filled with large jewels of various shapes and colors.
“Eat up, Spikey-Poo,” she says in a singing voice. “There’s more where that came from.”
Spike stares at the bag intently like a dog waiting for his owner to drop the doggie treat into his mouth. Rarity places the bag on his lap and he holds on to his stare for a couple more seconds before he begins devouring the gems in an animalistic manner. It takes a moment before he realizes how he’s acting in front of Rarity and swallows the gems that are in his mouth and chuckles nervously. 
“Excuse me,” he says.
“Oh, please think nothing of it,” Rarity chuckles. “You always had quite the appetite for gems that I would expect nothing less from your demeanor, Spike. I don't mind.”
Spike smiles and starts chewing on an emerald slowly while Rarity opens her other bag and takes out a bottle of coffee and a homemade egg sandwich. The two of them eat quietly for twenty minutes before Spike stops halfway through the bag and pats his belly.
“Oh, boy, I haven't eaten that much gems at once since my last birthday in the Dragonlands,” he groans making Rarity giggle quietly. “Why did you bring so many, though?”
Rarity smiles sincerely and says, “Well, I've always ended up eating the food you bring, so it's past time that I repay you for that and for…”
Rarity hesitates to continue and Spike tilts his head in confusion. She bites her lip and mentally decides to cave.
“Uh, never mind,” she said with a wave of her hand before she remembers something. “Oh, I almost forgot. My errand.”
Rarity reopens her other bag with her magic and a book levitates out of the bag.
“I found this when all the stores were closed last night and decided to get it for you on the way here,” she explains as the book lands on Spike’s lap.
Spike examines the book closely and discovers that its title is How To Write Informational Books. His eyes widen and he gasps in excitement before turning to Rarity with an excited smile.
“Wow, this is exactly what I need!” He says excitedly. “Thank you so much!”
“My pleasure, Spikey,” Rarity says smiling with her eyes closed. 
Spike puts down the bag of gems on the floor and beings flipping through the books. He reads a random section quietly before he turns to Rarity excitedly. 
“Wow, just this one page alone is telling me so much,” he says. “I'm gonna start reading right away. Maybe I'll get started on my second draft as soon as I'm done.”
Rarity’s smile fades and she looks at Spike confused.
“You mean you've already finished your first draft?” she asks.
“Well...no,” Spike admits. “But I have written most of my primary pieces, so I can at least start there.”
Rarity gives the drake another small smile as he starts reading the book from the beginning. The sight of him looking so ecstatic again because of her present warms her heart. She knows that neither this nor the gems are enough to atone for everything she did to him, but in her heart, this feels like a good place to start. As Spike read intently, she secretly begins to think of new ways to repay him. 
“Perhaps I could bring more paper for writing since he might need it at the rate that he’s working on his project,” she thinks. “Maybe bring more gems? That was a lot of them that was meant for dresses that I just gave, but he certainly deserves all of them and more.”
The more she thought about it, be more troubled she becomes. She begins to fear that maybe nothing she ever does will make up for how she used him constantly. Her face slowly falls the more she thinks about it.
After a few hours, Spike finishes reading and puts away the book and his writing before getting up to leave. Rarity feels a sad feeling in her heart that she never felt before as Spike turns to look at her, about to say goodbye.
“You're leaving early?” she asks sounding hurt.
“Yeah, the book is so helpful that I want to get started with my next draft right away and I didn't bring enough parchment to do it here,” Spike says before picking up the bag of gems and bringing them over to Rarity.
“Oh, you keep those, Spike. Those gems are yours,” Rarity says.
“Are you sure?” Spike asks surprised. “I mean won't you need some of these for future dresses or something?”
“Oh, I have more than enough gems to keep me prepared for when jewels on dresses go back into style,” Rarity lies. “Besides, they're your thank you gems and I want you to have all of them. No ifs, and or buts.”
Spike stares at Rarity, surprised by her unexpected generosity for a moment before he smiles.
“Well, in that case, thank you, Rarity,” he says.
“Anytime, darling,” Rarity says with a small smile.
Spike smiles back for a moment before he frowns and scratches the back of his head.
“Listen, there was something I've been wanting to talk to you about,” he says.
“What’s that, Spike?” Rarity asks with a curious look. 
Spike hesitates for a moment and with a serious face says, “I know you want me to wait until you are ready to tell me what is going on with you and I respect that, but I can't deny that whatever it is, it’s tearing you apart on the inside. I want to help and...well...I just hope that whatever is the problem you won't wait too much longer to tell me what it is.”
On the outside, Rarity keeps her curious face, but on the inside, she feels her heart melting a little at the dragon’s caring voice. Eventually, she gives Spike a small, sweet smile.
“Next time,” she says.
Spike looks at her curiously as she gets off her bench, walks over to him and says, “The next time it rains and we meet here, I'll tell you everything. That's a promise, Spike.”
Spike is taken aback for a moment before he smiles back at the mare he cares deeply for. 
“Alright,” he says. “Next time.”
Rarity nods in agreement and Spike gives her a supportive look before he opens his umbrella and leaves. Rarity keeps her smile until he is completely out of sight. 
“Will he be okay with what the answer is if I tell him, though?” she wonders in her mind.
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It hasn't rained since the day Rarity made her promise to Spike.
For the past couple of weeks, there hasn't been a cloud in the sky in Canterlot. It turned out that because of scheduling conflicts in Cloudsdale, the rainy season actually lasted ten days longer than normal. This information keeps swirling through Spike’s mind each day that he wakes up to see the sun shining through his room window. Thus he’s been spending each day forcing his thoughts about Rarity to the back of his mind to the best of his ability so that he can focus solely on his book. Day by day, he writes whether he’s in Twilight’s study with Moondancer or in his room in Canterlot Castle. Eventually, he had to visit the quill store for more paper, ink, and quills after using all the ink and paper that Moondancer had to spare in the study much to the mare’s annoyance.
Yet despite his progress on his dream, Rarity still finds a way into his mind. Every now and then, he would think about her promise to tell him what is wrong with her the next time it rains and so hasn't seen her at all because of the lack of rain. Whenever he does, he would feel a sharp pain in his heart and even want to cry over the cruel turn fate has taken upon him. It wasn't long before Moondancer noticed his change in demeanor and so decided to do something about it.
“Hey, Spike,” she says one afternoon in Twilight’s study.
“Hmm?” Spike says with his eyes fixed on his writing?
“Remember when Lemon Hearts suggested a get together between you, me, her, Twinkleshine and Minuette?”
“Yeah,” Spike answers half paying attention.
“Well, we decided to have a get together with them and we'd like for you to join us,” she says.
“Hmmm, hmmmm,” Spike replies plainly.
Moondancer frowns and puts her hoof in front of the paper that Spike is writing on, making him lift his head to face her.
“You did hear what I said, right?” she asks with a glare.
“Oh, yeah, sure. Hangout with Twinkleshine and Minuette. Sounds great,” Spike says half-heartedly. 
Moondancer raises her eyebrow and leans her head very close to Spike's so that he looks at her deep in the eyes. It takes a moment before Spike fully processes what the mare is thinking.
“Oh, you mean like right now?” he asks.
“Yes, I mean right now,” Moondancer says firmly. “You've been working on your book almost non-stop and Lemon Hearts has been planning this for a while now. It’s time that you take a break and spend some real quality time with friends.”
Spike frowns nervously, looks at his writing and says, “I don't know. I kind of wish you told me this earlier so I would have been better prepared or something.”
“Oh no you don't, Mr. The Dragon,” Moondancer says in a matter-of-factually tone as she lifts all of Spike’s papers up with her magic, places them in a wooden chest and casts a protection bubble over it. “You are not writing another word until you get out there and socialize.”
Spike makes a childish, mopey face as he stares into the wooden chest helplessly, wishing that Moondancer could have let him finish the section that he was working on. Finally, he sighs reluctantly and gives the cream unicorn a childish pout.
“Somehow I get the feeling that you got more from Twilight than just her books when she gave you this place,” he grumbles.
“Well, maybe you should have considered that possibility when you started taking some of my other spare parchment without permission just to work on your book,” Moondancer remarks like a mother rebuking her child.
“I rest my case,” Spike says with a sigh. 

***************************************************************

“SPIKE!”
Moondancer brought Spike to a cafe in one of the busiest sections of Canterlot where  Lemon Hearts is waiting for them with Twinkleshine and Minuette. The latter of the two are so excited to see their dragon friend again for the first time in years that they run after him. Spike chuckles nervously as Twinkleshine and Minuette ram him into a tight group hug. He gasps for air for a moment before the two excited mares let go of him. Moondancer and Lemon Hearts chuckle in amusement while Spike coughs a couple of time before speaking.
“Great to see you girls again too,” he wheezes.
“I can't believe you're back. Have you really been living in Canterlot Castle in secret?” Minuette asks enthusiastically.
Spike turns to Moondancer who merely smirks and says, “Yes, they know you're keeping your return a secret.”
“And we know not to say a word to Twilight,” Twinkleshine adds with an excited grin.
Spike sighs, satisfied with their answer and smiles at Twinkleshine and Minuette saying. “Yes, I've been back for a couple of months and I'm keeping my return a secret outside of Canterlot for the time being.”
The two mares giggle in amusement before Lemon Hearts steps in. 
“Alright, fillies, let’s be seated and order some lunch,” she says. “I’m sure we all have lots of questions for Spike while we wait for our food.”
Everyone nods in agreement as they all sit together in a large table outside of the cafe. A waiter comes and takes their orders and leaves before all eyes are suddenly on Spike.
“So, tell us everything about the Dragonlands,” Minuette demands. 
“Uh, well I'm actually hoping to save that for my book,” Spike says. “I don't know if Moondancer has told you, but I'm basically keeping my return a secret until I have finished writing my book about my time in the Dragonlands and the various kinds of dragons.”
Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine and Minuette’s eyes widen enthusiastically. 
“Oh my gosh, that’s exciting!” Lemon Hearts says enthusiastically. “How much of it have you done?”
“I still have a long way to go,” Spike answers. “I've only been working on it for a few months and there's a lot that I want to talk about.”
“And it was my idea to have him write it,” Moondancer says proudly. “Or at least it may as well have been since he was just reading random books for a while whenever it wasn't raining.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” Twinkleshine asks.
“Apparently, purple, tall and scaly here never leaves his room when it rains,” Moondancer says giving Spike a suspicious look. “He says he has to stay in bed or have 7-hour bubble baths if it so much as drizzles.”
Lemon Hearts scratches her chin and says, “Now that you mention it, he does ask me to help him prepare a big lunch fit for a picnic whenever it rains.”
The four mares turn to the dragon with suspicious or curious looks. Spike chuckles nervously while scratching the back of his head. 
“I...uh, have a condition where I have to stay inside when it rains,” he lies. “So I ask Lemon Hearts to help me have enough food so that I don't starve while I'm staying in my room. It’s a dragon thing.”
“Oh? So this will be something we’re gonna learn all about in your book?” Moondancer asks suspiciously like a parent suspecting a foal on a lie.
“Uh, yes, of course,” Spike claims. 
Moondancer glares at Spike suspiciously while Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette watch him intently, believing his lie.
“Well, that sounds interesting,” Lemon Hearts says cheerfully. “Can you give us another sample of what’s in your book?”
Spike gets uneasy as all eyes are staring at him in hopes to say more about his project.
“Aw, you don't need to know too much already,” he says with a nervous chuckle. “I think one example is enough.”
“Aw, come on, Spike. I would appreciate hearing at least one other thing about dragons that you learned while you were gone,” Twinkleshine says with a pout.
“Me too,” Minuette coos.
Spike feels a slight blush on his cheeks and rubs the back of his head.
“Okay, I guess one little story couldn't hurt,” he says.
“Yay!” Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette cheer. Spike chuckles, flattered by their enthusiasm as he clears his throat.
“Okay, so it was my third month in the Dragonlands, right? And I have this feud with this taller dragon named Garble,” he begins. “Dragon Lord Ember constantly tries to break us up every time we have an argument, but even she knew that she could not stop our desire to best the other even with all the magic she had in her scepter.”
Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette listen intently, looking already exhilarated from the beginning of Spike’s story. Even Moondancer listens with an amused smirk despite her earlier suspicions. Spike himself finds himself enjoying being the center of attention just by telling this one tale. 
As he continues to tell the story, however, he starts to have a guilty feeling inside. He wonders what is the matter in his mind as he talks until he realizes that he’s telling this story to a few mares when there’s only one mare that he would want to personally tell this story to.
“RARITY!”
Spike’s heart skips a beat as the name that Twinkleshine just said rings in his ear. He turns to her and sees that she’s staring past him in shock. He turns around to indeed see Rarity walking by them with Sassy Saddles. She is covering her face with a large hat and sunglasses and a plain dress, but even with her garment covering her cutie mark, there was no denying that it’s Rarity. Spike almost stands up to call her out too for a moment before he notices that both her and Sassy Saddles have crestfallen looks on their faces as they walk. He turns his head to notice that Twinkleshine, Minuette, Lemon Hearts have concerned looks on their faces and Moondancer is frowning.
“Rarity!” Twinkleshine calls again.
This time, Rarity turns to the four mares and the dragon and looks surprised to see them. Twinkleshine gets up from her seat and runs over to her and Sassy Saddles with a worried look. 
“Twinkleshine,” Rarity says softly as Twinkleshine hugs her abruptly.
“I’m so sorry. We should have been here to help you,” Twinkleshine whimpers as tears start to appear from her eyes. 
Rarity frowns uncomfortably has she gently hugs the other mare back.
“There, there, please don't worry about it,” Rarity says. 
“Rarity, we better get going,” Sassy Saddles says seriously. “Fluttershy is waiting for us and we must make it to the courthouse before -”
“Rarity?!”
All eyes turn to an older mare dressed in fine clothes who looks at Rarity with a disgusted look on her face.
“You have some nerve to be showing your face again after what you pulled,” the older mare snarls. 
“Hey, she didn't pull anything,” Twinkleshine barks. “She was tricked by Golden Charm and Minaudiere.”
The older mare scoffs in an appalling manner.
“You even have some ponies who actually think you’re innocent? For shame!” she rebukes. 
“We don’t think, we know,” Minuette says angrily as she and Lemon Hearts walk over to where Twinkleshine is standing between the old mare and Rarity and Sassy Saddles. “Rarity would never plagiarize off another fashionista’s work in her wildest dreams.”
“Oh please,” the old mare says with a wave of her hoof. “If that were true, she wouldn't be caught with the same dress for everypony who is anypony to see.”
“That’s only because -” Lemon Hearts begins before Rarity speaks out.
“Girls, drop it, please,” she says glumly yet firmly.
“But - but, Rarity,” Twinkleshine protests.
“No buts,” Rarity says. “I appreciate what you're all trying to do, but it's no use arguing with this mare without proof. It won't change anything.”
Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine and Minuette try to utter words of protest, but Rarity and Sassy Saddles just turn around and begin walking away without another word. As they walk, however, Rarity notices Spike sitting down next to Moondancer. The white mare and the purple dragon stare at each other with Spike confused with what he is witnessing and Rarity looks at him shocked. Her shock turns back into a glum look as she turns her head and walks out of sight with Sassy Saddles. The elder mare scoffs again and walks in the other direction without a care and Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine and Minuette glare daggers at her before they sadly return to their seats with Spike and Moondancer. All five of them are quiet until Moondancer let's out a sigh.
“I can't believe we actually saw her out of Canterlot Carousel,” she says.
Spike looks at the mare with the glasses confused.
“What do you mean?” he asks.
All four mares turn to him surprised and Minuette asks, “You mean you didn't hear about Golden Charm dating Rarity and using her?”
Spike frowns, figuring that what Minuette just said is what Rarity was going to tell him the next time they meet privately. He wishes he kept silent for the sake of Rarity keeping her promise, but he figures it is too late so he may as well learn everything now.
“No, I never heard of him or...that,” he says, feeling uneasy. “I didn't know that Rarity was in town.”
“You mean you didn't know that Rarity moved here years ago?” Lemon Hearts asks in disbelief. “Oh my goodness, you isolate yourself in the castle more than I thought.”
“I guess,” Spike says. “But seriously, what happened?”
Moondancer, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette look at each other before Moondancer sighs.
“I'll tell him,” she announces before turning to Spike with a serious look. “Now, Spike, understand that while we don't know the entire story, Rarity is completely innocent no matter what anypony in Canterlot says and if you care for her at all as a friend you won't let a soul convince you otherwise.”
Spike nods in understanding as Moondancer thinks for a moment before she begins her tale.
“It was about a year ago when she started dating him,” she says. “Golden Charm gained a wealthy business in Baltimare that lead to him needing to move to Canterlot. Before long, he became very popular among the Canterlot elite. Everypony loved his irresistible charm and good looks and Rarity was no exception. The two met at a garden party and hit it off right away. After a couple of months, Rarity began to say that she was falling deeply in love with Golden Charm.”
Spike’s frown deepens at hearing that Rarity fell in love with someone else, but hides it from the others as Moondancer continues.
“Even though he didn't say anything to imply that he felt the same way, we were happy for her. The way she talked about how wonderful he was to her sounded like she finally found the prince charming that she was searching for, for the longest time,” she says before she frowns sadly. “But things eventually took a turn for the worst.”
Spike notices all of the mares looking depressed before Moondancer speaks again.
“It was about several months ago and Rarity was working on her line for Canterlot’s Grand Spring Festival where she had entered its fashion contest. It’s a great opportunity for ponies in Canterlot's fashion industry like her to gain attention for Canterlot Carousel. She decided to create a new fabric that she knew would blow away every elite pony in the city. She was very secretive about what she was creating because she did not want anyone to know about it after what happened between her and Suri Polomare during Fashion Week in Manehattan years ago.”
Spike nods in understanding,  remembering Rarity, Twilight and their friends from Ponyville telling him all about that adventure. 
“Unfortunately, Golden Charm is very charismatic and ultimately professed his love to Rarity. She was so happy that she thought she could trust him with anything as easily as she can trust Twilight or Fluttershy or even you, Spike,” Moondancer continues. “So she showed him her line and the specific fabric she personally made and even told him how she made it.”
“Uh oh,” Spike says worryingly. “I don't like where this is going.”
“You shouldn’t,” Moondancer says bluntly. “At the fashion show during the festival, Rarity was all set with her models all ready to show everypony her work. But right before it was her turn, this other mare named Minaudiere who had just recently opened her own shop showed her dresses first and not only did Minaudiere’s dresses have the same special fabric, but she openly claimed that she created it herself.”
Spike’s eyes widened and his heart sank. He can't believe what he is hearing.
“Rarity, as you can imagine, was shocked,” Moondancer says. “What was worse was that she had to still show her dresses right after and so when the audience saw her line with the same fabric, they were confused and Minaudiere was quick to accuse her of theft. Rarity tried to explain that what her opponent said was false and that she was the real culprit, but she had no proof. She was booed and ridiculed off the stage and before you could say magical tapestries, her reputation and her business fell drastically. Clients new and old canceled orders, some ponies would come to her shop just to verbally attack her. It was just an endless cycle of shame.”
Spike’s heart breaks at this news. His shock then turns into anger as he growls, “Let me guess, Golden Charm used her to help this Minaudiere.”
“Yes, he did,” Twinkleshine says bitterly. “It turns out that Golden Charm and Minaudiere are an item and they kept their relationship a secret long enough for him to use Rarity for their own manipulative means for Minaudiere to gain popularity for her own boutique. She’s been living off all the attention and clients that should have been rightfully Rarity’s ever since.”
“Personally, I wish she brought the princesses into this. They would have done something,” Minuette says.
“No, they wouldn't have,” Lemon Hearts says sadly. “Even if they did, ponies would still look down on Rarity for using the princesses as a trump card to get things her way. Besides, the princesses can't do anything without proof.”
“You mean there's really no one besides you four who know she's innocent?” Spike asks desperately.
“Sassy Saddles, Saffron Masala, and her father do,” Moondancer says sadly. “But apart from them, there are some ponies like Fancy Pants who want to believe her but can’t really do much about it without proof, especially since they only have Rarity’s word to go off by because she isolated herself so much just to make the fabric. Some ponies like us still shop in Canterlot Carousel, but no matter what, it looks like Rarity is completely washed up here in Canterlot.”
Spike’s feels like his heart has been completely crushed into a million pieces. Having a shop in Canterlot was Rarity’s dream all her life. He probably knows that more than anyone in Equestria’s capital. As he contemplates everything Moondancer, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette just said, it becomes all to clear why Rarity has been so lifeless every time he meets her in the royal garden. Nothing in the world could devastate her so much like losing her dream after all her hard work for it.
Finally, Spike’s sad face turns into an angry one which Moondancer, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette are quick to notice.
“Do you know where Minaudiere’s boutique is?” he asks.
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike’s wings flap rapidly as he flies over the city. Moondancer and Lemon Hearts were reluctant to tell him where Minaudiere’s boutique is, but Twinkleshine was so bitter that she told him straight out. Thus, after they all had their meals and talked about how everyone else is doing as if nothing happened, Spike, Moondancer and Lemon Hearts said their goodbyes to Twinkleshine and Minuette before making their way back to the castle. Once they made it back, Moondancer and Lemon Hearts said their goodbyes and left while keeping watchful eyes on Spike. Afterward, Spike went up to his room and waited ten minutes until he was sure the two mares are not spying on him before he opened his wings and took flight.
In truth, Spike doesn’t know what he’s going to do when he makes it to Minaudiere’s boutique. All he really knows is his heart is broken for Rarity and he wants to let out his anger over what happened to the ponies responsible for her pain. 
After several minutes of flying, he spots the place he is looking for: a fancy-looking building on the far east side of the city. A number of ponies are entering and exiting from the store as Spike swoops down and lands a few feet from the entrance. He comes inside to find the two-story building swarming with ponies looking through countless dresses, purses, hats, and other accessories. Everywhere mares are dragging their boyfriends or husbands over or coming together in groups to try on all sorts of outfits.
As he walks through, Spike glances at the front counter and sees an opening through the back curtain. He can see through it that there are a dozen mares working on various stations to make the same outfits again and again precisely. The workers there are looking tired and clearly don't care about the dresses they are making as long as they follow instructions and meet their quota. Spike frowns as it is clear that little to no heart is put into any of these clothes no matter how nice they look. 
“Excuse me, can I help you?”
Spike truths around to see a mare wearing a dark blue dress and a nametag looking at him with a wooden, professional look on her face.
“Oh, yeah I'm just browsing around, thank you,” he says politely.
The mare looks at him suspiciously and says, “I’m sorry, but we don't have anything made for dragons, sir.”
“Oh, I'm not browsing for me, I'm browsing for a friend of mine from...Appleloosa,” Spike lies. “Her birthday is in a couple of weeks and she likes dresses from Canterlot.”
The mare keeps her suspicious look and asks, “Do you have her measurements? Perhaps I can help you find dresses that fit her size?”
“Oh, that's okay. I'm just browsing ideas for her right now,” Spike says with a fake smile. “I'll give you a holler if you need anything.”
The mare continues to glare before she calmly walks away. Spike sighs in relief and continues looking through the store. The more he looks through it, the more he becomes disgusted with how every fancy product in the store is cold and calculated with little no hint of artistry and yet so many ponies like it. He struggles to control himself until he hears a high-pitched scoff coming from behind him and he turns around to see a thin, green mare with a black mane and tail wearing an uptight dress. 
“A dragon in my store? Disgusting,” she snarls in an over-the-top manner. “Get out of here before I call security on you!”
In any normal circumstances, Spike would be trying to calm the pony down in protest, hurt that they would say such a thing because of what he is. In this case, however, his face remains wooden as he stares at the pony after hearing her declare that this is her store.
“Minaudiere, I presume,” he says bluntly.
Minaudiere scoffs again.
“So you know who I am. So what? Everyone in the city does,” she says in a condescending tone. “I have nothing that would suit your species nor would I clothe you even if you offer all the most valuable jewels in Equestria.”
Spike takes a deep breath to control his temper and growls, “I have no interest in your gaudy clothes. I only came to say you have some nerve pulling that stunt with Rarity.”
Minaudiere acts surprised for a moment before she “humphs” in response.
“Oh please, do you think I really care about that cheating has-been,” she asks coldly. 
At this point, Spike has lost it. He walks over to Minaudiere until their faces are inches apart.
“Rarity is not a cheating has-been!” he barks, causing ponies to turn to him and Minaudiere and stare in shock. “She’s the most beautiful, talented, artistic, hard-working, generous mare in all of Equestria and beyond and you took everything from her for your shallow, greedy desires!”
Ponies gasp in shock at the way that Spike is acting but he doesn't care. He just wants to let out all of his anger for all the misery that this heartless mare caused on the pony he deeply cares for. Minaudiere looks at him frightened as if she’s afraid he’s going to bite her head off.
“Charmy!” she squeals.
Spike looks at her in confusion until he finds himself surrounded by a yellow glow. He is suddenly lifted off the ground and turned around to see the angry eyes of a light yellow stallion in a black tux.
“Get away from my mare,” he barks.
But instead of looking intimidated, Spike glares at the stallion menacingly, knowing who he is. Before he can say anything, however, the stallion used his magic to throw him all the way to the other side of the store and out of the building, tumbling on the steps as he goes. Spike groans in pain before he gets up to see the stallion and Minaudiere walking over to the entrance with angry glares.
“Don't you ever touch Mindy again, you filthy lizard,” the stallion shouts.
“I didn't touch her and even then I’d be more worried about yourself than her, Golden Charm,” Spike growls.
The stallion named Golden Charm looks at the dragon confused before his eyes light up and he lets out a fancy laugh that leaves everyone confused.
“As I live and breathe, you must be Spike,” he says.
Minaudiere turns to Golden Charm confused. 
“Charmy, you know this beast?” she asks.
“All too well, my emerald,” Golden Charm says as he walks over to Spike with a boastful grin. 
Spike keeps glaring at the stallion menacingly as Golden Charm walks over to him until he’s only a couple feet away from the dragon. 
“Rarity told me everything about you, Mr. The Dragon,” he says smugly. “How you are such a kind and sweet dragon who helped her many times back when she lived in Ponyville.”
“What of it?” Spike snarls.
“Oh, not much,” Golden Charm says. “Just enough for me to see how the pony you claim to be so generous is the most manipulative and greedy mare I have ever met.”
Spike's anger immediately rises and he gets up roaring, “What did you say?!”
Once again, Spike is lifted up in the air with Golden Charm’s magic. Spike struggles in vain to free himself while the stallion’s smile is as cocky as ever.
“You heard what I said,” Golden Charm says plainly. “Rarity might not have said it, but when she told me all the things you did to help her I could barely stop myself from laughing. That cow was using you to be her pin cushion because of your thick scales, manicure, shovel, even a model once you grew wings and rewarded you with a few bats of her eyelashes or mere shards of gems and you let her because you were a little boy desperately in love.”
Spike winces at the way Golden Charm mockingly brings up his feelings for Rarity in front of everypony. Minaudiere gasps and gags in disgust.
“Dear Celestia, do you mean to tell me this reptile is in love with a pony?!” she screeches. “That is absolutely gross! Bad enough that stallion is dating a hippogriff. And this beast has been chasing Rarity since he was a child? Repulsive!”
“Quite right, my dear,” Golden Charm says before lowering Spike down until the two of them are at eye length while the dragon is still under the unicorn stallion’s control. “Now, dear boy, I insist that you calm yourself. There's no need to be hostile against me and my mare. Why even if for the sake of argument we did anything to sabotage Ms. Rarity, you should admire what we did.”
“What?!” Spike barks. “Why in Celestia’s name would I ever want to do a thing like that?”
“Oh, come now, dear boy. It's quite obvious,” Golden Charm says. “Thanks to my Minaudiere, Rarity got what she deserves. After years of using a poor creature like you for her own manipulative means, she finally got everything she deserves. Now every pony who is worth knowing knows that she is nothing more than a liar and a crook who uses her so-claimed talents and flair to get what she wants no matter who she uses. Now you can let go of your feelings for that prissy good-for-nothing and start fawning over your own kind in your own land like a good dragon. In short, you should be thanking Minaudiere for what she did.”
At this point, Spike’s anger is at its peak. The way that Golden Charm talked down to him and dragons in general as well as talking that way about Rarity enrages him. Golden Charm merely keeps his smirk before using his magic to bring Spike right in front of Minaudiere who has a boastful look in her face, clearly agreeing with her boyfriend’s idea. 
“So say ‘thank you, Ms. Minaudiere,” Golden Charm says in a childish tone as if he was teaching a trick to a pet. “Say ‘Thank you so much for bringing down that heartless hag for poor little me.’”
“Never!” Spike screams angrily and he struggles in vain to break free from Golden Charm’s control.  
“Very well,” Golden Charm says with an uncaring sigh as he uses his magic to throw Spike over to the other side of the street and crash into a wall. Ponies passing by gasp in shock while Spike slowly gets up groaning in pain. He growls menacingly while Golden Charm walks over to him, still smirking confidently. 
“Shall we try again?” he asks mockingly. 
“You’re the real liar and thief and your girlfriend is the real manipulative hag,” Spike snarls.
Minaudiere scoffs and glares angrily at Spike whereas Golden Charm merely shrugs uncaringly in response. He prepares to use his magic again when two voices shout, “HALT!” Everypony turns around and sees two guards marching toward Golden Charm, Minaudiere and Spike with serious looks on their faces. It takes a moment before Spike recognizes them as Blazing Star and Trailbreaker.
“What do you think you're doing?” Trailbreaker asks firmly to Golden Charm.
“I was teaching this reptile a lesson is all, guard,” Golden Charm says proudly. “He was trespassing in Ms. Minaudiere’s boutique.”
Blazing Star and Trailbreaker look at each other in confusion before the former asks, “Sir, is not this boutique open to the public?”
“Not to his kind!” Minaudiere barks. 
“Ma’am, dragons have been allowed in Equestria for years,” Trailbreaker points out bluntly. “You have no authority to discriminate dragons or other sentient creatures.”
“I can if he was assaulting me,” Minaudiere screeches hysterically. “He grabbed me by my dress and verbally assaulted me before attacking my boyfriend.”
Spike becomes uneasy with her accusations as half of them are true and the crowd is looking at him in surprise or disgust. Even Blazing Star and Trailbreaker look at him with serious looks, clearly ready to take action if necessary even if they are friends.
“He didn’t attack anyone, gentlecolts.”
All eyes turn to Fancy Pants who steps outside from Manaudiere’s boutique with Fleur-de-lis. All the high-class ponies look at him in surprise as the important pony and his wife stand between Golden Charm and Minaudiere, and Spike.
“It's true that Mr. The Dragon yelled at the mademoiselle, but it was simply because of his species that she thought she was about to be attacked and thus Mr. Charm here made the decision to use his magic to pick up Mr. The Dragon and throw him out of the store and begin verbally abusing him while keeping him hostage with his magic,” he says. “The only one who was committing assault is the accusing party here.”
Golden Charm and Minaudiere become uneasy after being called out by one of the most important ponies in all of Canterlot. Blazing Star and Trailbreaker are secretly relieved that Spike is innocent before turning to some of the other ponies in the crowd. 
“Is that how everypony else saw it?” Trailbreaker asks. 
A bunch of ponies in the crowd either nod or mutter words of agreement that back up Fancy Pants. Blazing Star and Trailbreaker smile satisfied before turning to Spike.
“Do you wish to press charges, Mr. The Dragon?” Blazing Star asks in a professional manner. 
Spike mentally grins mischievously as he considers the offer. It sounds like a perfect opportunity even if it is in a small way to get back at the two horrible ponies who publicly wronged Rarity. But then he realizes that because of Golden Charm’s status in Canterlot, it is highly unlikely that he would get any harsh treatment it would do nothing to help Rarity's case anyway. After giving it a little more thought, Spike lets out a reluctant sigh.
“No,” he says. “This guy is not worth it.”
Some of the ponies in the crowd gasp softly in surprise while others quietly sigh in relief. Blazing Star and Trailbreaker look at their friend surprised for a moment before they nod in understanding.
“Very well,” Blazing Star says before turning back to Golden Charm. “Consider this a warning, sir. Discrimination against other creatures will not be tolerated in any way. See to it that you never pull anything like this again or we will have to take action. Understand?”
“Perfectly, my good stallion,” Golden Charm says in a half-baked response before turning around and walking back inside the boutique with Minaudiere. The crowd begins to disperse as Spike turns around about to leave when he feels a hoof land on his shoulder and he turns around to see his two guard friends with concerned looks on their faces. 
“Spike, what was that really all about?” Trailbreaker asks concerned. 
Spike opens his mouth to answer, but before he speaks, Fancy Pants clears his throat catching the dragon and the two guards, attention as he and Fleur-de-lis walk over to them.
“Good show for not stooping to his level, old boy,” Fancy Pants says with an old friendly smile. 
“Uh, thanks,” Spike says. “And thanks for speaking up for me.”
“Think nothing of it, old boy. Always glad to set the record straight,” Fancy Pants says before his smiles fades and he walks closer to Spike until they are inches apart. “All that to say, however, I must ask, was that brute right? Did Ms. Rarity really use you constantly in those ways back when you two lived in Ponyville?”
Spike winces and notices that Fleur-de-lis, Trailbreaker and Blazing Star are all looking at him, suddenly looking as curious about the question as Fancy Pants is. 
“W-w-well, sort of, but he was totally taking it out of context,” Spike says desperately. “I mean I’m was always willing to help my friends in some way or another when I lived in Ponyville. I was Princess Twilight Sparkle’s assistant for goodness sake.”
“But was Ms. Rarity in particular really using your abilities as a dragon for her own means?” Fancy Pants asks seriously.
Spike opens his mouth to deny what Fancy Pants is saying until he hesitates. Unfortunately, his reaction is all Fancy Pants needs as the old stallion sighs.
“I see,” he says before giving Spike a concerned look. “Spike, be very careful with her. She may not be everything she appears to be.”
“You don't know that,” Spike hisses. “You know that she’s not a thief. She’s the Element of Generosity! Heck, the fact that Golden Charm and Minaudiere was so quick to falsely accuse me should give the implication that the ponies in Canterlot outcast the wrong fashionista.”
“Perhaps,” Fancy Pants says unfazed. “But it sounds clear to me that even if she’s innocent of what happened at the festival, the fact that she used a young dragon to do all those things for her own means still gives the implication that she’s not so innocent regardless. In fact, let me ask you this, dear boy: can you think of a time where she showed more gratitude than just specs of gems or some pretty look?”
“Of course, I can,” Spike says. “She gave me a kiss on the cheek when I rescued her in Ponyville from myself when I turn into a giant monster. Heck, the week before that she gave me a kiss because I…”
Spike’s voice dies in his throat. Fancy Pants raises his eyebrow while everypony else is looking at the young adult dragon eagerly. 
“When you what?” Fancy Pants asks.
Spike sighs and says, “When I gave her the fire ruby that was meant to be my birthday dinner.”
“I see,” Fancy Pants says plainly while Trailbreaker, Blazing Star and Fleur-de-lis look at Spike surprised. Fancy Pants sighs again as he places his hoof on Spike’s shoulder and looks at him sympathetically. “Look, son, I know this hard for somecreature like you to take, but maybe it's best that you move on from whatever feelings you have for Rarity. It seems clear that she has been a bad influence for you and you can't go on defending someone who clearly used you. Maybe in that regard, Golden Charm is right and you should let go.”
Spike looks at Fancy Pants hurt by his words. The stallion sighs and says, “Think about it,” before he and Fleur-de-lis leave. Blazing Star and Trailbreaker look at each other confused before turning to their dragon friend.
“What is going on here, Spike?” Trailbreaker asks worriedly. “Is what they are saying about you and Rarity true?”
But Spike doesn’t say anything. He just stands still watching Fancy Pants and his wife walk away, crushed at everything he just said.
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eventually, Blazing Star and Trailbreaker brought Spike back to the palace and bandaged his face were a bruise had formed after Golden Charm threw him into the wall. Spike explained everything that was going on along the way leaving out the fact that he's been secretly meeting Rarity at the private section of the royal garden. The two guards act just as concerned as ever for their friend. They reluctantly admit that Golden Charm and Fancy Pants are right that he should get over his feelings for Rarity. 
After Trailbreaker finishes bandaging him up, Spike robotically thanks him before walking away saying that he needs time to think. The two guards silently agree as Spike leaves and takes a walk down the halls of Canterlot Castle.
As he walks down the grand halls, Spike thinks about everything that has been told to him in the last hour. The more he does, the more he considers that maybe they are right. 
“No, they can't be,” He thinks. “After all, she was still a good friend to me, right? She followed me with Twilight and Rainbow Dash when I went to the Dragon Migration and supported me when I competed in the Gauntlet of Fire. She was caring enough to ask for some ointment from Zecora while I went through my molt. So even when she did use me at times, she still was a generous pony, right?”
Spike gives it more thought and eventually a small smile emerges on his face and he becomes more confident.
“Yes, was...no, she is,” he thinks. “Even if she was that way before, she's nothing like that to me now. She's been so thoughtful and caring, even supportive by giving me that book so that I can figure out how to properly write on my own and gave me a large pile of gems to eat without a care. If anything, the only thing I've had to worry about her at all since I came back is knowing that she is in so much emotional pain because of what Golden Charm did to her.”
Spike’s confidence grows as he walks, feeling positive of his argument. But then it fades just as quickly as it came when he realizes something. 
“But does she ever regret manipulating me that way at all?” he wonders. “Does she have any remorse even after being used herself?”
Spike frowns in frustration. At the rate that he's debating with himself, he’s stuck. Just then, he notices that he's near an entryway that leads to the royal garden. He thinks for a moment before he decides to go outside and head to the gazebo to sit down and think things through in a peaceful environment. As he exits the castle and enters the garden, he notices the sky is covered with dark clouds and there is the faint sound of thunder. He ignores the likelihood that it might rain as he follows the familiar path through the garden and makes his way to the private section until he stops in surprise. 
Standing in the middle of a flower bed plucking on a rose glumly is the very white mare that is constantly on his mind. Rarity plucks on the rose with her magic at a slow pace and she let's put a long, depressed sigh as she stares at the flower. Spike doesn't know how to react with her suddenly here where he didn't think she would be, but before he can do anything, Rarity gets a feeling that she's not alone and turns around to see him standing there. For a moment, Spike sees Rarity’s eyes light up at the sight of him and his heart leaps for the first time since before Canterlot’s raining season, but then it melted back into her glum state. Rarity walks over to him and the two of them stay silent for a minute before Rarity speaks. 
“Hello, Spike,” she says softly.
“Hi, Rarity,” Spike quietly says back. 
They become quiet again until Rarity asks, “Did Twinkleshine and the others tell you?”
Spike nods sadly and says, “Yeah, they sort of spilled the beans before I could stop them.”
“That's alright, dear,” Rarity says gently. “I'm glad you learned it from our friends rather than some...other ponies. I am sorry that I didn't keep my promise, though.”
“That’s okay,” Spike says plainly. “I guess in the end it was just something beyond either of our control.”
“Yes, I suppose,” Rarity says with a weak smile before she looks at Spike with a serious look in her eyes. “How are you feeling about it?”
Spike frowns and looks away from the mare he deeply cares for.
“Upset mostly,” he says before he turns to look at her again. “Upset that you were tricked and falsely framed and there was nothing you could have done about it. Upset that I was not there to help you when no one else had your back.”
Rarity smiles again only this time it is sincere.
“That’s my Spikey-Wikey. As sweet and eager to help as ever,” she says making Spike smile bashfully before her frown returns. “Though I must say there probably is nothing you could have done. One would think I would have learned to be careful who I can trust after devoting years of my life into this business. Suri Polomare should have made it clear that there might be no one I can really trust apart from my family or Fluttershy, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and especially you, dear. But I guess I always had a weakness for handsome, popular stallions and that was bound to be my downfall sooner or later. Heh. Guess I'm not much wiser at the age of thirty than at the age of twenty-three.”
Spike keeps his sad frown, unable to think of something comforting to say to Rarity. His thoughts are interrupted when Rarity walks over to him with a concerned look on her face.
“Good heavens, Spike, what happened to your face?” she asks worriedly. 
Spike remembers the bandage on his face and jokingly says, “Oh I drank too much cider like you and fell down the grand stairs inside Canterlot Castle.”
“Oh my goodness!” Rarity squeaks in shock while covering her mouth with her hoof.
“I'm kidding. I just got into a little fight,” Spike instantly says with a toothy grin while secretly glad to see her so worried about him.
Rarity gives the dragon an angry pout, displeased with his prank which only makes Spike chuckle. 
“That is very poor form, Mr. The Dragon,” she says before it hits her. “Who in the world where you fighting anyway?”
Spike hesitates and rubs the back of his head. He thinks about telling Rarity not to worry about it, but one firm look from the mare was all he needed to understand she wants the truth. He bites his lip, snaps his eyes shut and takes a large breath before he says, “It...was...Golden...Charm.”
Spike dares to slightly open one eye to see Rarity staring at him surprised. She then looks away with a glum look and says, “Oh...I see.”
“Are you mad?” Spike asks nervously.
Rarity is silent for a moment before she turns to look at him with another small smile.
“No, darling, I'm not mad,” she says softly. “Though I would appreciate it if you don't act so irrationally. I’d hate to be the reason that someone hurt one scale from your precious head.”
Spike feels his cheeks heating up again and he turns away bashfully. He hears Rarity giggle at his reaction with makes his face turn redder once again. And yet, he can't help but smile at the sincerity of her worry and that she would call him precious as opposed to just cute like she used to years ago.
“I’ll...be more careful next time,” he manages to say.
“Thank you, dear,” Rarity says sweetly. 
*KABOOM*
Spike and Rarity both yell and jump in surprise from the sudden sound of lightning striking very close to them. Suddenly, Spike feels a drop of water falling right on his nose. Just as he reacts to what happened, Rarity feels two more drops falling right on top of her head. The two of them only have a moment to realize what is happening before more raindrops come suddenly until they are caught in a massive rain poor.
Rarity yelp's in shock as her curly hair turns flat in a matter of seconds. Spike notices this and suddenly grabs her hoof and leads her toward the gazebo at a running pace. Rarity suddenly blushes lightly at the feeling of Spike’s hand as the two of them make their way to the gazebo and pant, relieved to be under shelter.
“Brrrr, what a fine time for it to be raining like this,” Spike grumbles while getting down on all fours and shaking the water off his body. “It’s a good thing we weren't far from shelter.”
“Indeed, thank you for bringing me safe from the nasty rain, my brave knight,” Rarity says jokingly.
Spike chuckles bashfully while giving Rarity a toothy grin much to her amusement. The two of them continue smiling until they look at the view of virtually nothing but giant droplets of rain covering the entire area as if they are under a ginormous waterfall.
“I guess we're stuck here for a while,” Spike says with a sigh. 
“Yes, I suppose so,” Rarity admits.
The two of them quietly sit down on the exact same benches they sat on throughout the summer and wait patiently for the rain to let up. It wasn't long, however, before Rarity starts hugging her body for warmth. She then hears a sneeze from Spike and turns her head to see him shivering uncontrollably. She feels her heart sink at the sight and she mentally wishes she had a bunch of dry towels to cover him with. 
Suddenly, she hears the faint sound of birds chirping. She turns her head to see two birds taking shelter from the storm in their nest under a large tree. The two birds appear to be mates as they happily huddle together for warmth. Rarity smiles at the affection between the two birds until she hears another sneeze from Spike. She turns back to him and notices him starting to shiver more and she feels like she needs to do something now. 
Just then, she gets an idea and her pale white cheeks turn pink at the idea. She mentally debates with herself on whether or not to do this but when she hears one more sneeze from Spike she sighs quietly knowing what she has to do. Without a word, Rarity gets off her seat which quickly catches Spike's attention and she walks over and sits right next to him. Before the purple dragon can ask what she is doing, she wraps her arms around him and snuggles her head against his chest.
“R-r-rarity?” Spike manages to say with his face turning red.
“I'm just giving you some body warmth, Spikey-poo,” Rarity says assuringly while using her wet, flat hair to cover her own bashful face. “I don't want my favorite dragon to get sick.”
Spike tries to say something in response, but his voice dies in his throat. Deep down, he is glad that she is trying to keep him warm, but he feels his entire face turn red at how close they are. He and Rarity have hugged before, but the way she is holding him close and laying her head on his chest makes his heart race like never before.
“You don't need to be so stiff, Spikey,” Rarity says suddenly. “And it isn't polite to not wrap your arms around a lady when she’s soaking wet as well.”
Spike feels like his cheeks are heating up more than ever. 
“M-m-my apologies, my lady,” he manages to say as he nervously wraps his arms around Rarity. 
Rarity smiles and sighs blissfully as she feels Spike's arms around her. Eventually, Spike finds himself smiling at how comfortable she is around him. The two of them remain wrapped in each other's arms with their eyes closed as the rain continues to go down heavily.
After an hour, the downpour slowly dies down to a drizzle. It takes a few minutes before Spike and Rarity break from their moment and realize that the worst of the storm is over. The two of them let go of each other and stand up, but they secretly regret letting the other go.
“Well...um…” Spike begins, nervously. “That was quite the storm.”
“Indeed,” Rarity says.
“I guess heading home shouldn't be too much of a problem,” Spike says. “Although I could find an umbrella you can borrow from the castle if you want.”
Rarity smiles sweetly at the kind dragon, but on the inside, her heart feels heavy at the idea of them already going their separate ways again. She begins to frown for a second before she gets an idea.
“Actually, Spike…” she begins nervously. “Would it be alright if you...come over to Canterlot Carousel with me and stay for dinner?”
Spike's eyes widen and he feels his cheeks heating up a little again as he turns to look at Rarity in disbelief.
“Really?” he asks.
“Of course,” Rarity replies feeling more confident. “Think of it as a… thank you for protecting me from the rain.”
Spike stares at her for a moment before he smiles and happily nods.


***********************************************************************************


Spike and Rarity make their way to Canterlot Carousel, having small talk as they walk. When they come inside, Rarity grabs some towels from her bathroom and hands one to Spike before she dries herself with another, redoes her hair, and starts making dinner. After 45 minutes, Rarity finishes making a large meal for herself and Spike and the two of them proceed to the dining hall where they begin eating and chatting.
“Oh my goodness, that's why you borrowed Applejack’s dog treats for Winona?” Rarity asks with a giggle.
“Yeah,” Spike says sheepishly while scratching the back of his head. “After turning into a dog both times that I went to Canterlot High with Twilight, I kinda had a desire for more dog treats and so decided to...borrow a bag. But I ended up regretting it after eating one and discovering that my dragon body doesn't care for that as much.”
Rarity laughs out loud and Spike smiles knowing she's not laughing to hurt him.
“No wonder you didn't hear the end of it from Applejack for a while,” she says.
“Yep,” Spike admits. “And no belly full of gems was going to wash away the taste no matter how delicious they were.”
“Oh what an unfortunate waste of gems,” Rarity says. “I think you were saving up quite a few of them back then.”
“I was, but that's nothing compared to how many gems dragons typically consume,” Spike says with a teasing grin. “If I told you how many gorgeous gems that could have been used for dresses are used to feed a dragon twice my size on a daily basis, you’d faint.”
“Oh goodness, do not speak of such things, Mr. The Dragon,” Rarity says playfully while lifting her hoof over her head in an over-the-top manner. “You’re going to give me goosebumps.”
The two of them laugh for a few seconds before they go back to their meal. They eat quietly for a few minutes before Rarity remembers something. 
“Speaking of dragons, how is your book coming along?” she asks.
Spike smiles at the sincerity of her question before he answers. 
“I still have a lot of work to do,” he says. “I'm probably going to make a third draft after I finish the one I'm working on right now. The book you gave me is a tremendous help though.”
“I'm glad,” Rarity says cheerfully. 
The two of them continue to eat in silence until they finish their meal. Spike pats his belly which makes Rarity giggle.
“What?” he asks. 
“Oh, nothing,” Rarity answers with her hoof covered. “You just remind me of when you used to do that a lot back you were just a little dragon.”
Spike blinks for a moment before he chuckles back.
“Actually, I hope you still have room in that belly of yours because I'm about to make some hot cocoa and I have a little something for you to go with it.”
Spike Smiles warmly and says, “Yes please, that sounds great.”
Rarity smiles happily before she quietly excuses herself and leaves the dining room. Spike waits quietly for several minutes before Rarity comes back holding two mugs of hot cocoa with her magic and placing one in front of Spike.
“Lots of marshmallows on yours just the way you like it,” Rarity says in a singing voice as Spike’s eyes are glued to the marshmallow covered drink. “And there's this.”
Spike keeps his eyes on the hot cocoa until he sees Rarity levitate something familiar in the corner of his eye. He lifts his head up and stares in shock as he sees a familiar heart-shaped fire ruby floating across the room and gently lands right in front of him. Spike stares at it in disbelief for a moment before turning to Rarity who has already taken a sip of her hot cocoa. Rarity takes a peek after taking a sip and notices that Spike is staring at her.
“Well, go on, darling, eat and drink up,” she says.
“But...is this the fire ruby?” Spike asks. 
“Indeed,” Rarity says plainly before taking another sip. 
“But...but I gave it to you,” Spike says. 
“And now I'm giving it back to you,” Rarity says. 
“But why?” Spike asks.
Rarity pauses for a moment before she puts her mug down and sighs. 
“I'm not worthy of keeping it any longer,” she says. “I know you think that’s ridiculous because I'm so beautiful and generous, but I know it's true. Besides, it would make me happier if you finally ate your birthday dinner than for me to keep it for myself any longer.”
Spike stares at the white mare even more shocked than before as Rarity goes back to her drink as if she didn't just say something that just touched his heart. Spike turns back to staring at the ruby before finally taking a sip from his cocoa. He can't believe that the mare he has cared for all this time would say anything like that. It’s as if she somehow knows how hard it was to make that sacrifice years ago and wants to return the favor. A small smile enters his face as he feels a sense of confidence filling his heart.
“That’s it then,” he thinks. “I don't care what anypony else thinks, I know what kind of pony she really is. I should tell her how I feel right now. Maybe something like that is all she needs to fully lift her spirits after everything she's been through.”
Spike’s smile grows as he becomes certain that what he's thinking about is going to work. He takes a large sip of his cocoa before turning to Rarity.
“I love you.”
Rarity almost chokes while drinking her cocoa and coughs violently before taking a few breaths and turns to Spike.
“Sorry, what was that, Spike?” she asks.
Spike takes a deep breath before giving Rarity a sweet smile and says, “Rarity. I can't help but be in love with you. I always have.”
Rarity’s eyes widen and her pupils shrink. She quickly turns her body away from facing Spike just in time to hide the blush growing in her cheeks. Spike looks at her starting to feel worried as Rarity processes his confession. Within seconds, her whole face is red and her heart is beating rapidly. Without noticing, the edges of her mouth curve up slightly and she places her hoof on her heart.
But the moment is short lived. She shakes her head to snap out or her bashful daze and takes a deep breath. She turns back to Spike with a sympathetic smile on her face as she picks up her mug.
“I'm very sorry, Spike, but I don't feel the same way.”
Spike’s mouth drops slightly as his heart painfully breaks into tiny pieces. Rarity finishes her cocoa and puts her mug down before she lets out a sigh as she stares at the table.
“I'm selling Canterlot Carousel to Sassy Saddles and moving back to Ponyville,” she says bluntly. “I was on my way to make it official with her while Fluttershy was waiting to meet us at the courthouse when Twinkleshine saw me. I made the decision long before you came back. Sassy still has a good name in Canterlot and she’s learned a lot from me. I know she'll take great care of it, but I can't stay here anymore. I'm trapped without my life in Ponyville where I can see Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, my parents, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie every day. I only went outside when it rained because that was the only time I can leave my boutique without encountering ponies who would verbally attack me.”
Whatever is left of Spike’s heart sinks at her words and he hangs his head in defeat.
“I see,” he says dully.
Rarity nods robotically and says, “So...I want to thank you for your company and your time, Spike. You really are a true friend.”
Spike winces at the last word. That simple word that he has been a part of spreading throughout the world has become the most painful to hear. Neither he or Rarity say another word for a couple of minutes until Spike decides to stand up which catches Rarity’s attention. 
“Thank you for the meal and your hospitality, Ms. Rarity,” he says blandly. “I’m going to take my leave now.”
Rarity’s heart sinks and her eyes widen as Spike turns around. 
“But...but wait,” she protests. “You haven't eaten your -”
“Keep the ruby. It suits you,” Spike says sharply without looking at her.
Rarity stares at the dragon crushed as he walks away. He stops walking a couple feet from the entryway which gives Rarity a hopeful feeling before he turns to her with a wooden expression. 
“Good luck in Ponyville.” 
This time, it’s Rarity’s turn to feel completely defeated. Spike walks away and Rarity hangs her head as she hears the front door open and close. After a few seconds, the area around her feels empty. Even with all the dresses and decorations covering the boutique, Rarity feels as if she’s in a dull, empty building. She holds her emotions back for a moment before she begins sobbing quietly. The lack of Spike’s presence breaks her heart more and more by the second.
“W-why? Why did I say that?” she asks in her mind. “He offered his heart and I turned him down and lied. Always I lie to the sweetest creature in the world. He did nothing to earn my words and yet I treat him like that anyway. Why do I keep doing this? Why do I keep hurting him? Why can't I tell him what he means to me? Why can’t I tell him how much I care? Why didn't I just say that..that…?”
At that, she lifts her head in realization. She turns to look at the fire ruby lying on the table with the half-empty mug and a stream of tears run down her face.
“Spike,” she says softly before she slowly gets up and begins running, shouting, “Spike, wait!”
She bursts out the front door and scans the area. The rain has started to come down hard again, but she doesn't care. She looks around frantically until she sees Spike flying over to Canterlot Castle.
“SPIKE!” she screams as she runs toward him. “SPIKE, DON'T GO!”
Spike doesn’t seem to hear her. She begins calling out to him again and again as she races through the streets, desperate to catch up.
“Celestia, please don't let me be too late!” she pleads in her mind. “Please let me catch up! Let him hear me! I don't care if I have to chase him all the way to his room in the castle, I need to be with him. I need to tell him! I need to tell him the honest truth! Just let him hear me!”
“SPIKE!” she cries out desperately one last time. 
Spike continues to fly for a few seconds before he slowly begins to descend to the street ahead. Rarity's heart rises slightly as it appears that her cries have finally reached the dragon. She continues running as fast as she can as Spike softly lands a couple blocks away from her not even looking had her. His body is still facing the road to Canterlot Castle as Rarity slows down until she finally stops just a few feet away from Spike. Not a sound is heard apart from the heavy raindrops.
Rarity takes a deep breath and smiles as she says, “Spike, I -”
“Forget it.”
Rarity looks at Spike confused after he interrupts her. He turns around and gives her a bitter look.
“I want you to forget everything I said in your store,” Spike hisses. “I...I could never truly love someone like you. If anything, I hate you.”
Rarity lets out a sharp gasp. Inside she feels like a giant lance just pierced through her heart. Spike's mouth twitches as he struggles to contain all of his emotions.
“I should have realized it years before I left Equestria,” he growls. “You've been nothing but poison for me. Using me as your shovel, wagon carrier, model, and then acting like you give a flying feather about me?”
The lance that Rarity feels in her heart feels like it's digging deeper into her body as Spike's angry words ring through her ear. The purple dragon begins to shed tears as his rage grows like the angry young adult he is.
“You! You used my feelings as your tool just so you didn't have to do one blinking hard thing yourself! You knew who I was; I was just a baby dragon! What were you thinking? What's wrong with you?” he screams. “If I had realized what I should have done long before I stepped foot in this Celestia-forsaken place for the first time in years, I wouldn't have told you a thing about my dreams or my feelings! You don't think I'm truly worth anything beyond being just your mindlessly obedient helper, do you?! What, you thought you could just humor the love-struck dragon?! Indulge and his silly, meaningless, little fantasies while you gorge yourself in chocolate and cider?! Just stringing me along to numb your pain?!”
At this point, Spike struggles to keep his angry face as his emotional pain is shining deeply in his eyes while great big tears run down his face.
“G-g-go on, say it!” he screams. “I was just a means to an end for your desperate games and nothing else! You always knew deep down that I will never measure up to your standards or accomplish my new dream! You knew from the very beginning that I was living a pack of lies and you could have said anything but instead you played along just like you did through every single day of my life in Ponyville!”
By now, Rarity is starting to shed a new set of tears. But this time they are not for herself but for the dragon standing before her. Every word he says, every tear that comes out from his eyes breaks her heart further and further. She sees clearly in Spike's eyes that he is hurting badly and it is tearing her apart to see him in so much pain.
“So tell me once and for all, Rarity!” he barks. “Tell me the stupid purple dragon should run along and never step foot near your uptight little presence ever again! Tell me that I mean nothing to you! Come on, manipulator, say something honest for a change!”
Rarity hangs her head in shame as hot tears constantly emerge from her eyes. She can barely take what the poor dragon is going through anymore.
“I’m nothing but a loser to you!” Spike roars. “A pin cushion! A basket holder! Trash taker! I could go on for days listing everything I've done for you! You never say what you actually felt! I'm nothing to you! Everything about our so-called friendship was nothing but lies!”
“NOOOOOOO!”
Before Spike realizes it, Rarity runs toward him and rams him into the tightest hug that she could muster. She lets out a high-pitched wail as she cries on his shoulder with no intention of letting him go.
“No, Spike, no!” she sobs. “You were never just any of those things! I would never think that lowly of you in my darkest dreams! I never felt that way back then. Why would I ever think that now? Every morning I wanted to leave my boutique and face the ponies who used me but I was just so scared! But then you came and... and... you saved me! By Celestia, you truly saved me, Spike! Only you have truly been there to make me laugh and smile for the first time in months. When I was feeling alone even with ponies like Sassy Saddles or Twinkleshine or any pony else trying to comfort me, you alone succeeded! You, the kindest, sweetest, most generous and faithful dragon I am not worthy call myself a friend to much less what he desires.”
Spike stands in shock at as the mare continues to cry on his shoulder. He doesn't know how to react to her sudden demeanor as she moves her head back to face him directly.
“But you are right about one thing, Spike,” she says. “I have been manipulative to you. There is a horrible, cruel, greedy part of me that has used you no matter the consequences. I am sorry that I used you in the past as a pin cushion or a basket holder any of those things. I'm sorry that I used your feelings as a means to an end for my greedy desires. I should have been upfront with how I felt about you then, I shouldn't have run away from my responsibility to you as a friend. I'm...I’m sorry for everything! But I am here now, and no matter how you may feel about me right this minute, I will not deny how I feel about you anymore. From now on I will be upfront with you to no end starting right now.” ”
Without hesitating, Rarity places both of her front hooves on both sides of Spike’s face and pulls him in for a deep, passionate kiss. Spike’s eyes widen and he stands in place, unable to process that the white mare herself is locking her lips with his. His mind wants to say she is forcing it just to try to use him again, but deep down he can feel the sincerity in her sudden moment of affection as Rarity moves her lips against his and caresses his cheeks with her hooves. When she finally breaks the kiss, she gives Spike a loving, pleading look.
“I love you too, Spike,” she whimpers through her tears. “I love you so much and I hate myself for taking so long to realize it. But I really do and I want to be everything you’ve ever wanted. I want to make you happy always, and support your writing, and grow old together with you. You are the one who has given everything you have to make me happy and I want...no, I need to pay you back tenfold. I will do anything in my power to make you happier than you've ever imagined. So please, Spike. Please…”
At the sound of her begging, Spike snaps out of his dazed state and grabs Rarity by her shoulders and pushes her back breaking the hug. He brings back his furious look as he holds on onto the crying mare and barks, “Now you listen to me! I don't care that you just had the gall to kiss me or that you just claimed that you want any of those things with me! I don't want to have anything to do with you and I don't want to ever see you again! Is that clear? I want to live my own life! I don't ever want to live under your shadow ever again! I just...just…”
As he yells at her, his voice slowly dies in his throat. He can't seem to be able to say any more venomous words to her. Inside, all the anger has left his body and there's nothing left for him watching her standing there looking so broken and desperate and crushed by his harsh words. Spike’s mouth quivers and his eyes become watery again as he breaks down and pulls the mare he loves into a tight hug that she immediately returns.
“R-rarity!” he whines.
“Spike!” Rarity sobs. 
The two of them continue holding each other with all their might with no desire of letting the other go. Rarity cries loudly while Spike gives her a kiss on the cheek in hopes that it will calm her down. The rain continues to drench the two of them but they don't care. All that matters is they have each other and even if neither are saying it, they have a feeling that from this point on everything might turn out okay.
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been 2 years since that fateful, rainy day.
Despite not being ready to see Twilight and the rest of his friends in Ponyville, Spike moved back into the town with Rarity. The two of them needed a lot of work in their relationship, but he knew that he and Rarity don't ever want to be apart from each other ever again. When Fluttershy was at the Ponyville train station with Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie, they were all shocked to see Spike emerging from the train with Rarity. After a very long explanation, Twilight was skeptical of Spike’s reason for coming back to Equestria without telling her but ultimately understood and agreed to help him further on his book after he moved back into her castle.
Rarity moved back into Carousel Boutique and she started running operations between the boutique and her store,  Rarity For You, back at Manhattan with Sweetie Belle's help. She began to write Sassy Saddles often and occasionally the new owner of Canterlot Carousel would visit Ponyville to catch up and gossip with Rarity for old time’s sake. Canterlot Carousel has been prospering modestly sincere Rarity left which hurts her a little, but at the same time, she's happy knowing that Sassy Saddles has been taking great care of it after what happened.
After a little over a year, Spike finished his book and published it all over Equestria with Twilight's help. The book has made a modest reception which wasn't what he was hoping for, but he’s content knowing that some ponies are listening to what he had to say. Eventually, word of his book reached the Dragonlands and while many dragons including Garble are still bitter towards the idea of becoming friends with ponies, others including Ember have been very appreciative of what Spike has done. Deep down, Spike is a little disappointed that this isn't quite the reception he would have liked, but he continues to hope that this will help strengthen relationships between dragons and other sentient creatures over time.
It was about a year and a half after Rarity and Spike moved when Golden Charm and Minaudiere where eventually found out. According to Sassy Saddles, Minaudiere tried to make a similar move on another competitor in the fashion market but was ultimately found out when the competitor was able to prove that she deliberately copied their design. Before long, both she and Golden Charm we're outcast from Canterlot society and several former friends and clients of Rarity’s from the city begin sending their deepest apologies to her. Rarity forgave them but refused to renew any business with them, determined to never have anything to do with Canterlot again, and yet deep down she was satisfied to know that her opponent and her ex-boyfriend were eventually brought to justice.
As the days past, Spike and Rarity grew closer and closer until they were able to be together blissfully. All of their friends in Ponyville were quick to accept their relationship. Fluttershy was particularly happy to see her best friend find real love after desiring it for so many years while Twilight was confounded but ultimately happy that Spike got together with his crush. Everyday Spike would visit Rarity at Canterlot Boutique after a day of helping Twilight or working on his book and the two of them would go on picnics, eat out, watch plays or otherwise just stay at Carousel Boutique where they can talk or sit quietly in each other’s arms. Each day, Spike slowly learned to let go of his skepticism over his loving girlfriend the more she displayed her sincerity and devotion to him. Spike and Rarity would still fight or have other troubles as any couple will, but in the end, nopony or any other creature would deny that they have become happy.
It is the night before Hearth's Warming Eve and Spike and Rarity are napping on the couch in front of the fireplace in Carousel Boutique. Rarity is lying down on her back while Spike is lying down on top of her, resting his head on Rarity's chest while she tightly hugs his head in her sleep. Eventually, Spike slowly wakes up and recollects his surroundings before turning to Rarity. He smiles warmly as he sees her sleeping it a soft smile on her face. He decides to lightly kiss her cheek and Rarity groans quietly before she opens her eyes and turns to look at her scaly boyfriend with a smile.
“Hello,” she greets.
“Hey,” Spike replies. “What were you dreaming about?”
Rarity frowns slightly and turns her head to look at the small fire in the fireplace.
“I was dreaming we were still in Canterlot,” she says. “I was still an outcast and everything, but…”
“But?” Spike asks.
Rarity turns her head to give Spike a loving look.
“But this time we are together,” she finishes. “Every time it rained I would wake up, make myself look my best and race to the garden where you would be waiting for me. We would kiss passionately as if we hadn't seen each other in weeks and we would spend the day in each other’s arms. I would be working on some sketches for some new dresses and you were writing your book. We would take a break halfway through the day for lunch where we would talk almost nonstop. It was very nice.”
Spike smiles warmly and asks, “Would you ever want to go back to live there again or open another shop there?”
Rarity frowns and says, “No. I'm happy for the time that I had a successful shop in the city like I always wanted even if it was just for a decade or so, but I can't stand to be in Canterlot for any reason apart from a festival with the princesses or visiting Sassy Saddles or Saffron Masala and her father, Moondancer, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette. Apart from those exceptions, and my business in Manehattan, I belong in Ponyville and with you.”
Spike’s smile grows and he says, “I will stay with you no matter where you go.”
“I know, my darling,” Rarity says before leaning in for a soft kiss.
When they part, the two of them sigh happily as Spike lays his head on Rarity's chest and she hugs his head again. The two of them remain silent for a few minutes before Spike’s eyes snap open. He smiles as he secretly reaches for his backpack which is lying next to him and Rarity on the floor and takes something out. 
“You know, speaking of which, I've been thinking,” he starts which catches Rarity’s attention. “At the rate that I've been making money with my book, I should have enough to buy my own house pretty soon.”
This immediately captures Rarity’s interest as Spike lifts his head up to face her again. 
“There's a two-story house that's available on the market in March,” Spike continues. “It’s a few minutes on foot from Carousel Boutique and not that far from the castle or Fluttershy’s cottage. I could buy it and then…”
“And then…?” Rarity asks curiously. 
Spike gives his girlfriend a loving look and simply says, “We get married and move in together.”
Rarity gasps softly as she gets up into a sitting position, staring at her dragon. Spike merely smiles as he shows that he’s holding a small, blue box. He gently opens it to show a ring with a large diamond on it. Rarity covers her mouth with her hooves while Spike gives her a hopeful look.
“Rarity, will you marry me?”
Spike feels goosebumps emerging from all over his body and his heart skipping a beat after saying those very words. Rarity’s eyes begin to water as they stare at the ring. It takes a second before she begins laughing happily through her tears.
“Yes!” she screeches while pouncing on Spike and pulling him into a hug. “Yes! Yes! A million times, yes!”
Spike chuckles at Rarity’s demeanor before she finally lets go of him and allows him to put the ring on her horn. Rarity giggles excitedly before she starts kissing Spike all over his face. Spike just grins in happiness as she kisses until her eyes meet his and the two of them stare at each other lovingly.
“I love you,” Spike says softly.
“I love you too,” Rarity replies before they lean in for a passionate kiss. 

*************************************************************************************

Word spread throughout Ponyville and some special parts of Equestria that Spike and Rarity are engaged. Pinkie Pie was happy to plan the wedding with Rarity while Mr. and Mrs. Cake are the caterers. Twilight agreed to have the ceremony and the reception at her castle and to be Spike’s Mare of Honor. Fluttershy was chosen to be Rarity’s Mare of Honor while Sassy Saddles, Coco Pommel, and Saffron Masala are her bridesmaids. Rarity and Spike requested Princess Celestia via mail to officiate the ceremony and she decided to fly all the way from Canterlot just to say yes. 
When spring came, Spike successfully bought the house that he had an eye on much to his and Rarity’s delight. The two of them agreed to move in together once they came back from their honeymoon in Manehattan. Two months later, their wedding day arrived and Spike is getting ready in his bedroom with Twilight’s help. Spike shakes nervously while Twilight helps him put on the suit that Rarity made for him the week before. 
“Spike, will you hold still?” Twilight rebukes.
“I can't help it, Twilight. I'm losing my mind,” Spike whimpers. “When I asked her to marry me, I didn't think it would take this long for it to hit me this hard. It’s actually happening, Twilight. I'm really marrying her.”
Twilight rolls her eyes and gives her former assistant a supportive smile. 
“I know, Spike. I can't believe it is happening either,” she says. “It’s such an amazing miracle that this is happening to you and Rarity.”
“Easy for you to say,” Spike says with a boastful smirk. “You didn't think I had a chance with her. You just rolled your eyes or smiled in amusement whenever I was going gaga over her.”
Twilight sighs and says, “You’re right, Spike. I doubted you and yet you found a way to get together with her and I'm happy for the both of you.”
Just then, there is a light knock on the door and it opens to reveal Princess Luna.
“I have been instructed to inform you that it is showtime in fifteen minutes,” she says before turning to Twilight. “Also, your presence is needed in the grand hall, Twilight. Starlight Glimmer and Trixie are having trouble ushering guests to their seats in the way you organized them.”
Twilight makes a long groan and grumbles, “I thought I cleared everything after explaining it to them two months in advance!”
Spike chuckles lightly in amusement as his Mare of Honor leaves the room, grumbling as she walks. He turns around to look at himself in the mirror before he notices through the glass that Luna is still standing behind him.
“Was there anything else?” he asks.
Princess Luna merely smiles and says, “I just want to say I'm very happy for you and Rarity,  She says. “It warms my heart to see you reached this moment in your life with the one you love the most.”
Spike gives her a thankful look before he suddenly frowns and turns to face Luna. 
“Speaking of which, that reminds me,” he says. “When you approached me the day I returned from the Dragonlands, you were the one who suggested that I go to the gazebo in the private garden.”
Luna gives Spike a serious look and raises her eyebrow.
“Was I?” she asks.
Spike frowns and says, “Aw come on. You know you were. The only thing that’s bugging me is did you know that I would find Rarity there? Did you know that was going to lead to our relationship?”
Luna chuckles lightly in amusement as she turns around, getting ready to leave.
“I didn't know anything, dear Spike,” she says plainly. “Sometimes when an opportunity presents itself it’s best to just make a decision and hope for the best. The world as we know it is changing, so it is only logical to influence good change as best as one can as the Princess of the Night.”
Spike looks at her confused as she walks away and closes the door. He shrugs and turns back to looking at himself in the mirror. As he sees himself in the mirror he imagines Rarity standing next to her in her wedding dress. She has been giving it all she has to make sure Spike has not seen it yet during the last couple of months as she has been working on it almost nonstop. All he knows without having the slightest idea how it will look is that it will look as beautiful as she is because he knows she has put her heart into the project for this day. 
With a deep breath, he stands tall for a moment before he exits the room and heads to the grand hall.

**************************************************************************************

Spike smiles brightly as he stands by the altar with Princess Celestia. Virtually every inch of the grand hall has been covered with wedding decorations. The seats at the center are filled with ponies and other creatures from Equestria and beyond including the Yaks, the Hippogriffs, the griffins, Crystal ponies, the changelings and finally even a few dragons decided to come with Ember and Smolder. Some ponies from Canterlot we're even invited to take part in spikes happiness including Doughnut Joe, Blazing Star, Trailbreaker, Moondancer, Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette.
After a few minutes of creatures politely waiting, the wedding music starts led by Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch. The doors on the other side open to reveal Sassy Saddles, Coco Pommel, Saffron Masala and finally Fluttershy walking down the aisle with Spike's groomsman, Big Mac, Thorax, Discord, and Twilight as his Mare of Honor. Spike feels goosebumps spreading all obey his body as he knows what is going to follow after the bridesmaids,  groomsman and Mares of Honor have taken their places.
The wedding music becomes softer and the doors open again to reveal Rarity in her wedding dress and walking down the aisle while holding hooves with her father, Hondo Flanks. Spike stares at her and awe as her dress is very extraordinary in every way possible. But the most significant thing about it is she is wearing the necklace that contains the fire ruby. Eventually, Twilight waves her hoof in front of Spike to snap him out of it and he smiles sheepishly. Rarity and Hondo make it to the altar and Hondo lifts Rarity's veil and plants a light kiss on her cheek. Hondo then sits down next his wife, Cookie Crumbles as Rarity takes Spike’s hand and they turn to face Celestia. The Princess clears her throat and begins her opening speech while Spike secretly leans on his side to whisper to his bride.
“You look phenomenal,” he says quietly. 
“And you look very distinguished, dear,” Rarity whispers back before Spike stands up straight again just in time for Celestia to turn to the bride and groom.
“Spike, do you take this mare to be your lawfully wedded wife?” she asks.
“You betcha!” Spike says proudly before he realizes what he did and rubs the back of his head calmly saying, “Um...I mean, I do.”
Laughter is heard all over the room much to Spikes embarrassment. Even Celestia chuckles in amusement before turning to Rarity.
“And do you, Rarity take Spike to be your lawful wedded husband?” she asks.
“I most certainly do,” Rarity says proudly. 
Spike turns to his bride and smiles, feeling better.
“May we have the rings?” Celestia requests.
Twilight nods and takes out two golden bands with her magic. Spike takes one and puts it on Rarity’s horn while Rarity takes the other with her magic and places it on Spike’s finger.
“By the power vested in me, it gives me great pleasure to pronounce you drake and wife,” Celestia declares. “You may kiss your bride.”
Spike feels his heart leap after being declared married to his bride. He blushes as he turns to Rarity who gets up on her back hooves and wraps her arms around him. Spike wraps his arms around her back just in time for the two of them to lean their heads toward each other at the same time and kiss passionately. The audience cheers loudly as Spike and Rarity press their lips together firmly. When they finally part, they walk down the aisle hoof and hand followed by their Mares of Honor, groomsmen, and bridesmaids.

**********************************************************************************

After about 10 minutes, all of the guests come together to the dancing hall wear Spike and Rarity cut their cake, and everyone eats and drinks and dances happily. When Spike and Rarity have their first dance, Rarity had her arms wrapped around her husband and her head was snuggled against his chest and she dance with her eyes closed and a bright smile on her face. Spike blushed furiously but is happy that he is still dancing with Rarity as his wife. After a couple hours of celebration, everyone finally disperses and goes home and Twilight turns in for the night. Spike and Rarity decide to go up on the roof of the castle and sit down wrapped in each other's arms watching the view of all Equestria. As they do so, Spike sees Canterlot far in the distance.
“Rarity?” he asks.
“Yes, my husband?” Rarity responds. 
Spike blushes at his new title before he continues.
“I've been thinking,” he begins. “When we move into our new house, maybe I could learn how to build things so that I could make a private gazebo in the back of our house just for us. Maybe we can make a garden around it and when it rains we can go there and just enjoy each other's company just like in the royal garden. It would be like that dream you had the night I purposed. What do you think?”
Rarity turns to her husband and smiles sweetly.
“A private garden of our own sounds wonderful, darling,” she says. “Though it will take a lot of work to have that all done.”
“Yeah, I know,” Spike says. “But it would be worth it once it’s all done.”
“Perhaps, but by the time it’s done, we might be more focused on other things,” Rarity points out.
“Like what?” Spike asks curiously.
Rarity gives him a sly smirk and answers, “Why starring a family, of course.”
Spike's eyes widen and he stares at his wife in shock much to Rarity’s amusement.
“You… You think about that?” he asks. 
“Oh, sometimes,” Rarity says teasingly. “I know there's no telling whether or not we can actually conceive, but I like to believe that somewhere further down the line we might have some little pony-dragon hybrids to happily raise in such a peaceful and friendly town like Ponyville. Wouldn't that be nice, Spikey?”
Spike blinks for a moment before he gives Rarity a small smile.
“It would be wonderful,” he says. “A wonderful new dream to top the first one.”
“Oh? What dream is that?”
At that, Spike just smiles sweetly at Rarity before he leans in to give her a passionate kiss. She moans softly at his affection and caresses his cheek with her hoof before he finally parts and sums up his answer in one clear, sincere word.
“You.”




	The end