With his brother showing him proper training techniques and strengthening his body, Spike began to feel his confidence and self image inflating. There was certainly a lot of room for inflation, considering he was usually quite uneasy and overly conscious about that sort of thing. Like he had imagined though, over the next week or so, Felix had taken special interest in prodding him about the game. At first, Spike had considered that he deserved it, but as the team’s ability grew well past their loss, Felix’s focus on their blunder began to grow tiresome.

Spike was on his way to school the same route he always took. Walking had become habitual even though he could have hitched a ride with his sister. It became part of his fitness routine for one thing, and Twilight just loved to get to school almost an hour before it started, just so she could study. Spike was not interested in that at all.

He knew the shortcuts well enough to dip into and around alleys on his way, as the streets of Manehattan were often annoyingly crowded. The only unfortunate thing about his route was that Felix knew it all too well, considering it intersected with his own. Spike was hoping that leaving for school a good while early might mean he avoided the aggressive boy, but he was sadly mistaken.

“Well, look who decided to climb out of his terrarium early this morning,” Felix’s snotty voice was almost as bothersome as a protruding crack in the sidewalk that could have tripped Spike, and just the same, it stalled him.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it okay, I’m a wimp or a wuss or whatever. and losing to girls was so shameful, can I just go now?” Spike glared at the shorter boy, who fell into step beside his as he plucked the cigarette from his lips and flicked the ashes off twice.

Spike frowned as he smelled the familiar toxic product, something he now knew first hand. He wasn’t certain how he felt about the smell at all, whether to associate it with the girl who seemed to have some interest in him or to pin it as some sick habit of a wannabe-badass punk like Felix. As the smoke blew intentionally into his face from Felix’s exhale, he decided he was not too fond of that particular brand.

“Do you think I’m that predictable?” sounded a bit irritable, and Spike wasn’t sure if he should answer truthfully. “Well you’re wrong, I was just stopping by to give you a good old friendly hello. Maybe we could go grab some breakfast together, I’m sure the pet store down the block has some juicy crickets or mealworms for you.”

“Right,” Spike rolled his eyes boredly as Felix chuckled. He had certainly grown tired of this whole reptile thing, there couldn’t possibly be too many more clever lines he could think of.

“And it sure would be nice of you to invite that girl you’ve been hanging out with,” Felix continued, and Spike’s expression became more serious. “One of the many who could probably kick your ass. You know the one, with the short pink hair and the nice tits. All it took was a package of cigs to see those melons. I bet she’s an even easier fuck.”

“Shut your mouth,” Spike growled lowly, his anger seeping out of him in the form of a detestable glare.

“No need to boil that cold blood of yours, boss,” Felix smirked as he noticed the livid reaction. “You know I still owe you a good right hook for when that behemoth stepped in to save your sorry ass. I just might collect on that today, with interest.”

“And risk messing up that perfectly gelled hair of yours? Sure,” Spike scoffed, his usual fear and concern waning, replaced with indifference. He probably took worse hits from practice than Felix’s tiny fists.

“You asked for it,” Felix huffed a laugh and flicked his cigarette to the side, hardly waiting an instant long enough to ball up his fist before he slammed his hand into Spike’s jaw.

Without a second thought, Spike lashed back out with a firm elbow cut into Felix’s chest. Spike winced from the impact, feeling a light crack from his jaw. As the smaller boy stumbled back, winded, Spike came back again and thrust two hands hard against the same spot, knocking him into the bottom ladder of some fire escape. Felix cringed in pain as the metal bars left lines of ache across his back, but noticing Spike stepping forward to continue the barrage, he retaliated.

Spike leaned forward and took hold of Felix’s shirt, having little else to hold him upright after the swift kick he received to the knee. Hating the feeling of being the one grabbed and held up rather than the other way around, Felix executed an uppercut against Spike’s chin, knocking the larger boy off of him.

Though the impact of Felix’s fist rattled his teeth, Spike was accustomed to taking hits from both this bully and his football team, so it hardly paused him. Spike jabbed a hard right hook towards his enemy’s face, only to find it slip between the ladder bars as Felix dodged out of the way. He winced as his chest collided with the rest of the ladder due to the force of his missed hit, but he kept on going anyway.

Sliding around the ladder, Spike came after Felix once more. It became more apparent as the blows were exchanged that Felix was not so confident about his own victory as he often was. Not only was he alone against the larger boy, but Spike had definitely changed in his movements and motivations. Felix was shoved against the wall beneath the fire escape roughly, though his expression told little of his uncertainty.

Spike was furious, and yet seeing the boy standing there with a disconcerned expression seemed to alleviate some of his anger. Not only that, but he remembered how many times Felix had turned any retaliation back on him. Whether it was physical or getting him in trouble with teachers, it seemed Felix was always at an advantage.

With a frustrated groan, Spike slammed his fist into the wall beside Felix’s head, not having the courage to finish him the way he himself would have been finished. Though the skin on his knuckles broke and splintered due to the rough brick of the wall, he continued to press it up against the wall. Felix smirked and shook his head, seemingly amused.

“What, that’s it?” he snickered a bit as he broke out of Spike’s begrudging hold with ease. “You ain’t even worth the time. You’re right, my hair is more important than a cheap lizard-brain like you.”

Felix pushed off the wall and nudged Spike away with a bump of his shoulder, walking in the direction of school without a worry. He adjusted the popped collar of his jacket and peeled another cigarette out of his pack, biting it hard between his teeth. Spike grunted, suppressing his anger before it rose out of control again. He realized the familiarity of the old fire escape as he stood there alone; it was the same spot they’d usually run into each other going to and from school. That same cobblestone brick road, same alleyway, same outcome. Snuffing the thought, he proceeded towards school once more after allowing Felix a few minutes’ head start.

Trudging towards school, he found himself gritting his teeth. The anger was still present, yet there was something… undeniably cathartic about expressing his anger, albeit physically. At the same time, Spike was pondering the meaning behind the brief rush of excitement he felt. His heart raced, an exhilaration and adrenaline planted in his mind, and he felt such satisfaction from each successfully connecting blow. The lack of lingering pain from each punch and hit he gave and received was usual for him, but he noticed how little it seemed to bother him. He shrugged it off as he came out from between the alley, spotting the school ahead. Panicking as he heard the bell ring, Spike sprinted towards the front doors.

Walking down a hallway, Spike pulled out a juice box while watching a slew of stereotypical groups walking by. He failed to see a small girl sprint by most of the groups before swerving towards him. Scootaloo collided into him, causing him to stumble over. Before he could pull himself up, Scootaloo immediately yanked on his arm, dragging him down the hall as he dropped the juice box. Sighing, he let the girl wrench him through numerous groups of people before going through several doors leading outside. As usual, Scootaloo dragged him towards the same tree trunk they sat by for the past few weeks.

Pulling out his tiny lunch, Spike proceeded to eat as Scootaloo pulled out a half-finished cigarette that had been pinched at the end and bent a bit by her pocket. Wincing slightly as she relit the cigarette, Spike continued to eye her for a moment before letting out a passive exhale. He remembered the brief nicotine rush he felt beforehand and contemplated asking for a puff before remembering what exactly it was he was asking for, what exactly he wanted.

“Scootaloo, can I ask you something?” Spike asked, whispering at first.

“Yes, Spike. You can touch them,” she replied easily, glee noticeable in her voice.

Spike scoffed at the thought, attempting to play it off. “Not that. I mean, I dunno. I’m stressed out a lot lately and not because of the football game, not that our loss really helped with anything.” Scootaloo visibly lost her goofy attitude, her eyes turning more towards his direction as she blew a puff of smoke towards the boy. “And I want a legitimate way of cheering myself up, not temporary. Yet I can’t. Doing any hobbies of mine doesn’t seem to help, and since you’re knowledgeable in the psychological area, I figured I’d ask you for advice.”

Scootaloo glanced at her cigarette before taking another puff, leaning her head against the tree trunk as she exhaled. Once more, she quickly scanned the area for a teacher or some kind of tattletale that’d pop up. Nothing; the closest she found was the Dumbbells off in the fields, chucking a rugby ball to Snips and Snails as well as a few others they didn’t know.

“Vent out your frustrations. Find a way to express any anger or negative feelings you have. If you’re pissed, go to the gym, punch a punching bag,” Scootaloo told him simply.

“I think that’s what I did this morning, I don’t know. I was just tired,” the boy responded with a hapless shrug.

A brief silence followed before Scootaloo piped back up.

“Well, ever try confronting the source of your anger and frustrations?” Spike rolled his eyes, looking away from Scootaloo as she continued with a chuckle. “Besides the obvious one; what about minor ones? Maybe you don’t like how your mom handles things or maybe you dislike how a classmate continues being annoying or something. Resolving smaller issues before you take the big cheese. I’d say it’s what I do but—” She tapped the cigarette against her knee as Spike glanced over. “Y’know, I’ve got my ways.”

She took one more puff of smoke before discarding the rest of the cigarette, kicking dirt atop it with her heel. Exhaling, she snorted which was followed by a stretch. Spike had to avert his eyes as he once more noticed something poking out of her shirt; evidence that she wasn’t wearing a bra. Coughing nervously, Spike let out a deep breath.

“R-Right,” Spike muttered out as he watched the last waving line of smoke slip off the end of Scootaloo’s finished cigarette.

“Just find a way to kick back until you manage to deal with your stress sources. Enjoy life until the day comes where you’ve gotta deck a bully, or deal with a problematic parental relationship or something, and who knows, maybe your problems will solve themselves. If you live in a fantasy world, of course.” Scootaloo tried to go on, snickering at the prospect. “There are plenty of ways a guy can relax. Trust me on that one.”

Spike glanced back towards her just in time to see her adjusting her shirt and once more accidentally looked down the rather-tight shirt. Groaning, he buried his face in his palms, adjusting his hair in the process. Yet, temptation still caused him to peek through his fingers… only to see Scootaloo notice this.

“Ahh, I saw that!” she shouted with glee, pointing at him.

“S-shut up, I was just checking,” Spike spat out, turning his head away from her.

“Checkin’ out th’ goods, I know!” Scootaloo exclaimed, pulling on the neckline of her shirt and letting it snap for good measure. Spike grumbled a bit as he watched presumably the entirety of the high school’s jock culture occupying another field.

He heard shuffling behind him and knew that Scootaloo was coming up to him… yet nothing happened. Scootaloo didn’t hug him, driving him to wonder why. Turning to face her, she didn’t see a sultry gaze or even a smile.

“Spike, I really don’t mind if you do anything. Or, if you want to, I can be your girlfriend. We can work at it. I’ll be honest with you. I can listen good. Just talk to me about all your problems,” she softly spoke, sounding a bit shaky as if she would burst into tears.

Spike stared into her eyes, wondering what he should do. Part of him wanted to say no; save himself for Rarity. Part of him wanted to let himself wait for his chance… yet part of him also wanted this. It wanted release, to have a girlfriend, to have someone who’d immediately give herself to him. Provide easy, stress-free relief… to have sex. To kiss and hold and be his boyish self yet still have the perks of an active relationship. It was an eternal struggle, to hold onto temptation for true release. Part of him believed Scootaloo would be honest, part of him looked into her eyes and saw truth… yet part of him was scared because of how easily she opened up. Spike sighed, shaking his head as he did. He attempted to take the safe way out, turning away as he found it awkward to stare at her for too long.

“Scootaloo, are you alright?” Spike asked seriously.

Blinking, Scootaloo seemed taken aback before realizing that she was essentially pleading. Crinkling her nose, she leaned against the tree instead of Spike. Realizing how she must have come off to him, Scootaloo’s voice took a different tone.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I don’t need people worrying about me, so don’t, alright? I’m fine. Really.” She bit her lip, tilting her head in Spike’s direction. “Thanks, though. But I’m fine. I was just wondering if you wanted to, since boys typically can’t ask out girls properly.”

“I know what it’s like, believe me,” Spike admitted with a few nods, chuckling as he stared at the envied social interactions across the field from him.

“Bet you haven’t even seen a real girl’s tits, bro,” Scootaloo teased, punching Spike in the shoulder.

Once more, Spike swallowed as the thoughts flashed through his head, particularly of Rarity. Grinding his teeth, he glanced to the right and spotted Scootaloo’s hands shooting up, yet it was too late. Turning back to the girl, he was faced with her decent sized, exposed breasts. He wound up staring for a few seconds before realizing what he was doing and turned his whole body away, covering his face as Scootaloo erupted with laughter.

“Oh my god, that was the greatest reaction ever! You were literally like a boy seeing his first pair of tits, all wide-eyed and shit,” Scootaloo guffawed, patting him on the back.

“Dammit,” Spike muttered, burying his face in his palms once more.

“Be proud, Dragon boy. You’re the first person I ever flashed,” she told him, giggling. Spike could feel her lean against him, her breasts pressing against his back. Spike felt his breath stop as his mind started reeling with images. Scootaloo’s voice dropped several octaves into a seductive whisper. “You should take responsibility.”

“S-Sooo, how about the next football game?!” Spike nearly shouted, his voice squeaking momentarily.

Scootaloo leaned back and Spike turned around to find, much to his relief, Scootaloo’s shirt back down. He still couldn’t unsee what just occurred and couldn’t help but imagine her once more. He had to remember one thing, though.

'It’s Scootaloo. She’s just brash.'

Gulping once, Spike sighed simultaneously with Scootaloo.

“Aha… sorry, I bet you didn’t want my chest to be the first you saw,” she said in a quieter voice, patting Spike on the shoulder as he leaned against the tree trunk.

Spike felt confusion swelling up in his mind as thoughts of Scootaloo ran through his head, appearing in the place of his usual fantasies of Rarity. The exception being while he typically imagined him and Rarity at some fancy restaurant, with Scootaloo, it quickly spiralled into something dirty. Gritting his teeth, he faced Scootaloo once more, wondering if it’d be something else again. He merely saw her hand atop her pelvis, her legs spread slightly as she tugged at the jeans.

“I know what you really wanted to see,” she taunted suggestively, winking.

“I don’t even care anymore,” Spike said, rolling his eyes as he raised his hands defensively as if giving her permission.

Scootaloo chuckled in response, Spike watching as she shifted into a normal position. She stared out at the field as Spike watched, grunting as she shifted against the root that protruded from the ground. Spike started to devour his lunch once more, hoping to finish it before the lunch period ended.

“So, Rarity is your crush, right?” sounded more like a statement than a question.

“W-what!?” Spike’s eyes widened as he nervously glanced over to her. “What makes you say that!?”

Another shrug. “I ‘unno. I just figured since you always seem to be the one she cheers for and talks about, and you always get that goofy look when she does.”

'What!?' Spike’s attention turned to the younger girl, Scootaloo raising an eyebrow at Spike’s surprised response.

“Wait, you knew that, didn’t you? She always talks about you, at least when I’ve seen her when she’s with Rainbow Dash and her friends. It sounds to me like Rarity is, like, super worried about you,” Scootaloo explained, grinning as the more she talked, the more Spike’s face seem to redden.

“I-I didn’t know she was worried about me. I mean, I heard her cheering during the game,” Spike murmured, setting his sandwich down atop the plastic bag. “Worried? Did you hear about what?”

Scootaloo shrugged. “She just talked about you and was trying to get Twilight to answer a ‘why’ question she had. Maybe ‘why is he still a virgin’.”

Scootaloo chuckled as Spike once more hid his face. After a few seconds, Spike reached down to his sandwich to spot it was no longer where it was. Turning towards her, Spike saw Scootaloo eating his sandwich, not even glancing over at him. Spike simply smiled, his whole body relaxing after a few seconds. Leaning back against the wood, he stretched his legs out and looked over at the building.

'She’s worried about me… that means I’m not just a footnote', he thought, feeling his heartbeat speed up.

“You should talk to her. Or, talk more. Get her number if you don’t have it. Maybe get her a gift,” Scootaloo tried to give him ideas.

“Hey, a gift… that’s not a bad idea. Maybe buy her—” Spike gulped. His accidental stalking from his earlier years made him realize he had practically nothing to give her. The only thing that he could imagine would work would be jewellry… and he had no money for jewellry. Frowning, he let loose a long sigh once more. “I wouldn’t know what to give her.”

“Try a necklace. Hand-crafted, maybe go paint some glass or sand plastic into a shape. That girl has everything, might as well make something to be sure it’s unique,” Scootaloo said, finishing the sandwich off in fewer bites than seemed possible.

Nodding his head, Spike took in a whiff of the air, grinning widely. “Yeah, that’d work. But I wouldn’t know when to deliver it. I’d want it to be a special occasion.”

Shrugging, Scootaloo helped herself to Spike’s bag, pulling out a rice-marshmallow snack without permission. Spike was too distracted to notice.

“How about a birthday party? Isn’t hers coming up?” she asked casually. “I mean, I heard Sweetie Belle talking about it.”

'Hey… that’s right. Sweetie Belle. What does she do these days? I could always ask her if there’s something Rarity would want', Spike thought, scanning the grounds just to check if she was there.

“Well, I don’t know. I’ll just wait and see. Not much point pondering an event that may not even be confirmed,” he spoke in slight disappointment.

The leaves rustled a bit, snapping Spike out of a trance that had distracted him upon looking out at the field. Turning to face Scootaloo, he had to stop to take in what seemed to be a genuine smile; perhaps Scootaloo silently wishing him luck or simply admiring him. Either way, she leaned over and wrapped an arm over his shoulder, hugging him once more.

“Well, in the meantime, you can totally give these babies a squeeze.” Scootaloo yanked Spike, causing him to fall over; his face landing on her soft chest. “No biggie, free sample.”

“If I do it, will you let me go?” Spike muffled out from his position, his body nervously shaking from the scene unfolding.

“Nah.”

Scootaloo wrapped both arms around Spike’s head, squeezing him into her chest as he uselessly struggled. The girl giggled as Spike’s hands pressed against her chest, giving him somewhat of an advantage as that was where he could push most. He, eventually, wormed his way out of her grasp, panting heavily as he fixed his rather messy hair. Scootaloo merely giggled as she fixed her shirt, not hiding the two bumps poking through.

“I like you. We should totally date. I can brag to Rarity about snagging you first.” Scootaloo grinned, munching on the rice snack she stole from Spike.

“H-hey, that was mine!” Spike protested, puckering his bottom lip in a feasible pout.

“You snooze, you lose,” she responded, blowing a raspberry.

“You snooze, you get, uh, something bad,” Spike said, growing ever quieter towards the end.

“If you snooze, you’ll wake up with me beside you,” Scootaloo continued, munching on the snack.

“If you snooze next to me, I’ll be in trouble because my parents and siblings would break my neck,” Spike protested, but cringed as he realized how childish he had sounded.

“Not after you’ve wrecked me,” Scootaloo said, pulling off a rather cute seductive wink towards Spike.

“Whatever, keep the damn snack.” Spike permitted her, throwing his back at the tree trunk as he folded his arms.

“Haha, way ahead of you. Always am, Dragon boy,” Scootaloo teased him, finishing off the snack.

Spike sat in silence, glaring at the ground in front of him as Scootaloo kept her cute smile. Frowning, his eyes trailed up, lingering on her thighs and her slowly expanding and contracting chest. Spike’s mind began to haze and his eyes glanced upwards towards Scootaloo. Grunting once, Spike stood up and gently grabbed Scootaloo’s wrist, giving it a light tug and moving them away from their usual spot. Mirroring the events last time they hung out, Spike pulled the girl through the trees as she hummed along, a little hop in her step.

Once breaching the veil of shrubbery, Scootaloo tensed up briefly as she felt her back connect with tree bark, closing her eyes trustingly. When she opened them, she made sure to smile, glancing up at the boy who had his arms planted firmly on both sides of her body, seemingly boxing her in. Spike gave her an intense glare, which trailed down towards her cleavage. Just like before, she tugged on her shirt, slightly pulling it down as to show more flesh.

“What are you waiting for?” Scootaloo whispered with a sly grin and half-lidded eyes.

Spike’s hands slid off the tree, pressing against Scootaloo’s wider hips. Spike let his hands explore the curves, sliding up and down while he mentally thanked Scootaloo for wearing such slim clothing. As he rubbed his hands along her sides, her arms reached up and wrapped around Spike’s neck, gently but firmly tugging him closer. Spike’s eyes turned up and met Scootaloo’s just as hers closed and Spike gave in to urges he repressed for years. A conflict broke out in his mind, a flurry of opposing thoughts clashing as he considered his relationship with Scootaloo and his own feelings for Rarity. Part of those thoughts wondered if his Rarity fantasy would pan out. Part of them wanted to experiment. He knew which side had won his brief mental battle.

Spike leaned forward, mashing his lips against Scootaloo’s in a rough kiss as the latter was pressed into the tree, excitement bubbling in the girl’s mind as she relished the aggression Spike displayed. She chided her expectations when she realized Spike wasn’t exceptional with kissing, yet remained content with being the one he started off with.

Slowly but surely, Spike’s hands slid up and tingling, electric sensations jolted through Scootaloo’s body as her anticipation grew. Scootaloo wasn’t sure when Spike’s hips pressed against hers, but she could definitely tell when he grew excited.

Any argument about why these actions were awful fell on deaf ears, as Spike thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity in front of him. Every few seconds, Spike’s fingers twitched as he gently squeezed the flesh, getting a feel for the softer skin betraying the rough nature the girl claimed as her own. His own anticipation peaked when his hands reached the underside of two large, round objects squeezed by a tight, cheap shirt that he wanted to rip so badly. His thumbs and index fingers gently squeezed the bosom, testing the firmness.

The two mouths parted after a few seconds and Scootaloo merely grinned, her head tilting back and eyes opening half way as she let Spike use her. Spike’s breaths were short and laboured, his heart racing and the ability to restrain himself faltering. Deciding to let his instincts and urges take over briefly, he grit his teeth and let out a small growl as his fingers slipped over the mounds until he was able to squeeze nothing but the softness underneath the shirt. His fingers sunk into Scootaloo’s breasts, but not as much as they could. The shirt was good at that. Not satisfied, he twisted his wrists, letting his fingers wrap around and drag across the large chest and he squeezed and squished the two breasts together. Spike paused, his panting and crickets the only noise audible to the duo.

“Remove your shir—”

Interrupting his demand, the bell had rang, signalling the end of the lunch period. Pulling himself back immediately, eyes slightly widening. Scootaloo’s elated expression began to fade as her eyes opened. Two little dots poked out from her shirt and Spike found himself wishing he had done this earlier while chastising himself for doing it at all.

Letting the mood drop, Spike started to walk back towards the opening to retrieve his bag. Scootaloo followed suit just as wordlessly. Bending over as he reached down, Spike made sure to watch his head for the branch above him as he slung the bag over his arms. Before he moved, he glanced down at his hands, remembering the soft, warm feeling he felt when he pressed his hands against Scootaloo.

“You wanna give them one more good squeeze?” Scootaloo’s voice broke the silence. “Y’know, for the road?”

Spike’s head tilted up as he clenched his hands into fists, shuddering a moment before walking forward. Scootaloo let out several giggles as she stood up, following Spike into the building. Even after a lunch like that, Spike couldn’t shake the odd feeling he maintained from before.

'After school, I’ll go see Rarity,' he mentally told himself as the duo walked into the school.

Spike had tried his best to find Rarity throughout the day and ask her if she was busy after school, but she was always in the middle of something and he did not want to interrupt. He searched for her again after the final bell, but she was no where to be found in the immediate vicinity. Still, he went around to her favourite spots in search of her.

He jumped as he felt his phone start to vibrate in his pocket. Before he could decide whether or not to check it right away, it vibrated again in quick succession, indicating a phone call. He removed it from his pocket and brought it to his face. No one ever called him, so he wasn't sure if he should answer. Phone calls were different than texts, it was much more like a real conversation and he would not be able to consider his replies before speaking them. Still, he would feel guilty if he ignored it, and the name on the caller identification was comfortably familiar.

“Hello?” he pressed the phone against his ear as he accepted the call.

“Howdy, Spike,” Applejack's voice echoed into his ear pleasantly, but it was followed by a much louder noise.

“Hey! He answered?!” Spike had to pull the phone away from his ear and wince as he heard the second girl's obnoxious shouting.

“Yeah, 'course he—” Applejack spoke to the other girl but was cut off by some rustling about and likely physical touching, considering what she said next. “Rainbow, get offa me an' lemme talk!”

“I will grant you only one of those demands,” Rainbow Dash's voice rang through the phone and Spike shook his head with a smile.

“Anyway, Rainbow an' Ah were gonna—” Applejack tried to get back on topic, but the louder girl would not let up.

“Let me ask, let me! Applejack, give me that!” Rainbow eagerly grabbed at the phone, from the sounds of it, but Applejack fought her off.

“Back off y'vermin! Spike, y'still there?” she argued valiantly and managed to hold the football captain at bay.

“Somehow,” Spike murmured, falling into a casual stride as he continued to listen.

“Sorry 'bout all that, just wond'rin' if you're busy at all tonight? 'round eight?” Applejack asked kindly, the background noise getting quieter.

Spike wasn't sure if he should accept or not, he really didn't know what it was he would be accepting. It sounded friendly enough, but after spending time with Scootaloo he was unsure whether he should trust conventional friendship boundaries. Of course, he hesitated to think Applejack would ever cross that kind of line with him, and he certainly respected her too much to let his mind wander. And for that matter, Rainbow Dash seemed far too set on the farmer to deter for a little squirt like him. And Rainbow was also a little too gay anyways.

But besides the potential uncertainty he felt regarding their motives, he was still awkward with somewhat private social gatherings. He was just getting used to being around friends, so it was unknown whether he would be good company. Noticing she was still waiting for a response, he decided to test the waters.

“Uh, no, I'm not busy. Why?” he asked, but grunted in surprise as he heard his phone make another beeping noise, signifying a call waiting.

“Well,” Applejack was about to go on, but he stopped her.

“Oh, hold on, I'm getting another call.” Spike forgot to check the identification before he swapped to the other line. “Hello?”

“Yo Spike, are you in?!” Rainbow Dash's voice yelled at him over the line and he nearly fumbled the phone and dropped it in his shock. After all, she was literally right there with Applejack, there was no need for her to call him.

“W-What? In for what?” he stammered out in wonder.

“It's Dash, you little shit!” As if he couldn't tell. “Are you in for tonight?!”

“I don't know, why?” Spike switched the phone to his other ear, though it felt awkward on that one.

“Just fucking say yes, or I'll kick your ass!” Rainbow snapped at him, but there was more rustling and muttering as Applejack got her hands on the girl.

“Rainbow, get off th' phone!” Applejack's voice could be heard through their struggles.

“I’ll get off the phone or your lap, choose wisely!” Rainbow Dash said above their wrestling.

“Yes to what?” Spike wanted to know, keeping on topic.

“To hanging out with us!” both of their voices called out loudly over the phone, and again he had to pull it away from his ear.

Spike was not very good at letting people down, and even if he was, he wasn't sold on if that was what he wanted to do. Sure, the pair of them were loud and rough and goofy, but they were also his friends, and could be nice (well, Applejack anyway). Instead of relying on his usual indecision, he threw caution to the wind.

“Sure,” his acceptance of the proposal still sounded uneasy. “What are we—?”

“No time to explain! We'll grab you at eight!” Rainbow Dash excitedly told him.

“But you didn't—!” Spike blinked as he realized she had hung up on him.

He wasn’t sure if he wanted to sigh or laugh at the odd phone conversation, but he settled for just smiling and absently shaking his head as he put his phone back into his pocket. He let his hand linger in there and stretch at the seams, turning his attention back to the subject at hand: the whereabouts of Rarity.

Checking all her usual spots left him with no leads, and browsing the hallways had him coming up empty. This meant he had but one option left if he wanted to talk to her: he would have to go down to her boutique. Normally going over to a friend’s house would seem like no big deal, for most people anyway, but Spike was less than comfortable showing up unannounced. Still, Rarity had told him that if anything ever bothered him, she would be willing to listen. Those words were what kept his feet moving in the direction of that same beautiful boutique.

After a few minutes, Spike relieved that Felix didn’t decide to take this day to wander towards the mall, the boutique came into sight. It wasn’t on the edge of town, yet it was enough to be considered out of the way. The decor and building itself certainly stuck out, however, being various shades of purple, pink and peach amidst the red brick and brown wooden buildings. Spike had asked why she chose such a location when he was younger, and the only response he got was a lack of funds for an inner city location. The dead centre of Manehattan would surely have boosted the business, though.

Finding himself in front of the door, he once more went to knock on it. Same as last time, his hand stopped before he knocked and he found himself staring at the wood yet again. Sighing, he let his hand fall to his side and checked the time on his phone.

“3:28 PM,” he muttered. Pocketing the phone, he began to ponder what he’d say. “Good afternoon, Rarity. Sorry for stopping by unannounced but there’s something I wish to discuss about in an articulate conversation for the purpose of elaborating and expanding upon our mutual friendship.”

Stopping, he gave himself a light slap on the forehead before glancing at the fancy patterns engraved on the door as a means to distract himself. Briefly, he ran his fingers through the fine wood, applying a bit of force to test it before speaking once more.

“Miss Rarity, I’ve been having a few issues and I figured I’d come to you. Maybe we’ll discuss it right away, or we can discuss it over lunch sometime, my treat.” Spike paused, shaking his head with a groan. “No, she’s busy. She has work, that’s why Twilight tutors her… she’s so busy.”

Slouching forward, he pressed his head against the door, clenching his eyes as he struggled to figure out his words. As usual, his mind was blank while being full at the same time; nothing formed properly, no sentence yet a thousand images and descriptors of his deepest emotions ran through his conscience.

‘Love. She’s beautiful. She’s an amazing person... I think you’re an amazing person and I love you with all my heart. I see the subtle movements you make, I can see when you’re happy or pretending to be happy. I can see when you’re holding back tears. I can see the smile you make when you’re in love. I can see Rarity… I can see you, not some imaginary version of you that never gets sick or mad and is always beautiful and happy. I know there are cons to each person, nobody is perfect… and I’m fine with that. I love you, Rarity.’

Yet he could never admit that. He wasn’t someone she could love. He was a young boy with no clear future, not somebody she could rely on in a financial crisis or when needing a shoulder to cry on; he’d most likely be too shocked to even say ‘hi’ when she came by.

“Rarity, I wanna talk to you. Alrighty? You’re a friend, and I don’t talk enough, so let’s talk. Talking is a free action and even if it wasn’t, I’d still give it to you for free,” Spike blabbered, feeling a small smile force itself upon his face.

An unnoticed giggle sounded in the background as Spike continued.

“Hey, sorry, I know we don’t talk much, but I’d like to change that. Maybe become closer friends, or maybe just get to know the one who designed my jersey. Maybe pay for you and your crush to go to a movie. Maybe do some labour for you helping dresses and such. Y’know, good stuff,” Spike said, straightening his back as he began to loosen up.

Grinning, Spike nodded his head as he felt confident that he’d know what to say upon knocking on the door. Unfortunately, his confidence vanished immediately.

“Spike, that sounds lovely and all but you don’t have to do all that,” Rarity’s voice called out from behind him.

Spinning around, Spike saw Rarity’s face and lost his balance, falling back against the door as he chuckled nervously, struggling to speak beyond a single word. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he began.

“R-Rarity, hi. Nice weather we’re having. House, yours, so I came here. Talk and such, with you. Mutual expansion. Kinda wanted to, y’know?” he stuttered, folding his arms and looking into the distance.

“Spike, don’t be so surprised.” Rarity giggled as she stepped forward. “It’s not like you have to make small talk with me.”

Feeling his heart pounding, Spike watched as Rarity continued forward, getting ever closer to him until she was merely a foot away and their eyes met. Spike’s jaw hung slightly open while Rarity let out a chuckle.

“Spike, would you kindly move to the side for a moment? I have to unlock the front door,” she told him, holding up and jiggling a keychain in front of him.

The little metal ring shook back and forth, each movement studied by Spike as he realized a few seconds later what she had said. Face flushing red, he immediately shuffled to the side, nearly falling into a bush. Glancing over, he saw Rarity fumble a bit with the keys, muttering something about an old lock before it clicked. Retracting the key, she opened the door and stepped inside, removing a maroon scarf. Spike identified the maroon scarf as being one of the few proper Hearths Warming Eve gifts he got for he; yet he still insisted that it be in Twilight’s name, to avoid possible questions and embarrassment.

She removed her windbreaker as well, revealing a form-fitting black turtleneck sweater. He once more had to fight the urge to stare at her chest, especially after earlier. moving his tongue through the dryness of his mouth, he dumbly stood outside, leaning against the doorframe while adjusting his backpack straps. Turning around, Rarity stared at him for a second before he understood what she was silently telling him.

“Ah, right, sorry,” Spike said, his head dropping as he chuckled, stepping inside the boutique.

He didn’t have a sweater to remove so he left his bag on the coatrack. Looking around the lobby of the boutique, he scanned several mannequins displaying one of her more mass-produced models. Although unique here, some of her designs were more cheaper ones made for mass production. They were noticeably different in quality and he knew both he and Rarity secretly despised them. His eyes were drawn to some more formal wear, presumably Christmas parties judging by the more winter-inspired design. She had gotten an early start and Spike smiled as he examined the elaborate look.

“My apologies, Spike, but it is a bit messy,” she told him bashfully, letting her bag strap slide off her shoulder as she proceeded into the kitchen.

“No worries, it’s your place. Don’t apologize to me,” Spike said, waving it off.

He stayed in the centre of the lobby as Rarity was busy in the kitchen. His eyes glanced towards the stairs and they trailed up to the hallway, which was where most of the home portion was in the boutique. He wondered what it was like up there, briefly envying Twilight’s many ventures to her room during the sleepovers. He stopped thinking that, opting to imagine what Rarity was doing in the kitchen. His questions were answered as she immediately stepped out, carrying a tray with two cups and what looked like several graham crackers with cheese. Shrugging, Spike stepped forward.

“Would you like some help with that?” he asked politely, extending his arms forward.

“Well, sure,” Rarity agreed, hesitating for a moment before handing it over to Spike.

Their eyes met and he did his best to give her a reassuring smile before walking towards a nearby table, setting the tray down. Without much prompt, Rarity pulled out one of the fancy chairs, elegantly setting herself down. Spike attempted to do the same, only to slide the chair forwards and get a horrible screech from the metal chair leg scraping against the ground. Both of them winced, eyes closed in response before opening. Rarity had a little smile on her face as Spike nervously looked, waiting for a response before the former’s smile calmed him down.

“Spike, you are just so precious. It’s also a little worrying,” she said suddenly.

Spike shifted momentarily as he struggled to find words the more he looked at her. He frowned for a moment, staring into her eyes as she took a small sip from her cup. It was Maharaja Chai Oolong tea with three teaspoons of sugar and a bit of cream; two-thirds of a teaspoon swirled in the cup for forty-four to forty-eight seconds. Spike had recognized her usual routine for years and inadvertently copied her. As he was preparing his tea, he glanced down at the crackers briefly; marble cheese ordered from Canterlot.

“How so? I’m a little awkward to be around, sure. But I mean, I’m not that bad, am I?” he asked, placing his spoon on the tray before taking a sip.

“No no, nothing like that. I mean—” Rarity paused, scrunching her nose up in a brief moment of thought. Glancing down at her tea then back to Spike, she smiled. “Well, you have a tendency to go it alone. You’re not very adept at fitting in, akin to Twilight when I had first met her. You were one of us at first but slowly, you drifted away as if you were finding your own group. Maybe other boys to play with, but you didn’t. You’d sit alone at lunchtime, or you stayed in the classrooms, and other times you’d reject any invitations to events even if your face lit up quite a bit at first.”

She stared at Spike, patiently waiting for an answer. Spike merely kept his gaze, his mind reeling with other thoughts. Rarity maintained her smile, doing her best to listen.

“Rarity, what would you do if you were being bothered?” Spike asked abruptly, hardly responding to her observations. “I mean, like, if something was bothering you and you couldn’t do anything no matter how much you tried; all attempts failing?”

“Bothered, dear?” Rarity’s expression softened and Spike somehow knew what she was thinking. It clicked in both their minds and Rarity let Spike talk, the boy setting his cup down on the tray.

“Walking to and from school. Daily activity, constantly wondering if you’ll be ‘bothered’ or not. Or going a day wondering if you’ll get out there. Constantly fearing rejection even when one’s own socially awkward sibling has succeeded more than you. Knowing you’re twice as big as the one that ‘bothers’ you, yet, you can never bring yourself to do anything about it… and anytime that you do, you still fail.” Spike leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he faced the floor between his legs, just so he couldn’t see Rarity’s knowing face. “Always the underdog. Listening quietly, waiting until you’re so far back that only a forty-foot leap could save you from your little pit of depression. And I fear that it’ll end with some broken bones, although whose broken bones, I don’t know.”

A pregnant silence occurred, broken only by some clock in the house chiming as well as Rarity sipping her tea. Spike took this moment to throw a few slices of cheese atop a few graham crackers, eating them quickly. As he finished, Spike cleared his mouth and faced Rarity, whose gaze drifted downwards and she spoke.

“Spike, how long?” she inquired, slowly swirling her cup in her wrist. She had to say no more, he already knew what she was asking.

“About seven years, I’ve been ‘bothered’. Twi knows, and I’m sure Applejack knows too. Same with my brother, but not my parents. I forced them not to tell. I don’t want them fighting my battles, especially since they thought I was making it up the one time I did tell them.” Spike paused to eat another cracker, his voice lightening the more he spoke. “I don’t know how obvious it is to you girls, but I know for sure you, Applejack and Twilight know.” Eyes shifting up, Spike met Rarity’s eyes once more, this time with an element of pleading in the boy’s eyes. “How many people know?”

Rarity swallowed before standing up, holding a hand to her chin while folding her arms. A look of strong, forced focus was plastered on her pale skin and slowly, she walked towards Spike. Following suit, Spike stood up, predicting what it was Rarity was doing. Once more, her arms slid between his and wrapped around his body yet this time, Rarity squeezed Spike tightly against her. He let out a grunt before returning the hug, allowing him this one time to take in the feeling of her back. And although Scootaloo had bugged him earlier, he didn’t think dirty of the two soft mounds pressing against his chest. They were warm, just like her arms, and he resisted the urge to cry.

“I’m sure all of the girls know… except perhaps Rainbow. It’s just something that has been there. I wasn’t sure at first, I wondered if it had persisted, but I did notice it then, seven years ago. I saw how you slowly drifted apart and I felt responsible, because I did nothing to prevent it. I was always told to leave you be, Twilight fearing any action may have made you felt weak and hopeless. I’m sorry, Spike,” she spoke softly, her voice vibrating against his chest.

“Don’t be. It was my fault I never told anyone,” Spike tried to ease her conscience, withholding his voice from being too loud.

“Spike—” Rarity purposefully let the silence hang as Spike started to wonder. Glancing down, Spike saw directly into Rarity’s eyes as she hid the rest of her face in his thick shirt, her eyes just showing from under her bangs. “You don’t have to hide it from anybody anymore. You never have to hide anything from me. We may have drifted apart, but I agree from your ramblings from earlier… I want to fix that. I want you to open up to me, and I want you to reach out. Be yourself and show off your positive side. A dashing smile with prominent boyish features, ones easily recognizable by anybody who bothered to look twice, and believe me, I’ve looked more than twice.”

Spike’s heartbeat increased once more as he felt emotions swelling up in his eyes. The past few days, he had been fighting it, yet now he didn’t care. He was going to open up for this girl that he loved, this girl that didn’t know he loved her. His body slouched over and he buried his head into her neck, sobbing quietly as tears streamed down his face, wetting her neck. Her hands soothingly caressed his back as he let loose pent up feelings for once and just as quickly as it started, he found himself feeling far better. He waited, allowing himself to be comforted as his emotions naturally calmed themselves. He leaned back, quickly wiping away the remaining moisture before focusing on Rarity, her hands on his hips and his at his sides.

“Sorry, I guess I’m not quite the man I thought I was,” Spike admitted shyly, chuckling as he sniffled.

“Spike, we’re eating cheese and crackers. We’re like little kids, alright? Don’t worry about it,” Rarity told him, stepping back.

“Right.” Quickly, they took their spots back at the table and Spike let out a long, drawn out sigh as Rarity continued sipping her tea. Spike gulped his down and folded his hands on his lap, waiting.

“After all, you’re far more real than any wannabe self-proclaimed ‘gangsters’ that offer to take me out, that must count for something.” Rarity attempted to lighten the mood with a wink.

“Well, thanks,” Spike said with a grin, feeling himself unable to fight the smile. He paused afterwards, staring at her face. “Wait, what do you mean ta—” His words were caught in his throat by a gulp, Rarity idly sipping her tea with closed eyes and a subtle grin hidden behind her cup. Spike only smiled in response as he relaxed a lot more, glancing off to the side to see the sun starting its descent. “Kinda glad I didn’t have practice today. I wouldn’t have been able to do it properly.”

“Can’t have you getting injured while distracted. I’m glad you came to me of all people, Spike.” Rarity seemed to have a grin plastered onto her face throughout the entire conversation, one that Spike noticed. “So, you’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like, Spike, but I must say that I may be a bit busy with my work.”

Spike’s ears twitched as he sat up straight, eyes widening. A large smile formed on his face that almost unsettled Rarity as she stared into his green eyes.

“Rarity, I can help with work,” Spike told her eagerly.

“Oh, it’s fine, Spike. I couldn’t ask that of you—”

Spike cut her off immediately. “But you didn’t ask me, I offered. I’m totally fine with it, I swear!” Spike leaned forward even more, his face heating up as excitement washed throughout his body.

Rarity set the cup down and couldn’t hold back a smile of her own at Spike’s insistence. Nodding her head, she folded her hands and grinned at him.

“Okay. If you insist,” she accepted, standing up.

Spike followed suit, his hands gripping the tray as he lifted it up. Just to reassure her, he smiled at Rarity as she sauntered towards the kitchen, Spike following her.

“Well, if I insist, I wonder what else I can insist,” Spike playfully joked, his voice almost breaking as he attempted to be witty.

“You can insist that I play favourites for little Spikey-Wikey!” Rarity’s voice was ripe with glee, making her enunciation sound heavenly to him.

‘God, I love that pet name,’ Spike thought, giggling as he thought back to all the times she’d called him that.

After that, Rarity had managed to put the both of them to work on several Hearts Warming dresses, just as he predicted. Rarity had attempted to instruct him on where several things were, only for Spike to seemingly automatically know. Each time she asked why, she got the same answer.

“Just a hunch.”

Spike merely knew where would be most convenient for each fabric or material needed for a job like this, as well as what fabrics there were due to his listening to her talk about the passion of dressmaking. Every time Rarity was unsure or felt like she was overworking the boy, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything, as every time she looked over to Spike there was always a massive smile on his face when he thought she wasn’t looking. Rarity smiled back, thinking him such a little darling.

Before he could even hope to check his watch, for doing so would remind him of just how little time he had left or bring him back to reality, the evening had slipped between the still drapes and stretched across the carpeting. Not that Spike cared to notice, his eyes and hands were constantly busied with duties and chores he had long since imagined helping Rarity with. His ears, however, could not help but notice as the hours chimed on, though it was more melodic and pleasant than anything.

As he held the other end of a measuring tape along the full length of one of Rarity’s works, he noticed the half-past chime ring once, a single elegant tune. Once Rarity had written the correct measurement, she instructed him to help her move the dressed mannequin over to the mirrors so that she could sew with adequate vision. Spike was very gentle with the false person in his arms, careful not to wrinkle the clothing or bruise the pale pretend skin.

Honk!

If the alarmingly loud honking did not force him to drop the mannequin, the vibrating of his cellphone is his pocket did. He fumbled the human-shaped object and managed to roughly get a hold of it before it hit the ground, though he stood awkwardly with one of its arms slung behind his head and a leg upright in his arm. As headlights flashed into the window, both he and Rarity turned and gaped at the source of the shock.

“Yo, we know you’re in there, you little wankstain!” some obnoxiously brutish voice broke in through the thin panes of glass and slapped Spike in the face. “Quit fucking the seamstress and get the hell out here, you’re late!”

“Is that Rainbow Dash?” Rarity asked as if it wasn’t clear enough, and she and Spike looked at each other in confusion.

“I don’t think anyone could mistake that shouting,” Spike realized his phone was still going off as he placed the mannequin down in the desired spot. He read that same familiar name across his caller ID and remembered at once the last conversation he had had on his phone. “Oh, right. What time is it?”

“8:34,” Rarity told him as she peered over at the clock.

“I really am late. Sorry Rarity, but I kind of told Rainbow Dash and Applejack that I would hang out with them tonight,” Spike murmured as he dug his eyes into the bright screen in his hands, blushing with embarrassment at his sudden realization.

“Really? To do what?” she innocently asked as she ripped a corner of her measurements page off and pressed it against the clipboard in her hands.

“I really don’t know. They called me earlier, and between the shouting and what sounded like wrestling, I agreed to whatever they’re kidnapping me for. I’m really sorry,” Spike grumbled as he finished setting the mannequin down while the horn continued to blare on and off like they were arguing about it.

“It’s quite alright, Spike, it is polite to honour prior engagements.” Rarity smiled at his dedication—though it was groundless considering the girl he had promised it to—and finished scribbling something across the ripped corner of paper.

“Anytime now! Go ahead and keep me waiting, see what happens!” Rainbow’s voice cracked as her octaves slipped about.

“Again, I’m so sorry, if you need me to stop by and help you out again, I’m more than willing,” Spike told her with furious nods as his phone started to vibrate again and his fluster grew more apparent.

“You’ve done enough this evening, thank you very much for your help,” Rarity led him to the door though his steps were faster.

“Rainbow’s going to kill me,” Spike muttered as he slipped his shoes on, though the backs were pressed by his heels and the tongues stuck out weirdly. He went to grab the doorknob.

“Don’t forget this.” Rarity held his backpack out to him, and his eyes widened with realization.

“Oh, sorry, again.” He took it from her and managed a bashful smile. “And thank you very much for having me over, and the tea too.”

“Don’t worry about it, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity’s smile almost stopped him from leaving altogether, but the constant honking and shouting kept him on his toes.

“I guess I’ll see you later, tomorrow at school or something,” he continued as he pried the door open and winced at the headlights scraping in. As he was about to take off, Rarity’s hand fell on his.

“You forgot this, too.” She giggled as she pulled his fingers open and placed the ripped, now folded piece of paper into his hand, closing it up afterwards.

“While I’m young and beautiful, please!” Rainbow’s voice tugged at him to keep moving.

“Um, I did?” Spike winced as a horn blared out above the fighting of the girls in the vehicle. He had little other choice than to hurriedly shove the piece of paper into his pocket without looking at it. “Thanks again Rarity, for everything. Have a good night.”

“Yes, you too.” She waved him off with a pleasant smile as he ran over to the vehicle, realizing it was the same truck that picked him up when Applejack drove him home last.

“Sorry ‘bout all that racket, Rare,” Applejack apologized out the driver’s side window with a nervous smile as Rainbow Dash climbed off of Applejack—and the steering wheel horn—and sat down into her own seat. “You know how impatient she is.”

“And now the whole shopping district knows.” Rarity laughed lightly as Spike hopped into the back behind Rainbow Dash. “Have a good evening, you three.”

“It’s always a good time with me!” Rainbow Dash grinned out the window and gestured a false salute to Rarity as Applejack put the truck into gear and began pulling away. “Especially for Applejack!”

Spike settled into the back of the truck shyly and pulled the seat belt over his body, trying twice before clicking it in right due to the falling darkness. He didn’t say anything at first, afraid in case they were angry that he had forgotten the first set of social plans he had agreed to in as long as he could remember. Applejack’s eyes flashed up at him in the rearview mirror, but he avoided them.

“Y’had us worried when we heard y’didn’t go home,” Applejack told him simply, her voice light and genuine.

“Yeah, but we figured as a teenage boy, your libido would be making the decisions,” Rainbow Dash snickered as she hung her arm out the window and let the wind blow through her colourful hair, flicking it around and causing the brim of Applejack’s cowboy hat to sway.

“Twilight said she saw y’lookin’ for Rarity b’fore she took off,” the farmer stated more realistically as she turned the truck down a wider street.

“Sorry,” Spike merely muttered to his hands in his lap, which turned orange and yellow as passing streetlights leaked over them.

“Shove your ‘sorry’ up your ass,” Rainbow Dash snorted as she kicked her feet up on the dashboard, something that bothered Applejack. “You’re here now, right? You’re only going to be sorry you weren’t here sooner, kicking it with some awesome mother fuckers.”

“D’you even hear yourself talkin’ sometimes?” Applejack laughed at her choice of wording, which she found rather hilarious.

“Over your moaning? Barely.” Rainbow slyly winked at her friend while she was distracted switching lanes and doing shoulder checks.

“Where are we going?” Spike peeped up as he noticed the familiarity of the route.

“Don’t ruin the surprise, you turd, we’re almost there.” Rainbow Dash crossed one foot over the other, and Applejack frowned at the carelessness.

“Get y’feet down, this is Mac’s truck, r’member? He ain’t gonna be happy if Ah take it back with footprints on th’ console.” Applejack reached over and swatted at Rainbow’s legs.

“Maybe he’ll think we did it.” Rainbow laughed, implying something less than innocent as she moved farther away so Applejack couldn’t reach her.

It did not take much longer before they came upon a building Spike had subconsciously guessed was a potential destination. Applejack pulled around past a familiar parking lot and continued close around a building they all spent much time in. Spike leaned over to the other seat to get a better look, having rarely seen Manehattan Secondary School at night.

The truck came around the rear of the school and lurched to a stop behind the entrance to what Spike knew as the football field. He frowned in confusion as he wondered what they might be doing there, and looked around for some kind of security or something. Rainbow Dash kicked her door open suddenly and yanked Spike’s open readily afterwards.

“Move your ass, kid, we’re here.” Rainbow barked at him as he fumbled to undo his seatbelt, feeling the brisker evening air slinking in through the now ajar door.

Rainbow Dash grabbed him by the collar and heaved him out of the truck, slamming the doors shut with violent swings of her arms. Spike fixed his shirt as Rainbow leaned back in through her still open window.

“You going to go park?” Rainbow asked as Applejack put the truck back into gear.

“Yea’, go on ahead,” she replied easily with a nod.

“Don’t keep me waiting, babe.” Rainbow slapped her palm on the truck twice and let her drive off. “And don’t forget the goods!”

Spike furrowed his brow as he watched Applejack take off, choosing to park somewhere far away from the entrance. Rainbow glared down at him as she noticed him staring at the truck. With a rough shove that directed him to start moving, she put herself between Spike and any view of the vehicle.

“Don’t even think about it. She’s mine,” Rainbow spat protectively as she dragged Spike after her.

“I wasn’t!” he argued honestly as he caught up to his own feet.

It was clear that this was not Rainbow’s first time sneaking into the football field, as she knew exactly where to go and how to get past any security measures. They hopped a small barricade to get up to the stands, which were usually portioned off unless a faculty member was around to open it up. The rest of the field seemed open to the public, as there were trails that led around it and open edges of the fence on either far side.

Rainbow Dash jumped up onto the bleachers and balanced expertly as she walked along a seat to the middle, though it would have been easier to go the way Spike did and follow the wide aisle. Finding her way almost exactly to the middle, Rainbow strode seat-by-seat up until she was pleased with her view of the field. She plopped down at once and bent her arms up behind her head, leaning against the seat behind her as Spike made his way to her side.

Spike took the silent moment to observe his football captain, in all her careless glory. Unlike Scootaloo, she was somewhat more mature about the way she dressed, though not much more. On such a cool evening, he would have expected to clearly outline Scootaloo’s perky nipples, but Rainbow Dash had opted to wear a bra, assumably, and a hoodie. Not that he was disappointed, he knew better than to even attempt to ogle Rainbow Dash. Not only would she have kicked his ass, but she was obviously not interested in his type, and her brash attitude did not inspire much sexual attention. Well, not from Spike.

“Are we allowed to be doing this?” Spike asked cautiously as he came up beside Rainbow and sat a good few feet away.

“In case you haven't noticed, bub, I'm not exactly shooting for role model of the year.” She snickered as she crossed her ankles over the seat in front of her. “Besides, it was Applejack's idea.”

“It was?” Spike was surprised to hear that Applejack was behind something like this.

“Yeah well, me and her do this now and then,” Rainbow Dash explained fondly as she looked up, a smile gracing her features. “But today, she said that we should bring you along, you know, as long as you don't snitch or anything.”

“No, I won't,” he said certainly, shaking his head several times.

“Good, because I'd hate to have to shank you or put a hit out on you or something.” Rainbow glanced over at him with a narrow gaze.

Somehow, she seemed even less concerned with her speech than Scootaloo was, just spouting whatever curse or or concept crossed her mind. But there was something very different about the two that Spike could not put his finger on. It was clear that the younger girl had modeled herself after Dash, but it almost seemed like she missed the mark. He hardly got more time to think about it, as Rainbow Dash sat up suddenly and this big, goofy smile melted over her lips.

“Ah, there's my girl,” she mused expectantly, leaning closer to address the farmer who was just climbing up the bleachers now. Spike could see something in her hand, some large, square object, but he could not identify it. “You got the booze, AJ?”

“Booze?!” Spike gulped in anxiety and shock.

“O'course Ah did, Ah'm th' responsible one, r'member?” Applejack confirmed as she neared them, though she chuckled a bit as she heard herself speak. “Guess Ah can't really say responsible when Ah bring a six pack to a sixteen-year-old boy, now can Ah?”

Applejack placed the cardboard box on the step below Spike and Rainbow Dash, before stepping over it and swinging into the vacant space between them. Spike stared at the box with a mixture of uncertainty and anticipation, but he was not sure how to react to it. Rainbow Dash did not seem to have the same issue, as she greedily grabbed a bottle and slapped her pockets in search of a bottle opener.

“Um, I don't know what to say,” Spike finally mumbled, his eyes glued to the foreign beverages. “I've never drank before.”

“Oh, don't worry, we won't letcha drink much, just thought it'd be a nice treat,” Applejack smiled pleasantly as she took one by the glass neck and lifted it out of the box, waiting for the bottle opener from Rainbow. “M'brother used t'give me one or two whenever w'had serious talks, made us seem like equals, y'know?”

“You think so?” Spike watched her carefully, looking for lies. Of course, if she had been lying, he would hardly have to observe her to figure it out.

Applejack nodded lightly as Rainbow handed her the bottle opener, and she easily flipped the lid off. She handed it to Spike, who wasn’t sure the correct way to hold it. With a gentle sigh and a comforting voice, Applejack spoke directly to the younger boy.

“Lotta times Ah find th' world treats y'like a kid, even when y'ain't one,” she told him, and it seemed very true to him.

This whole thing caught him entirely off guard, especially coming from Applejack, but before even taking a sip, Spike could feel warmth inside his chest. Perhaps there was much that he did not know about Applejack. After casually knocking her hat back into a more comfortable place, she calmly looped her arms over the seat behind her, each arm trailing behind the backs of both Rainbow and Spike. He brought the bottle to his lips and tasted the beverage, defining it as beer from the label. He assumed he was right as the liquid cooled his tongue, though he had nothing to base the flavour on.

“Enough talking AJ, crack open a cold one already!” Rainbow Dash violently grabbed a bottle and tried to force Applejack to take it.

“Ah’m drivin’, don’t tempt me,” Applejack pushed it away with a grumble.

“Oh, I could tempt you a lot better than that,” Rainbow licked her lips and scootched right up beside her best friend, their bodies meeting.

Applejack didn’t bother moving her arm from around the girl, and instead opted to allow her advances. In fact, it almost seemed like she enjoyed the closeness. They were very good friends after all, Applejack surely enjoyed having her near for some reason or another. Spike watched over the nose of the bottle, which tipped slowly up as more went down his throat, while the usually bickering pair got cosy.

“Did I mention how awesome you are, AJ?” Rainbow cooed as she took great big gulps of the light golden liquid like it tasted of heaven.

“Once ‘r twice, maybe,” Applejack murmured as she watched her boisterous friend chug the beverage without moderation.

“Bottoms up, bitches!” Dash shouted as the bottle stood up vertically against her lips and emptied. As she completed it, a satisfied gasp escaped her lips, and she reached for another.

“Take it easy, sugarcube,” the farmer warned her, though she allowed her to clumsily reach between her legs to snag another drink. With a huffed laugh, Applejack turned to the young boy on her other side. “Whadd’ya think, Spike?”

“It’s, I don’t know, tastey I guess,” Spike tried to word it, swiveling it around in the bottle like he thought something was wrong with it.

“Y’ain’t gotta be shy or nothin’, you’re gonna give it a shot eventually, might’s well be with a couple’a friends,” Applejack eased him into it, the strictness she often displayed in training seemingly absent.

Spike looked over at the girl with the same curious admiration or respect he always showed her, even if he was one of the only ones who did. She always seemed older than the other girls, very independant and kind, supportive and somehow intuitive. He may not have known her too well yet, but he was glad to have her as a friend. And she was so trusting, even of a young boy who had so many things rattling around in his head. His sister would snatch anything bad out of his hands and scold him, his brother might tease him, and others might judge or condemn, but it seemed Applejack just accepted him and let him be.

“Thanks, Applejack,” Spike spoke softly, a smile crossing his lips.

Applejack was right, holding this beer in his hand did indeed make him feel like he was on equal ground with the girl. Here she was not a member of his sister’s crowd, she was not his football superior, nor an upperclassman; here they were just friends.

“Don’t mention it,” that same old crooked smile hung from her freckled cheeks, and dimples defined the edges perfectly symmetrically.

Surprised by the carbonation twisting in his stomach, Spike accidentally let out a rather rude belch, slamming his hand over his mouth immediately. Applejack began laughing and weaved her fingers through his hair, messing it up with a few quick ruffles. Before he could stammer an apology, Rainbow Dash released a burp even louder than his own. A brief silence of Spike and Applejack turning to look at her followed, until all of them broke into laughs at once.

As the laughter faded, the three looked out over the football field, somewhere that seemed very different in the light of day than it did in the darkness. The lights were not glowing over it, conservation of power more important than lighting an empty stadium; besides the nights when the grass was cut or the lines were painted. Still, there was something almost surreal and comforting about the silence and vacancy of it. Spike swallowed another several sips, ignoring the odd flavour in favour of the effect he was eager to learn of.

Spike remembered then that Rainbow Dash had mentioned something about her and Applejack doing this same sort of thing sometimes. He felt kind of happy hearing that he was invited into some tradition of theirs, but he didn’t really want to bring it up. Still, in the quiet and empty bleachers, he found himself wondering why is was they bothered going all the way out there at all. And all they were really doing was sitting there, not doing anything productive or worthwhile. Not like helping Rarity with her work or getting books for Twilight from the library and helping her research, this seemed too simple.

“So, what’s the point of this, anyway?” Spike found it difficult to keep his thoughts in his head, possibly due to the substance he sipped at over and over, despite not being too particularly fond of it.

“To get drunk, dipshit,” Rainbow said over the mouth of the bottle, not concerned about choking as she drank while insulting him.

“That ain’t what he meant,” Applejack murmured blankly, watching Rainbow shrug and give her the lead on this question. Leaning back against the bleachers and casting a glance over at Spike, Applejack answered him, “Not everythin’s gotta have a point, y’know? Sometimes it’s nice t’just sit with friends an’ stare at a big empty space.”

“I’m not sure whether that’s philosophical or lame, but I guess I’ll agree,” Rainbow Dash suggested with a smirk. “To everything except the friends part.”

Applejack avoided Rainbow’s gaze as her hands perused her body, one slipping over her thigh and the other tracing her spine. Despite the shiver that shook her, Applejack still didn’t push her away. She did chuckle though, and fought off the creeping blush as Rainbow’s lips neared her neck.

“Keep it in your pants,” Applejack told her while she continued to force the laugh.

“I’d rather get in yours.” Rainbow’s voice fell into sultry murmurs again, and Applejack held back a whimper at the pleasant feeling she got from the attention.

Applejack kept her head turned away in fear of facing the indecision or playful temptation, and hoped the collar of her jacket was enough to keep Rainbow’s advances at bay. Just as she was about to cross some imaginary line and touch her friend’s neck with her lips, she suddenly stopped and traded the warmth of Applejack’s skin for the mouth of a cold bottle. Applejack pursed her lips distantly, pretending she had anticipated nothing more.

Spike wouldn’t admit it, but he liked to watch them fool around like that. It was comforting, the push and pull bickering and flirtation between them, and yet their friendship was so solid. It was something even he could rely on. Besides that, it sure was funny at times.

A six pack sure didn’t seem like enough for Rainbow Dash at the rate she was drinking, but Spike didn’t want to risk anything more. Though there really was no point in any of it, Spike found himself enjoying the company, and enjoying the simplicity of it. Another beer or two back for Rainbow Dash had her almost draped over Applejack, her hand resting over the farmer’s leg like it was her own.

“Man, this is the life,” Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and leaned back, tipping her head over Applejack’s arm and leaning against her.

“Y’know, we’ll be playin’ right here in almost no time. Next game’s just ‘round th’ corner,” Applejack reminded them.

“You think we’re ready?” Spike asked as he ran the last few sips over his tongue.

“If not, we’re gettin’ there fast.” Applejack nodded with assurance.

Spike continued to stare out at the field, but Applejack’s affirmation did little to soothe his worries. He really, really didn’t want to lose again. It would just give Felix another reason to pick on him, and it would flush his self esteem down the can. Without thinking, he roughly placed the empty bottle back into the case and grabbed another, cracking it open with the bottle opener left by the rest of them. Applejack watched carefully as he forced several cold sips down his throat.

“Somethin’ tells me that ain’t the only thing on y’mind,” she revealed slowly, her voice cool and calm.

“It’s nothing,” Spike said as if it was second nature to brush it off.

“That ‘nothin’ sure seems heavy, then,” Applejack murmured in a breezy hush, letting the evening air take the syllables away.

“Don’t worry about it.” He took a drink to try and come up with some reasonable answer, “I just don’t want to lose.”

“Don’t wanna lose, huh?” Applejack chuckled again, her modestly bundled-up yet sizable chest heaved up and down with each breath. “That sure sounds familiar, don’ it Rainbow? Rainbow?”

Applejack and Spike both leaned forward to get a better look at the girl, Spike having to lean farther due to his greater distance from her, only to find her shift closer to Applejack, her head rolling onto the farmer’s strong shoulder. Smiling gently, Applejack adjusted her body so that it was more comfortable for her friend, who nuzzled against her chest and got comfortable there.

“She's fast asleep already, huh?” Applejack chuckled lightly, careful not to wake the girl in her arms. Her eyes remained on the resting girl, whose usual volume and bravado was kept silent by her exhaustion. “Ah gotta admit it, she is kinda cute like that, ain't she?”

“Hah, I'm sure she'd love to hear that,” Spike mentioned quietly as he realized how very human she looked just snuggling up to Applejack.

“You're prob'ly right,” Applejack faintly nodded, her eyes softening further as the arm wrapped behind Rainbow came around her and rubbed her shoulder. “Not that she'd ever tell no one, but th' lil' scamp does work herself pretty darn hard.”

“And here I thought she just lazed around and made sexual jokes about you,” he prodded at her with a cheeky smile, brought on by the light haze of intoxication he had begun to feel.

“Sometimes people 're more than what'cha think,” Applejack fondly brushed Rainbow’s bangs out of her way, an adoring smile finding its way onto her expression. She leaned in closer, her voice so hushed it could never be heard outside of the three of them, “D'spite all those obnoxious habits o' hers, Ah do love the girl.”

Spike blinked in surprise at the words, but more in bewildered shock as Applejack moved closer to her friend and pressed her lips against her. He leaned further forward to get a better look, and realized that she had kissed the sleeping girl right on her forehead. Somehow he was uncertain how to categorize the kiss, be it friendly or familial or more. He did not know enough about types of love to define them, and something like this caught him entirely off guard. Applejack lingered for a good few seconds before slowly pulling away, while Rainbow Dash slept on obliviously.

“Love, huh,” Spike grumbled almost cynically, the word seeming false in some way.

He remembered the face of Rarity, who he got to spend most of the day with, and again his heart sped up to great thuds. He remembered then that she had handed him something on his way out, and began fumbling through his pockets to find it. Along with some lint and an old wrapper of something, he found the folded piece of paper, which had a few extra wrinkles from his clothing. As he opened it wider, his eyes too grew wide.

There, so elegantly scribed on the ripped piece of paper, was Rarity’s phone number, all ten digits. Above it, she had signed her name, as if he could ever forget it. His face flushed, and not just from the alcohol, as he held the paper so delicately between his large fingers. Applejack peeked over his shoulder and read it, recognizing it right away as the real deal. With a simple smile, she let him revel in it for a moment before speaking.

“She don’t give that t’just anyone, y’know,” she teased, and that made it feel all the more valuable in his hands.

And yet, his eyes dropped, holding the number farther away from his face. This little, worthless corner of paper was so darn precious to him, and he knew he did not deserve it. What good was he to merit something like that? A lame, weak little boy who didn’t even have faith in himself? It did not seem right of the world to dangle things like that before his very eyes.

“Somethin’ wrong, sugarcube?” Applejack’s kind voice urged him to speak, but he chewed on his answer for a while.

“Why me? Why would she give this to me? I’m just some little kid, some half-baked wannabe,” Spike almost whispered, his hands shaking. “Life is so cruel.”

“Sounds like ain’t no one as hard on you, as you,” she guessed, but Spike did not feel the same.

“Yeah, right,” he sarcastically scoffed, shoving the crumpled piece of paper back into his pocket.

Applejack just watched him again, his tone so low it almost hurt to hear. With a long sigh, she let the mood drop to solemn or contemplative. She knew well that there was something Spike was not saying, but she was not the type to force it out of him, she would not push him. Something in his behaviour was very familiar to her though, the anger and sense of futility or self-loathing. It was not something one could just punch or scream out, not something one could just talk though; not so easily anyway, and probably not with her.

“Y'seem a little down, Spike,” Applejack began bluntly, not much for beating around the bush. “Ah ain't gonna ask about it or nothin', Ah jus' want you t'know that people notice, an' people care. Ah'm always 'round if y'need anythin', y'hear?”

“Alright,” Spike didn’t know what to say, he didn’t really want to get into it. “Thanks anyway.”

There was another pause of silence, and Applejack outlined the scenery in front of her with her gaze. It looked different when the overhead lights were on, for sure, but since they were not, the stars came out above it all.

“Well,” Applejack cleared her throat and shuffled against Rainbow Dash. “This field o’ ours, it sure is pretty, for a useless hunk’a land.”

“Looks like any other,” Spike shrugged, and Applejack frowned to hear him brushing her off.

Applejack removed her hand from behind Spike and again moved her hat, pulling it down a bit and fixing it to her skull. She began to stand suddenly, lifting Rainbow Dash carefully off her arm and laying her down on the bleacher. After adjusting the girl until she seemed comfortable, Applejack began to remove her jacket. Spike said nothing as she did, he just let her do whatever it was she was doing. Applejack laid her jacket over the sleeping Rainbow Dash and smoothed the wrinkles in it, making sure to cover most of her slim body. Again, her eyes shifted to Spike.

“C’mere,” Applejack started down the bleachers at once, stepping down from seat to seat.

“What?” Spike gawked at her, holding his half finished beer by the neck.

“Jus’ follow me, will ya?” Applejack turned back around and flashed him another genuine smile before reaching out and grabbing his hand, pulling him to his feet.

Swallowing as much of his beer as he could in such rushed seconds, he nearly dropped it onto his seat before taking her orders. Spike moved his numbing legs desperately to try and keep up with her as she strode down the seats, leading him down to the field. He wanted to ask her intentions, but he kept his mouth firmly shut all the while. Finally, she jumped over the small guard rail and landed on the grass, which had begun to salt with moisture from the damp evening air. Spike did the same, feeling the tingle in his feet as they hit the hard ground.

Continuing onto the field without hesitation, Applejack placed her hands on her hips and took a few good looks around her. Spike followed at a slower pace, his eyebrows dropping over his eyes suspiciously. Her body was something of a beacon when surrounded by this great, dark field, and he noticed then the defined hourglass shape she often hid with jackets or football gear.

She stopped suddenly in the middle of the field, and stared at the visitor’s end zone. The scoreboard was but a dark square hanging out past the other bleachers, and was ominously silent for once instead of shouting about their failures. She moved the toe of her boot from side to side, pushing the grass and feeling it give way easily. Spike was beside her then, but he couldn’t think of what to say.

“Look ‘round you,” Applejack started softly. “Th’ field sure seems big when you’re in it, don’ it?”

“Yeah,” Spike understood that, either end zone seeming to lay at the extent of his vision besides the fencing.

“Here we stand, right on it. And Ah bet, somehow, y’ain’t seein’ it much clearer than y’might of up in th’ stands,” she went on, and Spike was unsure of what she was trying to say. “When you’re out here for a practice ‘r a game, do y’notice the measure o’ grass? Or for that matter, any few blades that ain’t cut the same as th’ others? Ah sure as sugar don’t.”

“The grass,” Spike repeated as he looked down at his own feet, noticing the few blades that stuck out taller around his shoes.

“An’ when this whole darn place is stuffed up, it’s kinda hard t’see the end zone, ain’t it?” she asked as she turned at her hip to look back at him. “Stands too, seem real far away right then. An’ Ah betcha sometimes y’can’t even see the players standin’ next t’you.”

Spike looked up at her, and he could see her rather clearly despite the lack of light. But she was right, even when the lights were on, during a game he hardly noticed where the other players were. He was focused on something else. Still though, he didn’t quite get what she was going on about.

“What are you saying?” he asked carefully, his face remaining stoic and serious.

“Ah reckon Ah don’t rightly know,” she grinned sheepishly and forced a bit of a chuckle. “Just, with all them other things goin’ on, an’ how close y’are to it an’ all… it just sure is hard t’ see th’ good things sometimes; the grass, the team, the end... the girl.”

Applejack’s gaze shifted back to Rainbow Dash, who still slept on obliviously in the bleachers, laying comfortably under Applejack’s jacket. Her expression softened immediately as she caught sight of her best friend, who she had given her warmth for. Spike, whose hands had become somewhat chilly, realized that he had slipped them into his pockets. Inside, he was already thoughtlessly fingering the piece of paper that displayed Rarity’s number. He clenched it up into his palm between the folds of fabric.

'Sometimes, it is hard to see those things. Especially when there are other things bigger or more aggressive in your way,' Spike thought with a downcast expression, remembering how Scootaloo had kissed him and showed him things he had only before imagined on Rarity, remembering how Felix had riled him up and continued to captivate his thoughts even during football practice.

“That’s all fine, though,” Applejack went on with a shrug, snapping him out of his thoughts. “We’re only human, we gotta blink sometimes, don’t we?”

“I’m not sure I understand,” Spike found himself confessing, tilting his head and desiring an explanation.

The quarterback before him just stared at him for a moment, her eyes curious yet knowing. She broke into a pleasant grin, though it was crooked and lop-sided as usual, and shrugged again.

“Yea’, me neither,” she chuckled admittedly, turning back to face him as she began walking again. “Any who, Ah s’pose we should be gettin’ y’home.”

Applejack passed him in a casual step, letting him follow if he wanted to. She went back over to the bleachers and climbed up without trouble, knowing just where to grab and hoist. Spike had followed her, and she extended a hand to help him up after her. The field echoed with each step, Applejack’s boots clacking against the seats as she hopped back up towards Rainbow Dash.

Turning the sleeping girl onto her back, Applejack laid her jacket over top of Rainbow more securely. The farmer’s hands slipped under the crook of Rainbow’s knees and beneath her neck, carefully lifting her up. She teetered a bit with the struggle, but stood up straight as her captain shifted in her arms. Applejack smiled as Rainbow rubbed against her, resting her head on the plush rounds of Applejack’s chest in a much more innocent way than usual. Spike grabbed what little remained of the six pack and went after her.

It was difficult, but Applejack managed to get Rainbow Dash all the way back to the truck with little help from Spike. She got the younger boy to reach into her pocket to get the keys, which had made him very nervous and shy, though he did it with minimal fumbling and no inappropriate touching. He opened the passenger side and moved out of the way so Applejack could position Rainbow in the front seat while Spike climbed into the back. Applejack did up Rainbow’s seat belt and placed her jacket over the girl’s lap, dropping her seat back to help her relax.

Spike heard the piece of paper crinkle in his pocket as he jumped into the back seat, and pulled it out once more before even putting on his own seat belt. He could barely read the number until Applejack opened her own door, prompting the overhead light to flash again. It slowly burned out as she closed it behind her and put the keys into the ignition. Applejack wrapped her hand around the back of Rainbow’s seat as she went to pull out of the spot, and glanced down once or twice while doing so to look at what Spike stared at intently.

“You’re gonna lose that if y’ain’t careful,” she reminded him gently as she cranked the steering wheel. “Put it in y’phone already, she wants you t’have it.”

Spike jerked at the request, and looked up at Applejack to find she had turned back around. He caught her peeking over at Rainbow Dash once and then, but didn’t say anything about it. His thumb ran absently over the face of the paper again and again as if he could feel the numbers rather than see them. Again, the passing orange lights provided brief flashes of vision over his hands, and he let what Applejack said sink in.

'She wants me to have it,' Spike’s thoughts echoed those words time and again until he found his resolve.

He pulled out his phone at once and began typing in the numbers as the lights passed over them, though by now he had all but memorized them. He wished his phone could keep the beautiful font in which she had laced her name, but he settled for typing it out like any other. A smile crept over his features as he stared at his phone now, and it seemed all the more useful in his hands at last.

Ten seconds was all it took for Spike’s subconscious to take control of his body. He didn’t register his fingers moving nor did he wanna stop it and he immediately felt his heart stop as he hit send, the anticipation already at a high.

'Hey Rarity, it’s Spike,' was what he wrote.

His breath hanging, he waited as his heart pounded several times, his eyes fixated on the screen even if it was mildly blinding in the darkened back seat of the truck. After a few seconds, it vibrated.

‘Hello, Spikey-wikey~’

Author's Notes:

So yeah, chapters are apparently always going to be long now. Hope you all enjoyed Spike's interactions with his closest female friends, and their advice or coping mechanisms. Comments and critiques are much appreciated.