The mares left James in the hospital as they exited because they needed to discuss who would watch over James. Spitfire would be the first to watch over James. Rarity and Fluttershy would be next as Fluttershy wouldn’t be able to handle it alone. She was already in somewhat of a mess and needed a friend to also keep a little eye on her. Octavia would be next after them. After Octavia would be Lightning Dust. After Lightning Dust would be Rainbow Dash. After Rainbow Dash would be Pinkie Pie. Having Pinkie watch over James was somewhat troublesome because they didn’t know how Pinkie would act but then again her randomness might also be helpful. Vinyl would be up next after Pinkie Pie. After Vinyl would be Lyra. After Lyra would be Trixie. After Trixie would be Twilight. The mares also agreed that they would watch over James for a week before handing him off to some other pony. When this was all agreed upon they shook hands and went back inside to see James.

When they entered the room James was still sitting up in his bed just staring blankly forward. Even with all their worries they all just took in a deep breath and approached him. When they reached him Spitfire grabbed his hand within her own and helped him off the bed. They lead James down the hallways to the checkout desk. They got James checked out of the hospital and left to go their own ways. Spitfire took James to her house so he could be under her watch. When the two of them reached the housed Spitfire opened the door and brought James inside. Once James was inside she lead him upstairs to bed so he could get some rest. She put him in her room as she pulled out an air mattress so she could sleep on the floor. She saw James looking at her and before he could say anything she stopped him by shaking her head. James knew that there was no point in arguing so he just laid down and went to sleep. As Spitfire was drifting off to sleep she was a little worried as tomorrow was going to be the start of the week for her watch of James.

Day 1

Spitfire was sound asleep in her mattress until she was stirred awake but the sound of running water. When Spitfire realized that she wasn’t hearing things or dreaming she quickly got out of bed and looked over to where James should be sleeping. James wasn’t in his bed where she left him and the thought about the running water made her worry. She ran out of her room and down the hall to where her shower was. Without even thinking it through she threw the door open and saw James exiting the shower completely naked. They both made eye contact with each other and Spitfire turned around quickly and left before anything could be said. Spitfire went downstairs to start up some breakfast and to help clear her mind of naked James. Even after their first night of passion Spitfire couldn’t look at James naked and get so flustered. Though this wasn’t about her right now but how James was feeling. His health was more important than her own sexual desires but that could wait.

As the breakfast was cooking over the stove Spitfire pulled out a glass and started mixing the magic control drink. Spitfire felt bad that she never went to help James with the blood transfusion so she felt that this was her way for making up for it. The drink was fairly simple to make and didn’t have a bad smell to it. Once the drink was finished Spitfire went back to making breakfast for James and herself. As she cooked James came down the stairs and silently sat down at the table. Spitfire didn’t know that James was sitting behind and she began to hum a little song. Spitfire was getting into the song and was doing little dance motions with the song. When she did a little spin she saw James sitting at the table and she nearly fell down from surprise. Once she was able to compose herself she noticed that James had a little smile and that made her feel better that James was showing some emotion. Though it was not much it was a good start that he might get on the right track again.

Breakfast was finished cooking and Spitfire brought the food over to James along with the drink. James stared at the drink confused at the weird look of it. Spitfire brought over her own breakfast and they sat there silently and ate their food. Spitfire finished her food first and waited on James to finish. He was slowly eating his food but it was good that he was eating something at least. James finished his food and pushed his plate away. James hadn’t touched his drink and Spitfire just sighed, as she knew that he was going to be stubborn about it.

“James you need to drink this. That is what the doctor said.” Spitfire said as she pushed the drink in front of James. James continued to look at it and after a bit he pushed it back. Spitfire was slightly annoyed by this but kept her cool because it was for his best interest.

“James please drink this. I know that it doesn’t look good but please do it. If you can’t do it under doctor’s orders then can you at least do it for me and your friends?” Spitfire asked looking at James’ eyes hoping that he would do it for her more than anything. James looked at her then back at the glass and pulled it back towards him. James looked at Spitfire one more time and the look that she was giving was pleading but also hope. James gave a slight breath and downed the drink. When the drink was gone Spitfire took the glass and went to clean up. Once the dishes were clean Spitfire took James to the living room and they sat on the couch. They sat there together as Spitfire just held him close watching the outside.

“James starting tomorrow we are going to start on your physical training.” Spitfire told James and that seemed to make him smile again. James was glad that he would be training again so that he could stop being a burden. Sure that it would take a while but he was going to try his hardest to make sure that he was back to one hundred percent strength.

They spent their day together on the couch for the day just watching the sun and enjoying each others embrace. Not much talking was done but James stayed relaxed enough that he didn’t cause any trouble for Spitfire. Spitfire couldn’t help but stroke his hair and hum a song to him as that it helped make him calm. As the day started to turn into night Spitfire got up from the couch and headed upstairs for the shower. She brought James with her as she didn’t want to leave him alone for the day. When they entered the shower room James was slightly blushing, as he was alone with Spitfire in the shower.

Spitfire couldn’t help the little blush that she had as this was kind of weird. Spitfire turned James around and told him to stare at the door. James stared at the door as instructed and Spitfire proceeded with her shower. When she was finished she wrapped a towel around herself and saw that James was still staring at the door. She took James back to the bedroom and tucked him in. She grabbed a pair of shorts and a tank top and went to her bead on the floor. She fell asleep when she heard James’ gentle snores signaling that he was asleep.

Day 2

Spitfire was up before James this time and headed downstairs. She knew that James would easily take a shower without a problem and she wanted to avoid another incident. Spitfire went to the basement and turned on the lights. In the basement was old training equipment that she hasn’t used since she became Captain. Spitfire was glad that the equipment was still in order and still functional. This was to be used as his training are for the day. Spitfire went upstairs and could smell some food cooking. When she was in the kitchen she saw James cooking over the stove. When she saw the knife in his hand she quickly went over and took it away. James looked at her a little confused as to why she did that.

“I’m sorry James but until I know that you are doing better then you can deal with something like this. Thank you though for getting breakfast started. I will finish the cooking and after you have eaten and taken that drink we need to start training.” James sat back down at the table and waited for the breakfast to be served. Breakfast came out and so did that drink that James didn’t understand what it was for.

“Hey Spitfire why exactly do I need to drink this for?” James asked a little confused about the drink that was in front of him.

“I don’t know exactly how to explain it so when Twilight takes her chance to see you then she can explain it to you.” Spitfire replied picking up the finished breakfast and drink that James took. Spitfire was happy that James took it this time without any fuss. Spitfire then grabbed James’ hand and lead him to the basement. Once there she turned on the lights to show all the training equipment.

“So James this is the training routine that you need to follow to bring back your strength. I will also be joining you so you don’t have to be alone doing it.” James looked at the list of exercises that he needed to do. After he looked it over James followed Spitfire over to the first area to begin. James started off on light weights so he didn’t strain himself. As he did his training Spitfire was next to him doing the same exact as him. Noon came around and the two of them headed upstairs for lunch.

“James you can go take a shower and I’ll get started on the food.” James walked off up the stairs as Spitfire went to the kitchen to make a simple lunch. James came back down the stairs as Spitfire was finished making lunch. She brought the food over to the table and they both ate in silence.

“Hey Spitfire if you don’t mind I want to go by Twilight’s house so I can get a set of clothes?” James looked at Spitfire worried that she wouldn’t let him go because of everything.

“Sure James we can head over there after I shower.” Spitfire smiled at him making him calm down a bit. Spitfire lead him to the shower so he wasn’t alone in the living room. After her shower and she got out James still remained in his position of looking at the door. They headed back to the bedroom so Spitfire could get some clothes on. Once she was changed they left the house and headed for the library. When they arrived they saw the closed sign. James knew where the spare key was and got it. He unlocked the door and went inside. Spitfire waited downstairs as James went upstairs to his room and grab a pair of clothes. James grabbed what he needed and went back downstairs. Spitfire smiled at him and they left heading back home for the night.

Day 3, 4, 5

The next three days were complicated. James would be stubborn at some times and try to overdo his workouts and Spitfire would stop him. James would then refuse to drink the magic drink that he needed to. So a few times Spitfire had to force it down his throat. She didn’t like doing it but it had to be done. James showed his distaste for this as he glared at Spitfire. Spitfire just took the glare knowing that there was nothing bad about it. Spitfire decided that it would both do them some good so they headed for the park.

They arrived at the park and just sat in the grass. They looked at the clouds and pointed out any that looked different from any of the others. As they watched the clouds Spitfire took off into the air and moved the clouds around. She spelled out the words James and Spitfire in a heart. Spitfire landed back down next to James and smiled at him as she snuggled into him. James didn’t know what to say or feel so he just wrapped his arm around her and held her close. Spitfire fell asleep on James’ chest letting the sun hit them.

After the park they took a walk around town just having little conversations back and forth. They were just small little topics about how they were doing and what they wanted. James kept quiet most of the conversation just letting Spitfire talked. James could tell that it made her fell good to just talk and not let anything weigh her down. James was still kind of depressed and it wasn’t helping that he wasn’t getting his strength back fast enough. He has been working for the past five days and barely made any improvement. James was getting irritated that it just wasn’t working no matter how hard he tried. James wanted to push himself further hoping that he could increase the rate that he was healing. Sure Spitfire was concerned for his safety but he needed to push himself.

When they returned home for the evening they had a silent dinner. After eating dinner they retreated back to the bedroom for a good nights rest. Once they were asleep James was able to wake up in the middle of the night. James got out of bed and saw that Spitfire was sleeping silently on the mattress. James left the bedroom and headed for the basement. Once he was down their James went over and grabbed his phone. James started up some music on shuffle and went to work. James went through his regular thing that needed to be done but did it in increased weight. James could feel his muscles start to tire out but he just pushed through it.

James just kept pushing himself harder and harder by just going through the exercises in multiple sets. James’ breathing was getting heavy and he was sweating profusely at how hard he was going. When James put the weight bar back on the rack he saw Spitfire at the doorway staring at him. She was very angry at him and he could tell because her mane and tail were slightly glowing like the hairs were on fire. James walked towards the doorway and tried to leave. Spitfire stuck her arm across the doorway blocking his path. When James saw the tears in James well and safe and he was just ignoring it all. James felt terrible about what he did and gave Spitfire a hug. She cried into his chest and James just let her. James was sort of glad that he was a hollow shell of himself or he would be crying also. James lead her back to the bedroom and placed her in her own bed. Spitfire looked at him but stopped her by holding up his hand. He took the mattress on the floor and went back to sleep. Spitfire went to sleep in her bed and waited with worry for the morning.

Day 6 and 7

Spitfire took the time during James’ sixth day of staying at her house. Spitfire started to think to herself about how she felt about James and where their future was headed. The day James first showed up and she met him she couldn’t help the feelings that she formed. She fell in love with him on the first day and couldn’t be happier. Everyday she would think about him and when she fell asleep she would dream of him. Then the night came of their date and she was so happy. He didn’t care about how extravagant it was or how it went. As long as James was there with her he was happy and nothing could change that. Then James went missing and she couldn’t help the feeling of dread that went through her. She wanted to do whatever it took to find James. When they found him she was relieved to see that he was okay. Then James tried to take his own life. After that incident Spitfire was ready to take her own life if James didn’t make it. Spitfire couldn’t have been happier that James pulled out of it okay. Even with how stubborn he has been and how troublesome he has been she was glad that he was okay. If she could go back in time at any point that she wanted she would relive everything. She would never change anything no matter what. She would go through all the hardships and pain just to see James happy and smiling.

When the final day came up Spitfire and James just sat on the couch watching a little fire that was going. It wasn’t that cold for a fire but they made one just to listen to the relaxing sound of the crackling fire. Spitfire made dinner and James helped her. Once dinner was made they sat next to each other on the couch and watched the sun slowly lower over the horizon. As they watched the sun set James spoke up but with some nervousness.

“Spitfire there is something that I want to talk to you about.” James looked Spitfire in the eyes and she just stared back. Spitfire waited as James tried to build up his courage to speak to her. When he did Spitfire just listened to him and waited.

“I know about the dates and the challenge that you and the others did. I overheard everything and that went a little more poorly than I had plan. When Twilight got that book the wrong page was bookmarked. I may have been bookmarked on herds but it was meant to be on harems. I have come to realize that I love all of you and that I can’t let any of you go. I’m still unsure how they would all go with this but I feel that you and I are a good judge of character. I know that you do care for some of the others beyond friendship and is why I am happy that you don’t just love me. So what I wanted to ask is that if you want to give this a chance would you like to become the lead mare of the harem if everypony says yes?” James asked looking at Spitfire who just showed no emotion on her face. There was a long pause and James feared that she was upset or was having second thoughts about him. Before James could say anything Spitfire broke the silence.

“James I would love to be your lead mare and thank you for the honor.” Spitfire was releasing tears of joy and James hugged her. They went back upstairs happy that they could share this information with each other. James fell asleep next to Spitfire as they laid in bed together smiling.

Author's Notes:

Thanks to ErikTheSoulReaper for the chapter idea.