It was nighttime in Twilight’s bedroom, as well as many other places. Spike walked into the room and noticed something he wasn’t expecting.

“Can anyone here explain the Rainbow Dash porn on Twilight’s computer?” Spike said to himself, genuinely thinking it was funny. He sat on the lower bunk. Half an hour later, Twilight arrived, having been gone for most of the day for community service.

“Spike? You’re awake?”

“Yeah.”

“It’s one in the morning.” She saw the monitor. “Oh. Did I... leave that open?”

“Yeah.”

“So you saw that?”

“Yeah.”

“I know what it looks like, but I’m doing a paper. It’s about....”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, fine, I clop. Do you have a problem with that?”

“Yeah.”

“Yeah, me too. It’s just that... because....” She waited a second hoping Spike would interrupt her, but it didn’t happen. “I’m sorry. This is what your guardian does sometimes.”

“I also notice it’s of Rainbow Dash. Do you secretly love her?”

“Just because I’m attracted to her doesn’t mean I love her.”

“But you do.”

“Yeah....”

“Why don’t you tell her something?”

“I’m scared about what she’ll say and what’ll happen to our friendship.”

“Why would she actually not like you for that?”

“Can’t you imagine all the weird, awkward looks and trying not to do weird, awkward looks that would happen every time we ever met each other again?”

“No.”

“Well, I’m not making a love confession. And don’t tell anypony about this.”

“What’ll you do if I do?”

“Ship you to Afrinstar.”

“You wouldn’t do that.”

“The point is it’s a secret and you’d be betraying my trust so I’d hate you. And then I’d probably do something. Now go to bed.”

“I am in bed.”

“Go to sleep.”

“I’m not gonna lie if the subject comes up.”

“You will lie. Lie or die.”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

“You’re replaceable, you know.” Spike made himself comfortable. “I can tell them I’m giving you back for a different one and they’ll do it.”

“Good night.”

“Good night, my trustworthy assistant.” Next Chapter: Chapter 26: Whatever Its Name Is Estimated time remaining: 17 Hours, 10 Minutes