Prologue

A groan escaped his lips as he walked lazily along the dusty dirt road. He could not help but look at the ground as he walked, thinking back to the day's work that he had just done with the mare that he had, had a crush on for a while now.

Almost everyday he would wake up early just so that he could make breakfast for his best friend, then he would make his way over to the Carousel Boutique. There he would make breakfast for his crush that way she was ready for the days task, which was what her cutie mark implied, dress making. She was a rising fashionista after all, and as such she had many orders to fill if she wanted to be on time, so he came over to help. The nice perk to the job was the fact that he got to spend time with the owner and his crush, Rarity.

Today though, he had worked so hard with helping her, and towards the end she had snapped at him, treating him like he was her slave more than an assistant. He knew that the deadlines that she had to meet often made her get a bit, well cranky to say the least, but she had never snapped at him. Thus he was in a dilemma, he began to rethink his feelings for Rarity. He began to wonder if the crush that he had on her was worth it, whether she truly saw him as friend, or as a slave, to do nothing more than her bidding.

In his heart he knew that what he wanted from her was far from the truth, in reality she saw them as friends, nothing more. Everyday he waited for a time to tell her how he felt, hoping to see a sign that when he did she would respond with the same feelings of love and devotion, but alas it was not to be. No matter what he did, no matter what he tried to act like, it was not what she was looking for. He at last resorted to just being himself, but that too began to fail.

As he walked he noticed that his feet began to kick up dirt with each step, his claws digging into the loose soil while his padded feet just pressed down what he picked up. Above he could hear thunder from the gray clouds that began to clump together high above in the sky. Earlier that day he had run into Rainbow Dash, who had told him that they were due for some rain for the next few days, starting in the evening. Some days it was going to be light, other days were going to be windy and heavy, so he was advised to stay indoors during that time.

Knowing that the approaching storm was nothing that he needed to worry about, for it was only the beginning, Spike was not in any hurry to get home. He actually began to think that being rained on was what he deserved for how foolish he had been in thinking that he could ever be with the one that he had a crush on. It was plain that she wanted nothing to do with him other than friendship, thus he felt that the rain could just wash him away and everything would be alright.

Before he knew it the rain began to fall in a light drizzle, soaking him and his scales within a matter of seconds. Still he did not begin to run towards his home, rather he wanted to prolong the feeling of the cooling rain washing down his body, it felt soothing. The rain helped to clear his mind, it always seemed to have this affect on him.

Not too long passed after the rain had started did he find himself standing before the door to his home, a tall standing tree. Sighing, he opened the door and attempted a wry smile as he found Twilight Sparkle, a lavender colored alicorn with a dark indigo mane and tail to match with a pink and purple streak throughout, standing with her back to him and a towel held around her neck. Upon hearing the door close shut behind him she whirled around and began to make her way over to him.

The towel that had been around her neck was lifted up by a purple glowing aura that originated from her horn and let it float over to him so that he could dry off before he left the welcome mat. "Where were you? When the rain started and you were not back I began to think that maybe you were staying at Rarity's until the storm passed. I then remembered the weather report from Rainbow Dash and that the storm was going to last for a few days. I knew you were not going to stay there that long. I began to assume the worst."

Twilight waited until he put the towel around his neck like she had, then she stepped forward and embraced Spike in a hug, throwing her forelegs around his neck while she tried to embrace him with her wings as well, but to no avail. "Still have yet to master these wings." They both shared a laugh before Spike returned the embrace, making Twilight blush slightly.

Twilight took this moment to realize just how big Spike had gotten. Without seeming to realize it, she found that she had to stand on her hind legs now to be able to hug him, and she had been doing it so often that it seemed like second nature. He now stood eye level with her, having had a growth spurt the last month.

Spike was still the cute little dragon that she had hatched from an egg, but he was still growing up, and that was something that was never going to change. He really is cute, it's just a shame that Rarity fails to see it so many times. If only she would ever open up her heart and allow him in, then she would be the luckiest pony ever.

Spike and Twilight broke their embrace and headed over towards the couch, where Twilight sat on one side while Spike sat beside her. "So, did anything interesting happen today at the Boutique?"

Spike tried to manage a smile as he said, "Yes actually. Today we were able to get a whole line of dresses done in a matter of a few hours, allowing us to take a longer break than normal. But she put me to work extra hard when we started the next line, by then she was so stressed that she asked me to go home a few minutes early. So, I just took the long way home and went through the park, so that I could hopefully relax after a stressful day, the rain helped too."

Twilight watched as he started to look at the floor, losing his smile and sighing as he did so without realizing that he did. "But that is not all is it? There is something else isn't there, something bothering you?"

He sighed again, this time meaning to. "Well, I think that Rarity is a little upset with me at the moment.

"What ever do you mean Spike?

"Well, she was sewing as usual when I walked by with a strip of cloth that she had asked for. She had forgotten that she had left her string out and Opal had begun to play with it, dragging it out and able to trip someone. Needless to say, I tripped and dropped the cloth on her head, messing up her mane and knocking her off of her stool. When she saw that it was I who had tripped she grew furious and told me what a cluts I was and that I had obviously grown too tired to be of any more use.

"Oh Spike, I am sorry to hear that."

She gave him a warm smile, managing to make him giver her a wry one. "Ah well, what happened happened right? Tomorrow is a new day." This time when he smiled he gave her a warm smile, making her blush slightly as she looked away from his eyes. "So, is there anything in particular you want for dinner Twilight?"

She shook her head before looking up at him slowly, "Anything that you make will be fine Spike."

He let his smile fade slightly as he said, "Your wish is my command my fair Twilight." With that he quickly made his way into the kitchen, where she could see him grabbing pots and pans and lighting a fire with his dragon breath. Oh Rarity, you are missing so much. You really should abandon your check list and look at what you have right in front of you, hopefully when you do it is not too late. I know I was, and I am regretting having to keep this secret from him, but he seems so happy with you, I just hope that you don't plan on using his love for you to take advantage of him.

---

Rain drops pattered against the small window that was just above Twilight's bed, waking her up almost immediately. The drops were heavier than they were the day before and they seemed to strike at the window with a fury as if it desperately wanted to get into the room. She paid it no mind however as the smell of food wafted into her nose, making her slip out of her bed and fold her wings to her side before she used her magic to make her bed. She was about to make up Spike's before she noticed that he had already beaten her to it, He has grown up.

Stepping downstairs and into the the kitchen she was surprised to still see Spike, making the last batch of his dandelion pancakes. Already on the table was a batch of about four of his famous emerald pancakes with two dandelion pancakes on another plate. Both were seated next to each other with the chairs put together, indicating that Spike intended to stay for breakfast and that he wanted to share it with his best friend.

Wanting to make herself known, Twilight said, "This is wonderful Spike, I know that you usually make breakfast and leave, but this is a special morning I take it. Usually your are off to Rarity's before I even wake up."

Turning around for a brief second, Spike could see that a glum look was on her face and a lone tear fell from her eye. "Hey now. You are my best friend, I want to be here for you. I know that I have been gone for a while, but I thought that maybe today we could read a book together like we did when we were younger."

She seemed to lighten up at his words and look at him with a wide beam spread across her lips, "What about going over and helping out Rarity though?

"About that." He returned his attention to the last two pancakes he was making. "I just thought that maybe I should give her some space, let her cool off for about a day or two before I go back over. Then hopefully both of us can forget what happened yesterday." He held his head low now, letting a few tears come to his eyes while he placed the two finished pancakes onto Twilight's plate. "There ya go, four delicious dandelion pancakes, your favorite."

Both took a seat at the table where hey began to eat together. Neither one spoke as they did, both just relishing in the company of their best friend.

After their meal was complete Twilight rubbed her stomach before she said, "That was a great breakfast Spike. I miss having you around, someone to talk to and to study with. I hope you know that I see you as more than an assistant, you are after all the best friend in the whole world. You are a friend that I can count on to be there when I need you, someone who I know will always like me for who I am, and someone I can like for who he is." She noticed that as she spoke not only had she begun to blush a deep shade of red, but Spike's cheeks were beginning to turn a deep shade of pink.

"Well, thank you Twilight. To tell you the truth, I started to feel really badly that I was spending all of my time at Rarity's, so I just thought that maybe we could spend the day together instead of just leaving you again. It's been about a month since we actually spent any time together, so I think that today can be a special day for the both of us."

Twilight still kept her blush as she looked up into his eyes with a sweet and innocent look, Oh Spike, Rarity truly is missing out a lot with you, if only she could see what I see, just like everyone else does. No matter how hard she tried, Twilight could not brake her gaze from Spike, and she soon found herself looking deep into his green eyes. She could see a conflicting sea of emotions within him, mostly about his love for Rarity now doubt, but she thought that she could see him beginning to think about her.

Spike could not explain why, but he could not help but look deep into Twilight's purple eyes, seeing an overwhelming sea of love and devotion. Without even thinking about it he began to scoot his seat closer to her while she did the same, both neither breaking eye contact. They continued to look deep into each other, at this point looking into their very souls, all the while neither was aware of what their bodies were doing.

Their lips began to grow closer together while Spike allowed one of his hands to rest atop one of her hoofs. Their eyes began to slowly close as they came within a hair's breath of each other, that was when Spike realized what he was about to do and stopped himself. "I can't Twilight, you are my best friend." He sighed as he looked away from her, disgusted with himself.

"No Spike, I am the one who is sorry. I just feel so lonely sometimes without you around, and I sometimes think that Rarity is being silly for not opening her eyes and seeing what she has in front of her. She has a wonderful dragon who can be her special somepony, but she is too caught up with herself to see it. Spike, I know that you may not feel the same way, but I lo..." She was unable to finish her sentence. Her eyes were wide with shock at the sudden motion, but after a few moments she allowed herself to melt into his warm and inviting embrace.

He could no longer stand to hear the heartfelt words that were escaping her elegant lips, thus he knew of only one way to stop her. Before she could even think about what he was planning he launched himself forward and press his lips against hers, his eyes closed as he himself melted into their warm embrace, his arms going around her body and pulling her closer. He could feel her start to shutter underneath of his caring and gentle arms, all the while trying so hard not to cry.

When they broke apart she whispered, "Spike, why did you do that? I thought that you had feelings for Rarity?"

She could see a few tears escaping his eyes as he held her hoofs in his hands, "I did, but last night I had a vision. I was visited by Princess Luna, and I asked her about my love for Rarity and why after all this time I was still all alone. She said, My dear Spike. Not all answers are laid out before us, but most can be easily seen. You already have someone special for you, you just have to realize who it is. She is right in front of your face, and all this time you have passed her by, never once thinking that you could be more than friends. If you truly want an answer, then look to the stars, for they hold the answer to what you seek.

"So last night I woke up after she left and stared at the moon for a long while, finding that it helped me to think. Afterwords I started to look to the stars, but everyone I saw seemed to make a shape of you. At first I was, confused to say the least, but then I listened to Princess Luna's words again and that was when one thing stuck out the most, She is right in front of your face, and all this time you have passed her by. I looked once again to the stars and realized what she meant, I just never realized until just this morning how much you actually cared for me. I love you Twilight Sparkle."

They both smiled at one another before they pressed their heads together, Twilight careful not to poke his head with her horn. "I love you too Spikey-Wikey." For some unknown reason Spike felt that she had been waiting a long while to say that to him as a joke, and though it reminded him of his measly little crush, he found that he really did not care, for it was Twilight that had said his nickname. He kissed her cheek before she asked, "So um, how are we going to tell out friends after this storm. I mean, I want them to know, and they all have heard from Princess Celestia that a dragon-pony relationship is not that 'unheard' of."

Spike gave her a warm smile as he said, "Let's worry about that when the time comes." They both blushed lightly and were about to kiss again when they heard something slam into the front door. Twilight stood and went to see what it was with Spike walking beside her, a warm smile on both of their faces. They both let them fade into a face of confusion when they opened the door and saw Rainbow Dash, a cyan blue Pegasus with a rainbow colored tail and mane, sitting before their door. Upon hearing it open she turned around and blushed, "Uh, hey guys. I was j-just wondering if maybe I could, uh, stay here for a bit until the storm lets up.

Spike whispered to Twilight, "I wanted to be alone with you, but she looks like she could use a dry place to stay for now. I don't see why not, we just have to tell her and hope that she can keep a secret."

Twilight blushed as she whispered back, "Does this mean that we are a couple then?" He nodded his head as he walked over to the couch, taking a seat and motioning for her to join him. She held back an expression of pure joy while she closed the door behind Rainbow Dash as she entered. Rainbow Dash took a seat on the opposite side of the couch while Twilight wasted no time in taking a seat on the couch, leaning back against Spike and looking up at him with an extra large warm smile.

Rainbow Dash just dismissed it as them being friends. "So uh, how have you guys been?

"Oh, we have been good, but Spike here just came home yesterday with a sour attitude, so I set him right." Now Twilight began to blush as she looked form Spike towards her, "Uh, Rainbow Dash, can you keep a secret?" A nod was her response. "Well, you see, Spike and I are uh, together now." Silence slowly crept over the room while Rainbow looked at them. After a few moments the couple was afraid that Rainbow Dash was going to say something about how wrong their relationship was, but to their surprise laughter started to fill the tree house, echoing off the walls. The laughter originated from none other than Rainbow Dash.

Change of Heart

Neither Spike nor Twilight could get the sound of Rainbow Dash's laughter out of their heads. It constantly rang in their ears, and without even realizing it, tears began to fall from their eyes. Both felt a sense of danger, as if the world was going to take a dim view of their new relationship, yet both could feel a sense of pride well up within them as well. Whether the world took a dim view of them or not, they were going to be together forever more, and no one was going to tell them otherwise.

Upon seeing her friends starting to tear up, Rainbow Dash ceased her laughing, not realizing in the slightest that she could have probably hurt them. A sense of guilt and regret began to manifest inside of her, growing to the point that she was feeling on the verge of tears herself. Unaware of the rage and the conflict that was going on within their minds, she said, "I am sorry guys, but you have to admit that it was funny. Applejack and I had made a bet that Spike would eventually fall for you as you did for him. I won the bet."

Now it all made sense to the couple, why she was laughing and why both Rainbow Dash and Applejack had been seemingly distant from them for the last few weeks. Twilight though could not believe what she had just heard, her friends knew about her love for Spike, yet they remained silent about it. "Rainbow, when did you and Applejack find out that I had feelings for Spike?"

Rainbow Dash smiled warmly before she sighed and said, "Well, it was kind of obvious. Rarity was the first to see it, the way that you hung around Spike all of the time, even though he is your assistant. Applejack became aware of the way that you would savor every morsel of food that he would cook for you, almost as if you would never get the chance to again. I noticed how you clung on to every word that he spoke as if it were his last, the way that you would stare at him with the little twinkle in your eyes. Fluttershy was the one who found out the depth of your love for him, yet she knew that you did not want to ruin his chances with Rarity, so you held your feelings inside."

Twilight looked sweet and innocently back up to Spike, who favored her with a caring glance. "I never noticed how much I loved him until a few weeks ago myself. I knew that it was always there, and I so wanted to tell him, but I did not want to mess things up with him and his crush. It was hard to hold back my tongue, but it was not impossible. I am glad now for withholding my feelings, because now I know that we will be together, and I can say this." She paused as she looked deep into his eyes, watching as he slowly leaned in closer to her. "I love you."

Spike beamed proudly as he said, "I love you too." No other word was spoken as he leaned the rest of the way down and connected his lips with her own, completely forgetting that Rainbow Dash was watching the scene unfold. His hands cupped her cheeks while her hoofs went around the back of his head, refusing to let him go.

Rainbow Dash looked away with a few tears in her eyes, knowing that what she held within her heart was nothing more than a fantasy, a dream that could never be fulfilled. Her heart yearned for her special somepony, a love that she had, had for many years, and was ashamed of it. She had always been told that love existed in many forms, even in her case, but she did not want to accept it. All she wanted to do was forget about her love, let it go away, but no matter how hard she tried, it always came back stronger than before.

Twilight giggled lightly when they broke from their kiss, watching as he sat up straight yet again and looked over towards Rainbow Dash, who had her face turned away and tears streaming down her face, something that was very rare indeed to see. Twilight looked over when she saw a worried expression on Spike's face, and she herself started to grow a sympathetic look when she saw the scene before her. "Rainbow, what's wrong?"

Rainbow Dash chanced a glance in their direction, and could not help herself when she did. Both Spike and Twilight looked at her with nothing but love and warmth in their eyes, truly caring as to what was upsetting their best friend. Without even thinking about it, she turned herself around and embraced them both in a hug. "Love is a cruel joke!"

Both Spike and Twilight flashed each other a quizzical look before turning back to Rainbow Dash, who still held them close to her. Spike let his hand slowly stroke her mane, "What's wrong with love Rainbow? I mean, look at Twilight and myself, we are as happy as can be." He continued to stroke her mane while she dried into both of their shoulders, hating herself for every speaking to them about her troubled heart.

She sighed as she broke their hug to wipe the tears from her eyes, "I cannot be with the one that I love, the one that I truly want to be with. M-M-My heart lies w-w-w-with Ap..." Words escaped her as more tears came to her eyes, forming a lump in her throat and not allowing her to speak in any way.

Twilight and Spike glanced with love in their eyes at one another, and together they whispered, "Finally." Both had known about Rainbow Dash's feelings and who she had, had a crush on, and they could both see that the pony she was interested in felt the same way, but both were unable to tell one another how they truly felt.

Spike sighed as he began to play with Twilight's mane, much to her delight, making her smile and giggle uncontrollably. As he did he looked over at Rainbow Dash and said, "You mean to tell us that you are in love with Applejack. We know, we were just waiting for you to admit it to both us, and yourself. Accepting the truth is the first step to happiness with the one that you love, I learned that lesson pretty fast." A grin spread across his lips as he glanced down at Twilight, who was now blushing while she giggled.

Rainbow Dash looked stunned, she could not even begin to figure out how both Spike and Twilight knew about her love for Applejack. It took so long for Spike to realize that his love truly lied with Twilight, and it took a while for Twilight to realize her love for Spike. With that thought in mind, there was no way that they could have seen the feelings that she had for Applejack, for she did not openly display any, or so she thought. Her voice was a little shaky as she asked, "How, how did you know? Who told you?"

Twilight was the one who responded this time, relaxing deeply as she felt Spike beginning to rub her chest and forelegs. "Like us, you showed signs of affection. I was the first to notice how you would blush almost all of the time when you were really close to Applejack. Over time I watched how you would always try to do things her way when ever you thought that nopony was around. Spike became aware pretty soon of the looks that you would give Applejack, and how you would watch her with great interest. I started to put the pieces together and solved the puzzle, you are in love with Applejack."

Twilight sighed heavily as she felt the tension in her arms and upper chest start to loosen up and allow her to breath more easily. To thank Spike she pulled one of his hands towards her with her hoof and planted a kiss on the backside. He chuckled before he resumed work, starting to work his way lower on her body, making him lean over and look deeply into her purple eyes, seeing all the love in the world wrapped up inside of their beauty. Now he was able to fully massage her lower body and hind legs, making her shudder with the simple feeling of her muscles and bones loosening up. To add to this he planted a kiss on the end of her nose.

Rainbow Dash, unaware of what the two lovers were doing beside her on the couch, began to think about what Twilight had said. I have known for a long time that I was in love with Applejack, but does she know as well? For that matter, does anyone else know, or is it just Twilight and Spike? I know that I must tell her how I feel, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Well, I have the next few days to think strongly about it, until then I guess that I am stuck in here.

Spike, having just recently finished his massage for Twilight, looked outside and saw that the rain was now pouring down harder than he had ever seen. He sighed, acting like he was saddened by the fact that he was not allowed to leave the house for now, earning him a concerned look from Twilight. She asked softly, "What's the matter Spike?" The sincerity of her words was enough to make him want to give up the little joke he was playing, but his will held strong.

A low smile started as he said, "Oh nothing, aside from the fact that I have to be inside for the next three days, with you." He leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek, letting her know that he was only kidding. His response was a giggle from his one and only love before she pulled him down into a deep and passionate kiss.

Rainbow Dash watched the two in all of their happiness, both able to show their love in one form or another. Neither was afraid to tell the other what they were feeling or how they wanted to spend their time together. Is there more to this love thing, something that I am missing out on. I feel as though Applejack is my whole world, but I am so worried what she will think of me as well as how it will affect our friendship, oh Princess Celestia, what do I do.

When they broke apart from yet another wonderful embrace of their lips, Twilight looked away from Spike and towards Rainbow Dash, seeing her lost in thought for a mere few moments before she herself turned to look at the couple. "Spike, Twilight, how do you know when you have found the one that you want to be with? How do you get over the fear of telling them what you feel, especially when that person is your best friend?"

Twilight diverted her gaze back to Spike, who continued to look at Rainbow Dash with a warm smile upon his lips and wisdom in his eyes. "The fear of telling someone that you love them will never go away, but once you tell them you just learn to ignore it. No matter what happens, that person will always love you, even if it is for the wrong reasons. I loved Rarity for the wrong reasons, thus I ended up getting hurt. With Twilight though..." He began to play with her mane with one hand while the other stroked her cheek.

"With Twilight I found love in her for all of the right reasons. I found that I love her for who she is, who she will become, and how she is to me. She is always there for me when I need her the most, she is the one who has always picked me up and dusted me off after I fell down, the one who told me to never give up. Twilight wants to be a great student to Princess Celestia, but she also want to be a great teacher one day to her, our own children." He paused again and he looked down and flashed Twilight his warm smile.

"I found that I wanted to wake up everyday by her side, to see her smiling face, to smell her lovely fragrance, and to play with her soft mane." He sighed as he let his smile fade away into a hard expression of truth. "What I am saying is, don't ever take love for granted. Don't ever think that love is pointless, because next to Friendship, it is the strongest magic around. Friendships can be forged anew, as can love, but true Friendship and true love cannot. True love and Friendship will transcend life times, never ceasing."

Rainbow Dash looked at Spike as it he had suddenly become Princess Celestia herself, though she knew that it could not be true. Though she could not explain why, she could feel and hear the truth in every word that he had spoken, every letter he had uttered. "Spike, I never knew that you were such a young and wise dragon. Where did you learn so much?"

Twilight looked upwards at him, wondering as well where he had learned something as valuable as the power of love. He started to grin before he said, "When I was young I was given a private book by Princess Celestia, and she told me that when the time was right, I was to read it. It was a book written solely by her, and it told all the powers of love, all the forms of it that existed, everything. When I read it not too long ago, I began to truly understand what it meant, what it symbolized, and that was the first day that I began to think about my feelings for Rarity."

As he grew silent, both Twilight and Rainbow Dash seemed to look at him in a new light, almost as if he was the son of Princess Celestia herself, yet both knew that it was not the case. Twilight just found that she loved him all the more for his extensive knowledge of love and all of its many forms that existed. She thanked him by settling closer towards him, sliding up his body slightly so that her head rested on his stomach while his body lowered for her to more comfortable.

Rainbow Dash could not help but take to heart what he had just said, something that she had never done for anypony or dragon before. She began to think about her feelings for Applejack, and the more that they flowed through her mind and heart she began to realize that what she was feeling was true love, that she did not have to be afraid to admit her feelings to the one that she loved the most. Yes it was true that it would seem awkward at first to the rest of Ponyville, but she knew that her friends would understand completely, that they would accept the relationship without complaint.

Rainbow Dash looked at both of her friends, who looked as happy as can be with just the simple joy of being close to the one that they cherished and loved above all else. This made her sigh and say, "Spike, Twilight? When this storm lifts, can you both come with me to tell Applejack how I feel about her, please?"

No word was spoken as both Spike and Twilight looked at their friend with both love and understanding, knowing that she was going to try something new, something that she was truly afraid to do all by her lonesome. They both nodded their heads before they looked at each other and wrapped themselves up in yet another passionate kiss that seemed to last forever.

---

The group of three talked about very little until evening was at last drawing nigh towards its end, and night becoming within only a tear drop away. With the moon beginning to come out and the sky pitch black due to the blocking of the light, Spike started up a conversation, an odd one, but one that was welcomed all the same. "So, would either of you care to join me in telling what we like the most about the one that we love?"

Twilight and Rainbow Dash looked at each other before looking to Spike, nodding their heads and agreeing to let Rainbow Dash go first. She blushed immensely as she said, "Please don't laugh, but the first and main thing that I love the most about Applejack is her sleek and slender body. I mean, she is after all a very strong mare where it counts, she is very fast like me when running, and she doesn't mind getting her hooves or body dirty. She always has the smell of hard work about her, but she is also so very honest all of the time, and she always makes time for those who matter the most in her life."

Twilight started to giggle as she said, "Well, please don't laugh at mine, but the thing that I love most about Spike is the fact that he is the most caring and generous dragon that I have ever met. He has no evil thoughts of his own, he will never turn his back on his friends, especially me, and he is always loyal to those that he holds dear to his heart. I must admit though, when we kiss and he decides to let out a little of his dragon breath, it tingles my lips and mouth, always wanting to make me laugh."

Now both sets of eyes turned to look at Spike, making him take a gulp and think about how he was going to word his confessions of what he really loved the most about his Twilight. An idea suddenly hit him of how to word it exactly just the right way so that it was a beautiful compliment. With a smile he looked down and said, "What I love most about Twilight is her ability to take even the worst of situations and turn it into a win-win solution for everyone. I love to play with her soft mane, the feeling of it running through my claws. The sensation tells me that everything in the world is going to be alright, that no matter what is thrown our way, we can overcome any challenge sent to us."

He could see a few tears beginning to form within Twilight's eyes, yet before they could even fall he brushed them away and leaned down once again to whisper in her ear and say, "I love you Twilight Sparkle, I always will, please don't ever forget that." As he made to pull away she embraced him in a hug, showing that she understood and that she knew exactly what he was saying and that she felt the same way as him.

Rainbow Dash however looked away and said aloud, "I hope that when I tell Applejack, she will return the same feelings of love that I have for her. I know now not to set my hopes to high, but I am now beginning to listen to my heart, and it is telling me that all is going to be fine, that everything will be alright, that I have nothing to fear." A smile spread across her lips, but it soon faded when the sound of three stomachs started to growl to them.

Twilight shifted on the couch so that Spike was able to get free, and when he did he was sure to lower her slowly back down so that she could face Rainbow Dash and talk about what they wanted as he went to fix them some dinner.

---

Twilight could not help but look at Rainbow Dash with worry, "I know how you feel Rainbow, but trust me when I say that you are going to be fine. My heart is telling me that you will be with the one that you truly want to be with, just as I am." Her words did nothing to cheer up the cyan Pegasus as she just stared at the floor, wondering how she was going to tell Applejack exactly how she felt.

She began to think about all the things that they had been through, and again she began to think if she was truly ready to let her one love, the pony that she held dear to her, know how she felt. With a sigh, she turned to Twilight and said, "I understand now how hard it was for you to tell Spike how you felt, cause you just don't know how they are going to react to it. I want to challenge it, I want to just go after her, but I am afraid Twilight, I am afraid to be rejected."

Twilight sat up and moved to sit beside Rainbow Dash and began to run a hoof down her back, "It's alright to feel this way Rainbow Dash. I remember when I first started to fall for Spike, I was too scared to tell him, aside from the fact that I didn't even know how to tell him with his crush on Rarity and all."

The two friends just sat in absolute silence for a while, Rainbow Dash allowing the comfort of a friend to help her feel better about what she was going to tell the pony that she held close to her heart. Their silence was broken as the smell of freshly cooked food wafted into the room, searching for their noses. From the kitchen they could hear Spike call, "Food's ready my Princess'!" Both of the girls smiled before they stood and walked into the kitchen.

To say that Spike made a lot of food was an understatement. On the table as a bowl foul of apples, all sliced and coated with water to keep them fresh. Beside that was a bowl full of dandelion pasta, coated with what looked to be like rose petals. Behind the pasta was a plate filled with apple cupcakes, Twilight's favorite, and for Spike there was a small bowl of gems sitting where he normally sat. "Don't just stare at the food girls, take what ever you like."

The three friends sat around the table as they ate their dinner, talking about whatever came to mind while also occasionally telling jokes that would make them all erupt into laughter. During the meal Twilight and Spike sat together, sometimes breaking a conversation so that they could share a quick kiss, all the while he held her hoof within his hand.

As the meal was drawing to a close they all heard the soft sloshing of water before a knock was heard at the front door. Spike immediately got up and shot into the living room where he opened the door and looked at the pony with a slight grin of his face. "I was wondering when you were going to show up. I kind of thought that the tree was a little weak to use as cover."

Standing before Spike was an orange pony with a blonde mane and tail that was tied together at the end. On her head she wore a gallon hat, and in her current state, she was soaking wet from head to hoof, shivering slightly every now and again from how cold she was from the rain. Spike quickly closed the door and grabbed a towel for her, putting it around her body. "If you want, you can grab a bite to eat. We just finished, but there is still plenty there."

She smiled slightly before she said, "Thank ya sugar cube. I sure would appreciate a good, warm meal." The orange earth pony made her way into the kitchen, where she was greeted by the sight of Twilight and Rainbow Dash glancing at her, worry written upon their faces.. "Don't y'all worry nothin' bout me. I'll be fine. I just need some warm food."

Without another word she gathered together what she was going to eat for her meal and took a seat at the table, sitting across from Rainbow Dash. Though she was silent as she ate, she kept stealing glances at Rainbow Dash and blushing when she was not looking at her food. She could not explain why, but she felt her heart start to flutter, even soar at just a glance of her love.

Eager to end the silence that had started to form in their group, Rainbow Dash asked, "So Twilight, you want to tell Applejack about the great news? You know, about you and Spike?" Her voice was slightly shaky, and she had hoped that Applejack was not smart enough to pick up on it.

Twilight blushed as she looked away from the two mares who were now staring at her, Applejack having just recently finished eating. "Well, I-I-I uh, you see, uh." She found it hard to admit that she was now with Spike, afraid of the reaction that she had gotten earlier. "Spike and I are, uh, sort of in a relationship." She smiled, hoping to Celestia that Applejack was not going to start laughing at her like Rainbow Dash had.

Applejack clopped her hooves against the table before saying, "Well it's about time. I was beginin' to wonder when y'all were goin' to get together." She flashed a smile at Twilight before she pushed herself away from the table and began to walk into the living room, turning to look as Spike walked past her and proceeded to clean off the table, throwing the dirt dishes into the sink. Twilight rose to help him while Rainbow Dash followed Applejack into the living room.

Applejack sat on one side of the couch while Rainbow Dash sat on the other, reading one of her Daring Doo books. Every now and again she would glance above the top of her book to look at Applejack, turning back to her words when ever the orange mare would flash a glance in her direction. The silence that slowly crept between them was almost unbearable, though neither one knew of anything to say at the present.

Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash as she read, so peaceful, so contained, yet so energetic and strong. I wonder how she would feel if she knew the truth, if she knew exactly how I felt about her. It has been a mighty heavy burden keepin' this here secret to myself. For the sake of our good friendship though, I have to remain strong.

Their silence was broken when laughter was heard, echoing off the walls and filling both of their ears. Neither one knew who was laughing because of the echo, but as it died down the source was unmistakable. Walking into the living room was Spike and Twilight, a wing draped around his back while an arm was around her neck, his fingers playing with her lavender colored fur. Both were grinning from ear to ear, neither one noticing the look of irritation from their friends.

They took a seat on the carpet before the couch, Twilight lying down with her back pressed against his chest, while he held her hooves within his hands over her stomach. He placed a kiss on her neck before they both looked up at their friends, noticing that they were glaring at them with slight annoyance.

Spike looked away while Twilight just glared back at Rainbow Dash as if she were saying, 'Tell her.' To this Rainbow Dash blushed before she returned her attention to her book while Applejack said, "I am truly happy for y'all and everythin' sugar cube, but could y'all turn down the lovin' for a bit."

Twilight nodded her head before looking back to Spike, who did the same before asking, "So Applejack, how have things been at Sweet Apple Acres?"

Applejack grinned as she said, "I am glad y'all asked sugar cube. Yesterday Big Mac and Apple Bloom went into town to pick up some of them nice tasty treats from Sugar Cube Corner. After a while of not comin' back, Granny Smith and I were getting a little antsy for out treats, so I went into town to look for 'em. When I got to town I found out that those two had eaten our treats before they got back, so they had decided to hide out in town until we had forgotten about them. Big Mac and Apple Bloom were is no much trouble when they got back."

Nopony had noticed that Rainbow Dash had been staring at Applejack the entire time that she had been telling her tale. A blush had started to form on her face, being only a light pink in the beginning, but had slowly deepened as her tale continued. By the end she looked as though she had two cherries on her face.

Applejack, having concluded her tale, yawned and started to spread herself out on the couch, lightly blushing as she brushed her hind legs against Rainbow Dash's. She lowered her book and looked at Applejack, allowing the orange mare to see her cherry red face. Applejack tried to grin as she said, "Sorry about that Rainbow Dash, I was just gettin' a little tired. Did ya want to sleep on the couch sugar cube?"

Rainbow Dash only shook her head before jumping down to the floor, where she found that Twilight had already brought over a pillow and blanket for her. She thanked the lavender alicorn before she pulled the blanket over herself and closed her eyes, setting her book before her. A blanket soon appeared over Applejack, which she took and wrapped herself in before saying goodnight to everyone and falling asleep.

Spike looked down at Twilight and motioned with his head for them to leave the sleeping mares be in peace. She nodded to him before standing up and following him towards the stairs, blowing out the candles with her magic as she did so. Together they ascended the stairs towards their room, not saying a single word as they did so.

Twilight went straight to her bed, jumping up and slowly sliding beneath the sheets. When she was settled she noticed that Spike was standing at the foot of her bed, holding his hands behind his back and staring ever so lovingly at Twilight with a slight hint of pink on his cheeks. "So uh Twilight, I was thinking, now that we are together, maybe we could, uh, share a bed?"

She seemed to smile, a radiance that was seen even in the moonlit room. He could see her raise the sheets up and motion for him to join her. He contained his joy as he slid in next to her, wrapping an arm around her back while she draped a wing over him in return. They leaned in and gave each other a deep and passionate kiss that was broken after a while, where they pressed close to one another and fell asleep, their lover's name upon their lips.

Waiting Out the Storm

Thunder rumbled and cracked in the gray skies above Ponyville, lightening striking the ground. Applejack was awoken by the echoing boom of yet another clop of thunder, making her sit straight up on the couch and look around for anything out of the ordinary. Her eyes eventually fell onto the sleeping form of Rainbow Dash, whose chest rose slowly and delicately as she slept.

Applejack felt both a sense of belonging, but also protectiveness over Rainbow Dash, a feeling that came in stronger as she watched the cyan blue Pegasus sleep soundly. She could hear the rain pounding against the tree outside, the water throwing the leaves and branches about, and she began to wonder how anypony, herself included, could sleep peacefully in the noise that surrounded them.

Sighing rather loudly, she slipped off of the couch and headed for the kitchen, feeling her throat starting to get dry. She failed to notice that a cyan blue Pegasus has awoken when she had heard the clopping of hooves heading away from her. Raising her head, she looked around in the dark, hoping to see who it was that had awoken her. When her eyes landed on the couch they went wide slightly, but then she was drawn to the direction of the clopping hooves and saw that the orange pony was heading towards the kitchen.

Rainbow Dash looked at the ceiling, wondering what she was going to say to the orange pony in the morning. Though her head and body screamed her to not tell her, to keep it a secret, her heart told her that it was going to be fine, that there was nothing to fear about telling the one that she loved just how she felt. With a heavy sigh that seemed to take some weight off of her shoulders, she rose from the floor and began to walk towards the bathroom.

Applejack could not help but stare at the glass of water that was before her while she thought about her feelings for Rainbow Dash. Is it normal for one mare to love another? Surely it is not unheard of by anypony, especially Princess Celestia.

Another clop of thunder boomed throughout the entire household, unnoticed of by anypony aside from Applejack. She cowered slightly as her train of thought was derailed, making her look around the darkened kitchen with worry. She began to worry that the windows might shatter, that the branches or wind would tear apart the home, but those thoughts were pushed aside when she heard the soft clopping of a hooves walking down the hall towards the living room.

Fearing the worst, Applejack gulped down her water before she made her way towards the hall, waiting for the right moment to strike. Just as she was about to emerge from the kitchen, she could no longer hear the hooves clopping. She began to think of Rainbow Dash, and how she felt a sense of protectiveness. Letting her feelings for Rainbow Dash take over, she braced her muzzle in a snarl and whipped around the corner and jumped on a cyan blue Pegasus.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash rolled a few feet back into the hall before they came to a complete halt against a wall, where neither one knew what had happened. Rainbow Dash was the first to open her eyes, seeing Applejack above her in the dark, their lips pressed together. Not wanting to waste the moment, she closed her eyes and started to press harder against the orange pony, hoping and praying to Celestia that she would do the same.

Applejack could feel something warm pressing against her lips, but what it was she could not tell. Slowly opening her eyes, she found that she was lying atop Rainbow Dash, their lips pushed together while Rainbow Dash tried pushing against her. Without even having to say it, she knew that Rainbow Dash had feelings for her, if the kiss alone did not scream them. A blush started to form on her cheeks as she closed her eyes and slipped her hat off of her head, starting to press back against Rainbow Dash with her whole heart.

---

Rain pattered against the window just above Twilight's bed, running down the glass and leaving streaks that would need to be wiped away when the storm had passed tomorrow afternoon as planned. Twilight awoke with her head resting against Spike's chest, listening to the wonderful beat of his heart as she allowed a smile to come across her face. She wrapped her wings tighter around him while she snuggled closer to him, not wanting to either wake him nor leave him.

She slowly began to rub her head against his chest, giggling when she felt him begin to stir, groaning slightly as his eyes opened to see the first mare that he wanted to. A faint smile was on his lips as he leaned down to give her a quick kiss, which she accepted without question. Slowly, their kiss began to grow more passionate, with no intentions of breaking apart.

With great reluctance, they pulled apart due to the begging of food by their stomachs, which they knew was going to keep interrupting their special moment until they were given what they want. With a grin, Spike slid his arms underneath of Twilight's back and picked her up as he rose from the bed, carrying her down to the kitchen with her head pressed against his neck and her eyes looking up at him.

Both Twilight and Spike were at a loss for words when they got to the bottom of the stairs. Lying against one of the walls was Rainbow Dash, her back pressed firmly against it while before her lie Applejack, her body covered by the Pegasai's wings. Their heads were crossed with their cheeks touching, both sleeping soundly and peacefully with smiles upon their lips.

Spike favored them with a warm and comforting smile while Twilight simple giggled as Spike carried her past the sleeping mares and into the kitchen, where he made sure she was seated at the table before he walked over to the stove and looked back at the lavender alicorn, "What would you like for breakfast my fair maiden."

Feeling a bit playful she said, "Hmm, I would really like some more of what was going on upstairs."

He blushed as he walked back over to the table and leaned in so that his lips were right beside her ear. "That my lady, can be arranged." A sense of pride washed over him upon hearing her giggle in response to his words, which was silenced by a quick, yet passionate, kiss before he went back over to the stove. "Would the lady possibly care for some honey dipped dandelions or daffodils?"

Another sweet and beautiful sounding giggle escaped her lips before she said, "Well, I think that maybe some honey dipped dandelions sounds like a plan, as long as you don't mind sharing." Her eyes started to go slightly wide almost like a dog's did, while her lower lip began to wiggle.

Spike took no notice as he went over to the pantry and grabbed the honey and dandelions before mixing them together, all the while he chuckled. "Really Twilight, we are together now. I have no problems with sharing food with you, like maybe something really special." His last words left her slightly confused, making her begin to wonder what it was that he was talking about.

In no time at all Spike had a plate of twelve delectable and delicious honey glazed dandelions placed before his love. He brought a chair up next to her and placed an arm around her while they both shared the meal, growing full by the time that they got to the last one. Feeling a bit silly, Spike grabbed the last one and held it out for Twilight, who bit on one end while he bit on the other. They looked deep into each others eyes, seeing a full growth of love that paled in comparison to any other, their love was true and pure, and in a single instant, they knew that they were going to be together forever.

After having finished their meal, Spike and Twilight sat in silence, his hand resting over her hoof with a smile on both of their faces. Neither one noticed the smell from the plate that was on the other side of the table with fourteen more honey glazed dandelions. Nor were they even remotely aware when a groan echoed in the kitchen, originating from the hall.

Together, Applejack and Rainbow Dash walked into the kitchen, smelling the honey more than anything else. Neither one was surprised to see Spike and Twilight sitting together, staring deep into each others eyes, nor were they shocked to see the plate of food that had been left for them. To their surprise however, two chairs were placed right next to each other before the food, allowing the new couple to sit together.

The table was relatively silent, aside from a giggle here and there, during the meal that the couple shared. At the end of said meal Applejack took the plate over to the sink before returning to her rightful place beside her best friend and now marefriend Rainbow Dash. Without even realizing it, the two found themselves idly inching closer and closer to one another until the point that they were kissing, a light, yet passionate kiss.

---

Voices rang forth into the night, never ceasing their echoing chatter. In his heart he knew that his time had come, but he was not going to give up, not when the other part of his heart told him there was hope. Taking a deep breath, he felt his courage rise up and take hold of him.

In a booming voice he shouted, 'Your reign of order and chaos has come to an end dragon. You cannot have her, you know nothing about her, and she does not love you.'

Thunderous laughter was heard, making his whole frame shudder. A deep and commanding voice echoed all around, 'What makes you think that I care whether she loves me or not? She is going to be mine before the night is over, you have lost.' The thunderous laughter resumed, much louder than before.

He chuckled, 'No, I have won. I have always won, because you forgot the most important thing about love. A shame that you remember nothing of your teachings from your precious master Twilight Sparkle, it's a pity that you had to kill her.'

The voice came back now, but this time it was softer and sounded much younger, 'I-I killed Twi...

Spike screamed out as he shot up from where he lie sleeping next to Twilight, a blanket over them both with an open book on the table beside the couch. With a start, Twilight shot up beside him, screaming as well before looking around and seeing Spike curled up into a ball next to her, tears streaming down his face as he constantly glanced at her in fear. Not knowing what was going through his mind, she asked in a calm and caring voice, "What is the matter Spike?"

By now both Rainbow Dash and Applejack were looking at the curled dragon, wondering what in the hay was going on with him. Spike seemed not to hear a word that Twilight had said, the dream still fresh in his mind, feeling so real to him. Slowly, he began to wonder if what his dream was telling him was the future that he was blazing, a future that he did not want to come true. The thought of Twilight dying, and by his claws no less, was something that he never wanted to think about. His thoughts were finally broken when he felt a pair of hooves push against him, knocking him onto the floor.

As he looked up, he was slightly shocked to see all of his friends and love gathered around him, looking down at him as though they were looking at a Hydra. He could see that Twilight looked at him with not only worry, but love as well. She just wanted to know what was wrong, and what she could do, if anything, to make him feel better.

He could not bring himself to look at her after the dream, that he had just had, for fear of it resurfacing. Yet, despite this fact, he was able to manage a wry smile as he stood up and hugged her, crying into her neck as he placed a small kiss here and there. Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked towards each other before turning back to reading one of Rainbow Dash's 'Daring Do' books, leaving the two alone.

Twilight could not help but let a few tears come to her eyes as she stood up slightly and put her forelegs around his back, pulling him close. She could feel her fur starting to moisten from the amount of tears that he was releasing, making her begin to worry about him a lot. In a slightly calmer and softer voice than before, almost like Fluttershy's, she asked, "Spike, please tell me what is wrong? I don't want to see you sad like this."

She felt Spike pull away slightly before he pressed his lips against her own, throwing in all the passion and love that he could bring forth. He felt she was taken aback by his actions, but in his mind he did not want to tell her his dream, but in his heart he knew that she had to know. When he did not feel her melting into the kiss he broke it apart so that he could look at her in the eyes. "T-Twilight. I-I uh, had a sort of vision into the future."

He watched as she seemed to notice nothing other than him, for he was her whole world, forever more into the undying infinite life. "Twilight, I know that this was only a nightmare, but I feel in my heart that it is the future. In my dream, I had k-k-k-killed you and t-t-t-taken control over all of Equestria. I don't want that to ever happen. I don't ever want to be parted from you Twilight."

A faint smile seemed to spread across her lips as tears came to her eyes. "I will never leave you Spike, and you must understand, your future is not written for you. No matter what your mind tells you, only you have the power to shape your own destiny. Always remember, the future is not set in stone, things can always change for better or for worse. Through it all though, I want to be there by your side, not as your guide, but as your love."

He now looked away from her eyes, finding that he would shame her if he continued to look into them. "I am a dragon though, it is in my nature to grow bigger than you, to become a monster who is fueled by greed."

She used a hoof to lift his head so that she could look him straight in the eyes, where she could see a conflicting see of sorrow and guilt for something that he had not even done. "I don't care about that Spike. You are not like other dragons, you may look like one on the outside, but on the inside you are a pony. Nothing can ever take that away from you, not even how big you get." She nuzzled her head against his, letting him know that everything was going to be alright, that there was nothing to fear deep within himself. "Besides, you are not supposed to get much bigger than what you are now, unless of course your greedy side decides to take over."

Her tears had now ceased, but the care and love that they held were burning stronger than ever before, and without a flicker of doubt, he knew that what she said was the absolute truth. His heart began to flutter while his stomach did cartwheels, all in the knowledge that who he had chosen to love now, was the one pony that he was always destined to be with. No matter what the world threw at him, he knew that as long as she was always there to lend him her strength and love, that he could overcome anything. "Twilight, you have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that."

A single heart beating was all that either could hear as they began to slowly lean in closer to one another, their eyes slowly closing as their lips came closer and closer together. Before either one knew it, they were back on the couch with the blanket over them, Twilight lying on her back with her wings wrapped tightly around him while her forelegs pulled him closer. Together they shared the most passionate moment of their lives, and with that single moment they knew that there were plenty more to come.

Rainbow Dash was sitting on her flank with Applejack beside her. Applejack had her hoof placed on top of Rainbow Dash's while they both read the open book before them, leaning against one another and sharing a kiss every now and again. Applejack could feel that what they were doing was not of the norm, but at the moment she was really not concerned. Deep in her heart she knew that she was going to have to tell her family, but now was not that time.

Rainbow Dash was uncaring what every other pony thought about them, she was in love and as long as she was with the pony that she loved then that was all that mattered. Sure many of the other ponies would view them as an unlikely matched pair, but so they did with most of the lovers who got together.

Pushing these thoughts aside, Rainbow Dash closed the book and lied on her back, looking up at the ceiling. Her view was blocked by Applejack, who had crawled over her and was lying atop her, looking down into her sparkling eyes. "So, what did ya have in mind for us to do when the storm lets up tomorrow?"

A sly grin slipped across Rainbow Dash's lips as she said, "Well, now that you mention it. I was uh, kind of thinking that we could go swimming in that lake in the South Orchard, you know, that way we could be alone."

She giggled as he replied with, "That sounds like it would be fun sugar cube, just fun. I could do with some alone time with ya." Not another word was said as they slowly leaned in towards one another, quickly locking lips and beginning to roll around on the ground while never breaking their embrace.

---

For the remainder of the day Twilight, with the help of Applejack and Rainbow Dash, took down the books and began to rearrange them. While the three were busy with the books, Spike had on his usual smile as he danced around the library, dusting off the shelves before the books were placed.

Their work was done just before the sun had start to set on the distant horizon, this being known by the dimming of light in the sky. Soon, the candles in the library were lit and light was shining all throughout.

A sweet aroma could be smelt throughout the home as it wafted in from the kitchen where Spike was busy cooking a meal for the three mares. Twilight was sitting on the floor reading a book about some new spells while Rainbow Dash and Applejack were lying beside one another on the couch, cuddling peacefully and silently.

The rain had now lowered itself to a very light drizzle, but the wind was starting to grow more and more fierce by the minute. The sound of creaking branches and shaking leaves grew steadily louder as the wind picked up, but despite all of this, the occupants inside of the library seemed not to be phased in the slightest.

Spike released a sigh of satisfaction before he went into the living room to invite everypony into the kitchen for their dinner, which was special indeed. It looked as though a feast had been spread for them, despite their being so few of them.

One plate held on it a stack of sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and fresh thin apple chips, another plate held on it a wide assortment of apple slices with various toppings, peanut butter, frosting, and caramel. Another plate held on it various sweets, apple pie, apple fritters, and of course, some apple cupcakes. A bowl that sat between the plates was filled with a mixture of hay fries and crunchy apple chips. Another bowl, just outside of the plates, was filled with a wide assortment of fruits, cherries, apples, grapes, strawberries, and even oranges. Yet there was still another, final bowl, filled to the brim with his famous dandelion and rose glazed pasta with a honey sauce to match.

Spike just giggled to himself as he watched the mares gaze over the food, lost on where they wanted to start. Before any of them could even move Spike strode to stand before them and said, "This big meal was not easy to make, but that does not mean that you can't enjoy. I just wanted to celebrate this day, because this is the day that we all found our true feelings for the ones that we love." He eyed Twilight with a quick glance before he stepped aside and yelled, "Well don't just stare at it, dig in!"

No other words were needed as all three of the mares grabbed an empty plate from a stack that was put out by the sink. Almost immediately all three had a full plate and was sitting at the table, each one sitting with their marefriend or dragonfriend. Applejack and Rainbow Dash did not even hesitate to dig in, loving every bite of food that they took, loving even more the closeness they had been able to achieve throughout the day.

Twilight had yet to take even a single bite of her food, waiting for Spike to grab what he wanted before taking a seat next to her. The two shared a quick kiss before they dove into their meal, not stopping until there was nothing left aside from a clean plate.

As the dinner progressed, conversation and laughter became common. Mostly the couples would talk amongst themselves, but every now and again they would speak to one another about small little things, like how the food tasted or what their favorite food at the table was.

Spike was the last to finish his meal, seeing as how he had sat down and grabbed food after they had. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were leaning against one another while they basked in the afterglow of a large and wonderful meal, all the while smiling at one another and making jokes. Twilight opted to help Spike with the dishes when he had finished, thanking her as he picked up what he could carry while she brought the rest with her magic.

---

Twilight sat on the floor across from Spike, both had a stern look on their face, almost as if they were trying to challenge one another like Rainbow Dash often did. Neither one moved nor even blinked as their breathing slowly grew to a soft and almost faint pace, where Spike began to feel something stirring inside of him.

At the the sound of a clop of thunder, the two bolted from where the were and made a mad dash towards one another, never slowing as they grew closer together. When they were almost within arms reach of one another, they both jumped into the air, Twilight spreading her wings while Spike extended out his arms. In mid air she caught him and managed to keep them both in the air, though it was no surprise with her new mastery of flying. She could fly, but for only very short amounts at a time.

Both shared a laugh before Twilight set them on the ground. Together they watched as Rainbow Dash rearranged the pillow and blanket on the couch so that they were slightly reasonable. With that, she slowly slid underneath of the blanket and made herself comfortable. When Applejack walked by, the Pegasus raised a wing to offer her up a space, which she gladly accepted without a word. When they were finally settled, they pressed their heads together and allowed sleep to quickly take them.

Twilight sighed softly as she took in the sight, knowing full well that they were not going to be able to do this for a while after tonight. With another sigh, she walked with Spike back up to their room, where she was treated to an unexpected surprise. A single light was on the bed, shining down from the windowsill, where a lone candle stood flickering every now and again. On the bed where the light was stood a small stack of books, each one looked brand new in her eyes.

When she looked towards him he smiled and said, "Well, when I was cleaning I saw a few dirty books that looked like they needed a good dusting. When I cleaned them up, I found that one was a book that was entitled, 'My Diary'. Now knowing what it was, I collected two others with the same name and decided that I would surprise you with them."

Giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, she made her way over to the bed, where she used her magic to move the books over to a desk that was across from the bed. Slowly, she climbed into the bed and made herself comfortable before once again using her magic, this time to blow out the candle. Even though darkness had swallowed the room, Spike had no trouble finding the bed, feeling around as he did so.

Very carefully, he climbed into the bed. Not a word was said as he slipped underneath of the covers beside Twilight, putting an arm around her chest. Without any kind of warning, he felt her roll over so that she was lying atop him, looking at him in the darkness. Only three words left her mouth, all within a whisper, "I love you." Before he could have a chance to respond he felt her lips against his own, effectively silencing any other thoughts that he had as the passion of the kiss washed over him.