The dance between the two went far too fast in Spike’s mind; fortunately Amira said that she had plenty of time the next day to continue teaching Spike. The best part about that was that the two could get started around the same time as the delegations, so he wouldn’t be nearly as bored while Twilight and the others were speaking with the king. Not long after the six disappeared into the delegates room Spike made his way to the Garden, where Amira was waiting patiently for him.

“I’m glad to see you again, Spike,” she said, offering him a seat at her side. “How was your evening?”

“Peaceful,” Spike replied. “Not really boring, I guess, but I had some time to myself to think.” And, if he had to admit, the quiet time did allow him to relieve the stress he didn’t get a chance to remove yesterday. A fact he was thankful for, because even now, looking to Amira made his body boil, and the faint stirrings of lust ached in his loins. If he hadn’t taken care of himself a few hours earlier, well… he didn’t want to come across as a man with only one goal to her. As naive as it sounded, as childish as it sounded, he wanted her for her soul. Amira’s body speaking to him was just a wonderful, added bonus.

“How was your evening?” he asked, turning away from his thoughts.

“As one would expect.” She shrugged. “Rather uneventful, but I could use some eventless nights given the current unrest in the western provinces.”

“What sort of unrest?” Spike questioned, sitting by her.

“I don’t wish to worry you with such issues,” Amira replied, smiling. However, it was a smile the Spike knew rather well, one that Rarity or Twilight or even Celestia would use to hide a secret. “What would you like your next lesson to be?”

“Hmm…” he gave a small rub at his chin in thought. “I don’t know, do you have any suggestions?”

“Though it may seem at times I know you better than yourself, it is still you that wishes for assistance,” Amira answered. “You know what you wish to improve upon better than I.”

“Maybe I could cook for you.” Spike knew he was a decent enough chief as it were, the years of living with Twilight made it the very definition of ‘evolve or die’ for him. He honestly was just hoping to impress his teacher. “Would you like that?”

“I would find that most enjoyable,” Amira agreed. “It’s been long since I’ve tasted Equestrian cuisine.”

“Awesome!” he exclaimed, grinning. “Anything you’d like?”

“I have no favorites. Whatever you choose would be fine.”

“Then we’ll have something AJ’d go crazy over. Some soul food.” He nodded. “Bet you guys don’t eat that often around here.” He started to count on his hands. “Let’s see… fried chicken, some okra, I’ll make mashed potatoes and, uh, you like your cornbread bitter or sweet?”

“Whichever you prefer,” Amira said, lifting her hands off her knees momentarily. “I have only heard of the dishes you speak of.”

“You’ve never even ate ‘em?” Spike marveled. “So I’ll be your first…” he let the sentence drop and the boy gave a quick salute at her. “I won’t let you down. I’m going to show you what I’m capable of.”

“I look forward to it,” she said, unable to hold back a smile a laugh at Spike’s giddiness. “Should I guide you to the kitchen?”

“Sure. Oh. And, uh, maybe inform one of my friends that I’m doing this. Cornbread usually requires an assistant.”

And by that, Spike meant that he had completely forgot the portions needed for making cornbread.

“I’ll inform a guard,” Amira said in a rather excited tone, “but in the meantime we must make haste to the kitchen, the chefs shall be preparing traditional meals within the hour.”

“Alright.” He smiled and blew on his fingertips. “Hope your chefs don’t get jealous of my cooking skills.”

“And I hope your confidence remains when you see theirs.” Amira laughed, grabbing Spike by the hand. “Now let us go.”

Spike looked down at his hand, then back up at her. “Great.”

The two made their way down the halls. Along the way Amira managed to flag down a guard and inform him that Spike’s friends were required in the kitchen after delegations were over. He followed her orders so quickly he didnt even notice the pocket sized man seemingly attached to her hip.

Several minutes later the two stood in front of a rather obscure looking door. Despite this Amira stepped forward, using her free hand to push it open. What lay beyond the simplistic door was anything but. A massive room full of steel, porcelain, and china stretched easily two hundred feet across, dozens of men and a few women were scurrying in between tables, holding pots and pans easily half their size. Knives, spoons, tongs and forks of all shapes and sizes hung overhead, just within arms reach of all the chefs. By the time Spike was done ogling he realized that Amira had drug him to one of the dozens of tables that near the farther side of the room, complete with all the cutlery that Spike needed to create the meal he had promised her.

“The bakery back home could fit in here,” Spike marveled. “And I’m talking the storefront too. I’ve never seen a kitchen this big.”

“Not even Canterlot’s?” Amira asked, slightly surprised.

“Not even Canterlot’s.” Spike decided to not spill the beans on the fact that a decent amount of the meals Celestia ate came from the stores about town, with the kitchen used mostly for formal, large-scale events.

“I hope that’s not discouraging to you,” Amira said with slight concern, “I would hate it if you were unable to perform.”

“That’d be embarrassing.” Spike rubbed the back of his head once more. “But, uh, if me and AJ can just get a little corner to ourselves and a few minutes at the ovens, we’ll manage.”

“As long as you’re comfortable,” Amira reassured, “the delegations should be over any minute, and palace guards never fail in a task they’ve been given.”

“Alright. Hope you’re hungry,” he joked. Another pause, and he looked down at his hands. “Would you like to meet—well, I mean, you’ve probably already met them, I guess. But, uh, would you like to have dinner with my friends?”

“I would be honored,” she said, bowing slightly.

“Great! I’m sure they’ll love you!” Spike said, forgetting himself for a moment and giving her a quick hug.

Amira returned the embrace, slowly patting him on the back of the head, before bringing her mouth closer to his ear. “It’s a date then,” she whispered.

He shivered at her tone, biting his lip and feeling his toes curl. Spike didn’t know how she did that. It was even worse than when he was younger and Rarity would talk to him. If he had to guess, unlike Rarity, she seemed to intentionally lead him on.

And he loved it.

“Yeah,” he replied, almost dreamily, “a date.”

It wasn’t long after that the door opened and in walked Applejack. A moment later, Rarity. Then, surprisingly enough, Pinkie Pie led the caboose, bouncing along the ground. The pink haired woman paused mid-bounce, zeroing in on Amira and somehow turning mid-air to hop towards the woman.

“Hi!” she chirped. “Have we met? Usually I’m good with faces, but I’m only drawing a hank—that’s a half blank—and I was just making sure!”

“Calm down Pinkie…” Applejack sighed, lifting her up with one arm, “lady’s probably shell shocked now… who are ya anyway? Guard showed us here and said look fer the gal with the hair kinda like Rarity’s.”

“I hope not exactly like mine, mind,” Rarity replied, giving a small push to her violet curls. “That would be quite the faux pas. I’d have to have it restyled immediately. It’d be worse than the time Twilight wore the same shoes as me at Fluttershy’s birthday party. Do you remember how embarrassed I was at that, Jacquline?”

“You hid in the bathroom for a whole hour!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Until Dashie said to just use magic to recolor them!”

“It still shames me that such a ruffian bested me in a battle of wits,” she said with a sigh, then offered her hand to Amira. “Rarity Belle at your service, darling. And what a sight you are!” The tailor smiled, looking at the woman. “I love your dress; dignified, yet far from stuffy.”

Without hesitation, Amira took Rarity’s hand and offered her a rather firm hand shake. “Amira,” she replied, “and thank you for the compliment, I must say the your ensemble is quite fetching as well, and your hair divine.”

“Oh, this thing?” Rarity chuckled, gesturing down the loose dress with a wide belt and slit at the hip. “I’m pleased you like it. I modeled it after some of the less, er,” she struggled with the word for a moment, putting a finger to her chin, before it came, “conservative clothing of your lands. Once you look past that questionable article, your people have quite a few magacifinate yet practical collection of dresses. I’ve been trying to talk my Jack into one, but so far she remains in her jeans.” Rarity sighed, begrudgingly accepting it the same way an old man might accept a rough, hot day.

“The day you catch me in anything but jeans is the day that Twilight’s skin turns purple,” Applejack remarked, folding her arms across her chest.

“But Jackie,” Pinkie said, tilting her head with confusion. “She must of caught you in something besides jeans. Otherwise that’d make sleeping rough.”

“Pinkie,” Rarity said plainly. “You’re so…”

“Pinkie,” Spike said, finishing Rarity’s thought as he stepped towards the group.

The tailor turned to look at the boy and smiled broadly, giving him a pat on the head. “Hello, Spikie, dear. I didn’t even see you there!”

“I get that sometimes,” he admitted.

“What are ya doin’ here Spike?”” Applejack asked, scratching at the scalp under her hat, “that guard didn’t mention you’d be here.”

“Well, I’m doing some cooking.” He glanced at her, her itch making him scratch at an ear. “You, uh, remember what we talked about? At the casbah?”

Applejack squinted her eyes in thought for a moment before they shot open in revelation, darting quickly between Amira and Spike. “No way…” she said in a tone that was eerily similar to Rainbow’s.

“Nothing concrete yet, but I’m trying to make some cornbread,” Spike said, attempting to get his point across to her with a glance to Amira. “But I need help.”

“Oh! I have a song for cornbread too!” Pinkie exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Rarity exchanged a look with AJ, then at Spike. She nodded slowly, raising a brow in understanding. “Mmm. So this is the wo—” she caught herself. “Cornbread. This is the cornbread you told me caught Spike’s eye.” Rarity gave a proud smile to Applejack. “Our little Spikie’s growing up so fast. His first real cornbread, Jacqueline.”

“I’ll say, and a rather sweet piece too.” Applejack nodded in agreement, “but we ain’t got everything we need fer a good ol’ Apple sized batch. Spike, can I ask ya ta help me get the rest of what we’ll need?”

“Yeah. Let’s go,” he quickly agreed. They walked a few steps away before Spike shook his head in exasperation. “‘My first cornbread?’ Did she not notice how I was around her all those years or something? Sheesh.”

“Oh she noticed ya,” Applejack chuckled, giving Spike a light pat on the back, “I think what she was tryin’ ta say without being blunt that she was more or less proud of ya fer findin’ a pretty little thing like her.”

“Oh,” he said, blinking. “Well, I found her, but… I’ve still got some work to do to get her, I guess.”

“Well, at least yer gettin’ somewhere,” Applejack smiled, looking behind herself to see the three they had left behind were happily conversing with one another, “and honestly, I’m proud of ya too.”

Spike looked up at the farmer. “Thanks, AJ. That means a lot,” he said. “Considering you’d be the first to tell me if I was being stupid about something.”

“Yer damn right I would.” Applejack laughed, giving a far more hardy slap to his back. “That Amira or whatever her name is really seems like a great gal, and I’ve only known her fer five minutes tops.”

“She is,” Spike agreed, pausing to rub at where AJ struck. “She’s crazy smart, and nice. That’s part of why I wanted you here. I don’t want to screw this meal up.”

“Well, let’s pull out all the stops then, eh?” Applejack grinned widely, setting her hat firmly on her brow, “I know fer a fact that ol’ sayin’ ‘the quickest way to a man’s heart is his stomach’, works fer both sides of the fence.”

Spike tapped at his forehead. “To be fair, your family is the second best cooks in town, and the best actually make a business out of it. Rarity’d be crazy not to fall for your meals.”

“At first she wasn’t the biggest fan,” Applejack said, grabbing a full bag of flour and heaving it over her shoulder, “but you can bet yer ass her tune changed as soon as she got a taste of our ol’ country fried steak.”

“She has a taste for steak,” Spike said, nodding in agreement. “It’s something she tries to keep close to her chest, with it being so unladylike, but…” He looked over a collection of ingredients and grabbed a bottle of oil. “Has her cooking improved, by the way? It used to be passable, but nothing to write home about.”

“No,” Applejack said bluntly, looking down to Spike as she adjusted the large bag on her shoulders. “Only thing she can cook right are still over easy eggs and chewy bacon.”

“Well. It’s a good thing she’s pretty, then,” Spike joked with a grin.

“She certainly has that goin’ for her,” Applejack chuckled, “but Amira seems ta be quite the looker herself, those eyes look like they could see yer soul.”

“I… I kind of wonder if that’s not a bit true,” he admitted. “That might be why she’s willing to...” He sighed. “Put up with a dumb kid like me, I guess.”

“Aw don’t be down on yerself, sugarcube,” she said with a grin, ruffing up Spike’s hair with her free hand as the two turned back to face the small group at the far table, “we all see somethin’ in ya that ya really don’t yet. I guess in her case she thinks yer worth a shot.”

“I hope you all are right, then,” Spike said, glancing over to the farmer. “Because sometimes it’s hard for me to see it.”

“In due time Spike,” Applejack said in a sage-like tone, “ya just need the right push.”

“Fingers crossed,” he answered. “But… if it’s you saying it, I like my chances.”

“Glad ya like my opinion,” she said, “now let’s get gettin’, no need in making the ladies wait, right?”

“Right,” he agreed. Spike gave a small slap to her back. “Let’s, uh, mosey.”

Applejack let out a quick chuckle at Spike’s use of her jargon and they made her way back to their table, passing a few pairs of chefs and other workers with a smilar load on their shoulders and struggling, whereas she barely broke a sweat in her brisk stride. Less than a minute later the two had returned back to the table, Applejack placing the large bag on the ground nearby.

“Alright,” she asked, looking directly to Amira, “what’ll ya be havin’?”

“Oh! Oh! We can have chocolate cake!” Pinkie exclaimed jubilantly. “And cupcakes! And oranges! And moose—the chocolate ones!”

“I was askin’ the lady…” Applejack sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Sorry ‘bout that ma’am, Pinkie means well, be she’s a little… well, Pinkie.”

“Don’t fret, I understand.” Amira giggled, waving her hand passively. “If anything it would indicate to me that you are quite the chef, so honestly, I would probably enjoy whatever you prepare.”

“Full on Apple family meal it is then!” Applejack grinned, setting her hat low on her head. “From cinnamon apples ta deep fried steak.” She shot a quick glance to Spike, her grin remaining firm on her face. “Ready ta kick this thing?”

“Let’s do it!” Spike agreed with a clenched fist, his confidence returning to him.

The onlooking trio watched in silent awe as the cooking pair rushed around the kitchen like they were a competitive cooking show, grabbing anything and everything they believed that they would need to make the meal perfect, and given the meal they wanted to prepare, they needed pretty much everything.

“Spike!” Applejack called out, popping her head out of a pile of potatoes that rose above her waist, “ya find any chili peppers yet?”

“Yeah,” he called back, giving a small shake of them with his fingers, flour all over his apron. He whistled to call her attention, then gave an underhand toss to her.

Pinkie intercepted the throw, swallowing one whole, and then tossing the remaining two to AJ.

“I kinda needed all three of those Pinkie,” Applejack grumbled, catching the surviving peppers. “Besides, I know ya can’t handle spicy food.”

“Aw, I’m fine, silly-billy! It’s not like it was even—” she paused, her mouth open in shock. Her eyes widened and tears started to well up. “Ok,” she weakly gasped out, clutching her throat. “It’s a little spicy.”

“Pinkie, go and get a glass of water, dear. I’ll take over your place while we wait,” Rarity said as Pinkie sprinted off to do just that. Rarity paused, catching her reflection on the stainless steel cabinets. With a sultry grin, she gave a small adjustment of her chef's hat and nodded proudly. She moved to a bowl and took to running a whisk through the mixture of herbs and spices. “Perhaps I should cook more for you, Jacqueline. I seem to look quite dashing in a cook’s ensemble, if I do say so myself. Like a leading lady in one of my romance novels.” She stopped whisking for a moment to dramatically put the back of her hand against her forehead. “Woe! An actress, enamored by the glow and passion of the stage! Forced into labor to care for the one she loves! However should she cope with such a burden? Will the cruel hand of fate ever allow her respite?!”

“Rarity…” Applejack said flatly, pointing to her significant other. “Ya got somethin’ on yer sleeve…”

Rarity gasped, setting the bowl down and instantly looking over her clothes. “Ew! I think that’s egg batter!” she briefly looked helpless, fanning her hands in a blind panic. “I need to get this off before it sets! I don’t want my dress ruined,” she whined. Pausing, she rolled her eyes. “Granted I can just…” With a small gesture, a light blue aura enveloped her palm and with a quick hover over the offending artifact, her magic seemed to absorb it. It lifted free from her clothing and evaporated in the air, banishing it to a dimension of stains, if Spike had to guess.

“I don’t know how you function without magic sometimes, dear,” Rarity admitted, moving back to the bowl and cautiously returning to whisking.

“Like a normal person,” Applejack remarked, smiling as she chopped the chilis she still had.

“Your friends are quite colorful,” Amira noted, walking next to Spike. “I’ve never seen such a cavalcade of diversity working in such beautiful unison.”

“You’re just lucky you caught them on a good day,” Spike answered with a smile. “But I know what you mean at least. They shouldn’t work well together in, well, anything. But once they got some years under their belts, they play off one-another well.”

“Such a wonderful thing, friendship.” Amira looked over to Applejack as Rarity threw her arms in the air at the sight of a headless chicken. “And at times quite humorous.”

“A little more than friends,” Spike admitted to her. “I think they know how they play off one-another, sometimes. They’d never say anything about it, of course, but I’m guessing they like to make us smile as much as Pinkie.”

“Well it certainly brings a smile to me,” she replied, holding back another giggle as a plume of flour erupted near Applejack’s face.

Pinkie strode in, letting out a breath of relief as she rubbed at her mouth. She paused, glancing over to AJ. “I like the new look!” she announced, taking a step forward and running a finger down the farmer’s forehead to her chin, leaving a line of her dark skin to peak out from the flour caked to her face.

“Well, thanks Pinkie…” Applejack grunted with enough sarcasm to make a substantial meal itself. “Glad ya like the changes.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Pinkie muttered out, looking over the farmer. She reached up, nearly on her toes, and moved Applejack’s hat, placing it askew on her head. “There we go!”

“Yer too kind,” Applejack replied, putting her hat back in the proper position. “But let’s get back ta cookin’.” She suddenly turned her attention to the boy who stood next to the elegant woman, holding out her arm in a beckoning fashion. “Come on Spike! Yer needed!”

“Oh! Right! I, uh, I’m coming,” he said, quickly moving towards them. “Since this was my idea and all,” he added under his breath.

“Where do you need me now, dear?” Rarity asked, putting the bowl she was whisking down on top of the table and wiping at her brow with an embroidered handkerchief.

“I need ya ta mix the flour inta batter so we can dip everything in it,” Applejack said, sighing to herself. “Ya just been mixin’ some of the spices around fer the past five minutes.”

“Oh!” Rarity exclaimed, putting a hand to her cheek. “So I have been!”

Pinkie giggled, clapping at the sight. “I’ll take care of the sides! Mashed potatoes and okra and corn and carrots and peas and beer!”

“Beer’s a side?” Spike questioned, tilting his head towards her.

“Duh!” she exclaimed. “It goes on the side of your plate!”

The other three cooks collectively sent their hands to their faces. Pinkie smiled widely, completely oblivious to the situation.

“Pinkie,” Applejack said, letting out an exasperated breath. “Sometimes I don’t even…”

“Know my own crafty nature?” Pinkie guessed, nodding excitedly.

“Jus’ start mixin’ the batter,” Applejack grunted, picking up a large carving knife. “And if yer actually gonna make beer batter, make sure that more of it goes inta the batter instead of you.”

“Okey dokey lokie!” she chimed out.

“What should I do?” Spike asked.

“There’s some steak ‘round here that ain’t been tenderized yet,” Applejack said, glancing around. “But fer the life of me I can’t remember where I put ‘em.”

Pinkie paused from her work and reached to Rarity’s hat, lifting it up. There, on top of her head, sat several hearty cuts of steak, still sealed in plastic wrapping.

“Tah-dah!” Pinkie exclaimed, bowing.

Rarity stood, shocked stupid for a long, lasting moment. Her face turned red and she began to open and shut her mouth, words not coming to her as her eyebrow twitched violently.

Pinkie ignored the look, grabbing the steaks and in a flurry of motion cut through the packaging and laid them on the table.

“There you go, Spikie! Pound that stuff like you’re at prom!” Pinkie clapped her hands together, bringing a fist up. “Show me those dance moves!”

“D… did that just happen?” Rarity finally was able to sputter out.

“I... reckon it did…” Applejack replied in disbelief, “jus’… jus’ get ta tenderizin’ Spike.”

“Right,” Spike replied, as if waking up from an impossible dream. He took a skillet and started slamming it into the meat, each blow making a satisfying whomp against the table. Lost in his current task, Spike’s eyes traveled over to the woman who was patiently waiting for the four of them to finish making the meal. A smile came to his face as his mind started to wonder, focusing on some of the possible intimate moments the two of them could share.

“Hey Spike…” Applejack chimed in, “ya been poundin’ the meat fer three minutes on that side, I think it’s good and tender now.”

“Oh.” He blinked, looking down at the steaks. “Right.” Reaching to it, he flipped the meat, and continued the process.

“What exactly was goin’ through yer mind those three minutes?” Applejack inquired, scooting closer to him with a small grin on her face, “I saw that ya were lookin’ at yer lady friend.”

“Uh… well… you know, stuff. I was thinking about how much she’d like the meal,” he lied.

“Sure ya were.” She nodded as her smirk bloomed into a full blown smile. “And I’m the one with fashion sense.”

“Oh come now. Leave the boy alone,” Rarity remarked. Just when Spike was about to thank her, she added without dropping a dime, “a boy his age can have his mind wander to sexual congress at times.”

“Rarity,” Spike hissed out, blushing as she nonchalantly worked on rolling out flour.

“What?” Rarity asked, not even bothering to look towards the boy. “I remember your age too, darling. I had my mind turn to coitus on more than one occasion. I know that look.”

“I can’t be having this conversation,” Spike marveled, his face on fire, focusing on his work.

“Spike’s embarrassed,” Pinkie sang out.

“It’s perfectly natural,” Rarity argued. “There’s no shame in it. Why, it reminds me of my Sweetie—just a week before, I caught her in the living room—”

“No, no. I’m not hearing this one,” Spike quickly dismissed, holding a hand out and shaking his head.

“Is everything going well?” Amira stepped toward the group, giving Spike a much needed escape. “Or better yet, is there anything I can do to help?”

“We’re just fine!” Pinkie exclaimed with a grin. “Just giving ol’ Spikie a pep talk! He needs ‘em sometimes, especially when it comes to growing up!” She gave a wiggle of her brows towards Amira. “His auntie Pinkie has the answers he needs, though!”

“Oh,” Amira replied with a hint of confusion. “May I ask what kind of answers he’s been receiving?”

“That there’s no shame a boy his age being… distracted by thoughts on occasion, if you will,” Rarity diplomatically said.

“This is a nightmare,” Spike said under his breath, heat at his face. “I’ll wake up soon.”

Amira blinked a few times at Rarity’s explanation, but soon enough the proverbial light clicked on inside her mind. “Oh…” she said with an awkward smile before her hand covered her mouth. “The four of you were having one of those talks.”

“I was having one of those listens,” Spike said. “They started one of those talks.”

Pinkie giggled. “He’s so cute when he’s flustered. The silly-billy!”

“There’s no need to feel shame Spike,” Amira said reassuringly, “my father certainly wasn’t the best at explaining it to me.”

He rubbed at a temple in exasperation. “I already know about that kind of stuff. I don’t need a lecture on it.”

“Alright I think we’ve teased the poor fella enough,” Applejack said, looking to Amira, “I suppose ya could help mix the batter and such, but I’d hate ta be the reason yer dress got ruined.”

“I’d pay little mind,” Amira said, looking to the dress for a few moments. “This isn’t exactly my finest attire.”

“I’d love to see you in your finer clothes, darling,” Rarity said. “Because what you’re wearing is quite beautiful.”

“You do look pretty,” Spike said in a quiet agreement.

“And it’d be a darn shame if it got all mucked up ‘cause ya wanted ta help out.”

“You’re too kind,” Amira bowed, “but I suppose you are right, Applejack, it would be best if I stayed put.”

“Absolutely, dear!” Rarity agreed. “This is our treat! Simply relax and we’ll do the heavy lifting. Or, rather, Applejack will do the heavy lifting. I’d hate to chip a nail.”

“Of course,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes. “Come on gang, let’s get this stuff goin’!”

Close to an hour later the four ‘chefs’ were covered in a menagerie of flour, spices, sweat, and cooking oil, but their job was done. The meal was finally complete.

“And not a single stove fire,” Spike said proudly. “Good work, guys.”

“Well, I certainly hope they taste as good as they smell,” Rarity said, leaning over to the plate of meat on the table and taking in the scent. She nodded appreciatively. “It’s a good cut. Hardly any gristle.”

“And the potatoes are delicious!” Pinkie cupped a hand to her mouth and whispered in secret to the others, “I may of had a few spoonfuls while I was cooking them!”

“Well, let’s take them out of the kitchen. I’m sure the dining room’s around… uh, somewhere,” Spike said.

“I can lead you the correct way,” Amira suggested, “it’s the least I can do for your kindness in preparing this for me.”

“Lead on,” Spike agreed.

“Uh, what about the grub?” Applejack asked, pointing to the mountains she’d painstakingly made.

“We can have the servants fetch it,” Amira explained, “I doubt that any of them would tamper with your food.”

“We made enough that they can sneak in a bite!” Pinkie proudly proclaimed. “The more the merrier!”

“Either way, let’s get to the dining room, I’m quite famished,” Rarity replied.

Without a word Amira nodded and began to walk off, prompting the others to follow her. Leaving their mass of food behind the five of them traveled out of the kitchen and into the narrow hallways at the sides. Their trails snaked around in twists and turns, all the while Amira was peering into the doors that came into view, finally at about the fifth door she looked into, she stopped.

“This one is vacant,” she said warmly.

“Not anymore,” Spike replied with a smile, stepping towards the door and opening it.

The five of them stepped into the room, and immediately four of them were taken back. Amira may have called it a room, but it looked more like a miniature ballroom to them adorned with fine lighting and art with a massive chandelier hanging from the room’s center. The chairs were luxurious and stood even taller than Applejack. They stood, soaking up the scene as they waited patiently for their food around a table that had some of the finest carvings any of them had ever seen embroidered onto its side and legs.

“Wow, these are some exquisite creations,” Rarity marveled, moving to one and giving a light trace over its designs with a finger.

“Ya sure this is a good place ta pull up a chair and eat?” Applejack asked, whistling at the sight herself, “seems a bit… high end fer what we’re havin’, don’t it?”

“I assure you, this will be just fine,” Amira said, placing her hands on Spike and Applejack’s back simultaneously. “I shall inform the servants of the arrangements while one of you gathers the remainder of your friends.” Before anyone could object, Amira headed straight for the door; just as she opened it she spun around and offered a regal bow. “I am most eager to dine with all of you.”

With that the door closed shut, leaving only a faint echo as evidence of who once stood there. A brief silence fell on the group, but soon enough the obvious question was asked.

“Anyone know how ta get back ta our rooms?” Applejack inquired, rubbing the back of her head. “‘Cause I sure as hell don’t.”

Pinkie raised her hand, hoping wildly. “Oh! Oh! Pick me! Pick meeee!”

“Care to go get ‘em then?” Spike asked. Pinkie nodded.

“I’ll be back before you miss me!” she chirped, turning and skipping out of the room. Spike sighed, moving over and climbing onto one of the chairs.

“Alright, who here thinks she actually has no idea where she’s goin’?” Applejack asked, placing her hands on her hips. Spike and Rarity exchanged glances, before both slowly rose their hands. “Well, better just hunker down I guess.” She shrugged, plodding over to one of the massive chairs and plopping into it. “And I thought we were gonna get a hot meal.”

“Oh don’t complain, darling,” Rarity replied. “Twilight and I can always reheat it, if need be. And our little Spikie can do the same too!”

“Well, kinda,” he said bashfully. “It’d just take a little longer to get a good flame going from me.”

“While it’s just us three, dear, I want to say how proud I am of you,” Rarity cooed out with a beaming smile, before glancing over to AJ. “Am I correct in assuming Applejack’s given you the speech?”

“She talked with me in the kitchen, yeah. Told me that she was proud too.”

“Then that’s all that needs said, I suppose.” Rarity’s smile widened and she dabbed at her eye with a napkin. “My little Spikie’s growing up so fast, Jacqueline. A few scant years ago and he would have not paid a girl any mind.”

“A few years can change a lot of things Rarity,” Applejack nodded, shooting a grin over to her, “We all know that, I mean ya remember when we all first met?”

“Indeed, I do,” Rarity agreed. “And if my younger self knew we were together…” she chuckled. “Granted, you probably never envisioned yourself in a similar situation.”

“Guess things change, huh?” Spike commented.

“Indeed. But you’re always going to be like a younger sibling to me. That’s one constant, darling.” She rested her head on a palm. “If you ever need anything out of me or Jack, simply call. We’ll be there for you.”

“I know. And, uh, thanks.”

A group of servants appeared at the door and with an almost enviable synchronicity, deposited the food and left.

Rarity let out a pleased hum in reply to their actions, before focusing on Spike. “So, what all have you done so far with Ms. Amira?”

“N-nothing,” Spike replied, blushing. “I mean, there was that dance she did for me when we first met, but th-that doesn’t count!”

She rolled her eyes, glancing up to the ceiling in exasperation. “Don’t be so bashful, dear. It was an innocent question. Have you danced with her? Perhaps watched a play? Things of that nature?”

“Oh.” He rubbed at his eyes, trying to dispel the heat flooding his face. “I’ve danced with her, yeah.”

“What sort of music does she like? Is she a fan of art? Her favorite meal?”

“I don’t know,” he admitted, then looked defiantly at her. “But that doesn’t matter as much as you think! I bet you can’t even—”

“Blues. One of the ways we first connected. She likes landscapes.” Glancing over at AJ, Rarity shook her head. “Garlic mashed potatoes and a t-bone steak, rare. With sausage jambalaya being a close second.” Rarity crossed her legs and rested a palm on her knee. “It’s wonderful that you feel a connection with her, darling. And there’s no greater man she could date. But it is important to know her. Do you understand why I’m telling you this?”

Spike looked at her, then over to AJ. “I, think?” he unsurely replied.

“Rarity’s tryin’ ta tell ya that in order ta make something like this work ya really gotta know each other,” Applejack said bluntly, in terms Spike could understand. “Ya don’t do that, it’ll end badly.”

“Exactly,” Rarity agreed. “Learn about her, Spikie. You put an effort into doing that, and I guarantee she’ll fall for you just as much as you with her.”

He self-consciously smiled. “Thanks guys. I’ll do that.”

“As I said, anytime you need advice or a shoulder to cry on, we’ll be here.” Rarity’s gentle smile turned sly. “Though I’ve always questioned your interest in older women, if I’m to be frank.”

“I don’t know,” he answered reluctantly.

“I mean, I remember the time Sweetie tried to go out on a date with you, and you refused.”

He shrugged.

“Should I even mention the Applebloom incident?”

“How ‘bout not,” Applejack said quickly, “don’t need Spike having nightmares again ‘bout Mac yellin’ at him.”

“It wasn’t even my fault,” Spike crossley said. “Why’d she invite me into that hayloft if she was changing in the first place?”

“Fer bein’ raised by the smartest person I’d ever met, ya can be pretty stupid sometimes…” Applejack chuckled, giving a light slap to her knee. “But let’s not get inta that.”

“And I like them because…” Spike put a thumb to his chin. “They don’t play games, I guess. If you’ve screwed up, they’ll tell you. If they’re upset, they’ll tell you. And—” He was about to add that a womanly figure was so much better than the kind girls his age had, but held his peace there, and instead shut his mouth.

“That’s part of the reason I’ve taken a liking to Applejack,” Rarity admitted. “It’s refreshing not having to play a guessing game. The last man I dated may as well of been the most whiny, passive-aggressive person I’ve ever spoken with.”

“Give Caramel a break, Rarity.” Applejack laughed patting her lover on the back. “He finally had a girlfriend. Gods, I remember when the whole town used ta think he was gay with Mac. Then they caught him gettin’ a lesson from Ms. Cheeriliee.”

Rarity paused. “So Caramel and Mac never…?” She looked away, smiling nervously. “O-oh.”

“Pfft, My brother’s straighter than one of those indestructible arrows!” Applejack burst into laughter. “Hell, I can think of at least twelve women in town that know that fer a fact… there was even a rumor that he’d boldly gone where no man had gone before.”

“Straighter than an arrow? For once I found something you two don’t have in common.” After a beat, she put a finger to her lower lip in thought at AJ’s last words, before replying in a rather unladylike fashion. “He’s fairly large, uh, down there.” She shifted a glance to her waist, then back up to AJ. “I don’t think… you know,” she lowered her voice to an embarrassed hiss, glancing at Spike, then towards Applejack. “Anal.” Rarity swallowed, once more speaking in a normal tone. “I don’t think that’d be wise, for whoever he was with. Even if it is an unexplored territory.”

“Well I wasn’t talkin’ ‘bout that…” Applejack winched at the thought, “what I meant was there was a silly rumor that he’d got with Princess Luna… ya know… that quote from that one show where they go ta space… where the moon is.”

Rarity blushed, putting her head down into her hands. “Oh.” She snapped her head up, pointing at Spike then at AJ with a dainty finger. “You didn’t hear me say that.”

“I don’t know how you—even I understood that, Rarity,” Spike answered.

“It’s just, on a woman, that, er, tends to be the final frontier,” Rarity tried to explain. “Help me out, Applejack.”

“Ya dug yer own grave here, sug.” Applejack grinned. “Pull yerself out of it.”

Spike, in a rare show of bravado, smirked at her. “So, how many ships have visited your ‘final frontier,’ then?”

“We cannot be having this conversation at a dinner table,” Rarity promptly said, coughing into her hand. “Especially right before eating, wouldn’t you agree, Applejack?” she asked, desperately.

Applejack was having some trouble breathing due to the amount of laughing Spike had brought on, but after a few controlled breaths she finally managed to contain herself. “Yeah…” she said weakly, still chuckling, “sure, no more.”

“Good,” Rarity agreed with a curt nod, still looking at AJ. “Otherwise I’d mention the time I was a captain exploring your final frontier.”

“Go ahead,” Applejack replied with a cocky grin, “I ain’t shy like you.”

Realizing she was serious, Rarity shook her head. “Don’t remind me,” Rarity bemoaned. “I’d appreciate a little tact when it comes to… our meetings. Not everyone needs privy to why I walk with a limp on some occasions.”

“Well, this has been eye-opening,” Spike said, looking between them. “But, uh, let’s change the subject before you two talk about who’s the better pilot in deep space.”

“That’s part of how I’ve known you’ve grown. A few years ago, you would of been too embarrassed to even suggest changing the subject,” Rarity remarked, grateful for the out.

“Do you think the others are coming soon?” Spike asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

“How long’s it been since we sent Pinkie out?” Applejack said looking to her watch, “Couldn’t have been—holy Celestia in Canterlot, it’s been an hour!”

“I’m giving them five more minutes, and then I’m eating,” Rarity growled out, putting a napkin at her neckline. “Reheating all of this is just going to make me hungrier.”

“Do you think something’s happened?” Spike asked nervously, rising off the chair.

Rarity glanced at both of them and pulled a steak over to her plate. “Surely they would of called us if that were the case, dear. Relax. Things are just slow, I’d presume.”

Just as Rarity dished out a hearty scoop of potatoes onto her plate, the door opened, Pinkie taking a few large steps into the room. “I got lost!” she called out to them with a wide grin.

“She was very lucky to have found me.” Amira said stepping out from behind her, “if not, your friends would have never found this place.”

“Perhaps I should of went instead,” Rarity remarked. “It’s rare for me to be lost, after all.”

“The layout of this palace is very confusing,” Twilight added, poking her head out from behind Amira, “I think even someone with a keen eye for detail would get lost too.”

“I zigged when I should've zagged,” Pinkie admitted.

A faint pink glow came to the food laid out upon the table and after only a few seconds, fresh steam rose up. Nobody had to guess where the magic came from.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Rarity said. “I could have warmed up what we had.”

“I didn’t want it to get cold at all,” Twilight explained, “besides, from what I heard from Amira, you could use the rest.”

“I’m not that tired, dear. Cooking is just a fatiguing job. I’ll be fine after a meal.”

“So everyone get over here so we can eat,” Spike urged. “Let’s not have it cold again.”

“I call the steak on top!” Rainbow shouted, suddenly bolting into the room, nearly knocking over the servants trying to exit.

“Manners,” Rarity barked. “And as the cooks, Applejack, Spike, Pinkie and I get to claim the first taste.”

“Oh boy!” Pinkie exclaimed, zipping over to sit next to Applejack, a knife and fork already in hand.

“One of the few times I love the fact that I’m with a woman who knows proper etiquette.” Applejack smiled, taking a steak from the top of the pile. “Yer awesome.”

“Well, I might not be Dash levels of awesome, as you put it, but I would happen to think I’m pretty awe-inspiring,” Rarity beamed, giving an adjustment to the napkin she wore and then looking down at the steak already on her plate, then to the pile before them. With a glance to everyone present, she took a steak from the pile and made a quick gesture over the one already on her plate, heating it back up. “And you know my etiquette is good for you. I’m shaping you into a halfway proper lady, after all.”

“Wha?” Applejack asked with a mouthful of red meat and mashed potatoes, “Ooo sab sumthun’?”

Rarity sighed, rubbing the back of her neck. “Nothing. At least shut your mouth while chewing, darling.”

Spike looked at the two, feeling a small ghost of a smile come his way as he leaned forward, grabbing a steak, before turning. “Want to sit by me?” he called out to Amira, reaching to take a long drink of water.

“I couldn’t think of a reason not to,” Amira replied, gracefully making her way towards him.

“Great,” he said, grinning. “Grab a steak, I want to see what you think of them.”

Amira nodded and took one of the smaller slabs of meat, before placing herself next to Spike with a smile. “This alone seems substantial,” she said, ogling the meat, “is something like this a common meal in Equestria?”

“Some places, yeah. We tend to eat one or two large meals, as opposed to a lot of other countries that have smaller ones throughout the day.” Spike cocked a head towards Rarity, who had already blown through half her first steak. “And then there are some that just have big appetites.”

“I see,” Amira giggled, watching with a small bit of fascination as the dainty one of the group ate like a starved hyena.

“Don’t worry Amira,” Twilight chimed in taking the other seat next to Spike, “Rarity isn’t normally like this, she just can’t really control herself around certain cuts of beef.”

“Or chicken, or pork,” Spike replied. “She can give Pinkie a run for her money around meat.”

“Can’t lie about that.” Twilight laughed, “She’s like the anti-Fluttershy.”

“I think Fluttershy’ll have at least one, though. We tried to season them decently enough.” He looked at Twilight, then at Amira. “So, did you two know each-other before today?”

“Well, I knew her as the female delegate to Equestria a few years back, before my coronation,” Twilight said, tapping her chin. “I also know her as the last member of the family that oversees Hoofof.”

“That is correct on both counts.” Amira nodded in agreement. “And I knew you as the personal protege long before you became a princess, but this is the first true time we have met in person.”

“You two would get along great. Amira’s really smart, Twilight.”

“Really?” Twilight said with a faint glimmer in her eye, looking to Amira with an interested smile. “I’m always willing to learn more from different people.”

“Oh, Spike is being gracious.” Amira smiled, waving her hand passively. “I doubt there is anything that I could teach one as learned as you, Madam Twilight.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Twilight said humbly, “I don’t know everything, especially when it comes to this country. Maybe tomorrow if we have some free time after the delegations you could teach me a thing or two about Saddle Arabia.”

“I suppose there is no harm in that,” Amira said, looking to Spike. “Would you mind if Madam Twilight were to join us tomorrow?”

“No,” Spike said. “That’s not a problem at all. In fact, I’d say she’d make for better conversation than me.”

“Wait, you two have been seeing each other?” Twilight asked, tilting her head like a puppy.

“We, uh…” Spike swallowed. “What do you mean by seeing each other?”

“I mean meeting while the girls and I are busy with the delegating,” Twilight answered, “ and that she’s been keeping you company.”

“Oh. Yeah. She’s been keeping me company, sure has,” Spike quickly agreed with a nervous laugh.

“Okay…” Twilight said with a cocked brow, before she looked back to Amira. “I hope he hasn’t been too much trouble for you, he’s been known to be slightly difficult.”

“I’m not difficult,” Spike pouted.

“Do I have to tell her about the time in the library when I caught you in the bathroom with-”

“No. No you don’t. And I thought we agreed to never talk about that again if I never told anyone about the time I caught you stuffing your bra before a date,” he quickly interrupted. “That’s a good story, maybe I should share it with the table?”

The look on Twilight’s face was enough for Amira to let out a small laugh, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. A good ten seconds of silence passed as Spike fought a losing battle to keep his bearing while Twilight fought to keep her face from going red.

“If you hadn’t tried to wear Applejack’s bra, maybe it wouldn’t of been so noticeable. You were swimming in that thing.”

“Still beats you when I caught you in the bathroom with less than modest photos of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,” Twilight shot back, gripping her fork tightly, “how did you even manage to get one of Luna in a sling bikini?”

Spike’s face turned crimson. He gave a nervous look over to Amira, before his irritation got the better of him. “I noticed you didn’t ask where I got Celestia’s. Mainly because hearing it came from your room would be odd to hear about, wouldn’t it?”

“Princess Celestia sends photos of her yearly vacation to everyone,” Twilight replied, “even Rainbow got a few snapshots.”

Spike glared at her, shaking his head with a scowl as he went back to his meal. Twilight sat back in her seat, smiling in silent victory as a pink hue enveloped her utensils and went to work cutting and bringing her food to her mouth. Amira couldn’t help but laugh a little at the situation, but she soon turned her attention back to the young man, placing a hand gently on his back.

“The two of you are closer than brother and sister,” she smiled, giving him a soothing rub, “I wish I had siblings as well.”

“It’s a mixed blessing,” Spike said flatly.

“Still a blessing nonetheless.” Amira giggled, looking to her meal. “Now, which of these dishes do you normally start with?”

“Cornbread’s how I usually start. Then I eat the potatoes, then the steak,” he said, finally turning his attention away from Twilight.

“Ah, I see,” Amira said, looking to the yellow square on the edge of her plate. She examined the food before she took it into her palm, gently squeezing it between her fingers.

“It’s just bread made from cornmeal. There’s nothing in there that’s gonna bite you,” Spike reassured with a laugh.

“I’m confident in that Spike.” Amira smiled before turning her attention to the cornbread once more and taking a deep breath, “here I go.”

Amira then took a bite with Spike looking onward, crossing his fingers in hopes that what he’d put so much effort into would be worthy of her pallet. Seconds passed as Amira slowly chewed away at the cornbread and swallowed. Finally, a smile came to her face.

“I like it,” she said taking another bite, “Equestrian cuisine is delightful.”

“Y-you do?” Spike grinned, looking over to Applejack and giving a thumb’s up. “Great!”

“I may now regret my visit to Equestria,” she continued, taking in a spoonful of mashed potatoes. “I didn’t partake in the foods of your nation for the simple fact I wasn’t sure if it would be edible to me or not. It seems that I was terribly wrong.”

“Next time I’ll have you stop by the bakery for a bunch of treats!” Pinkie chimed in, waving her spoon triumphantly up in the air. “We make great sweets too!”

“If I am called upon by my king to be an envoy to your nation,” Amira nodded, smiling towards Pinkie, “and given the close relationship the two have, I could see that happening again very soon.”

“I’d love to have you,” Spike quickly agreed, then paused, looking away in embarrassment. “Uh, over. We’d all love to have you over. To show you around and visit.”

“I would love to be your guest if I were to ever return.” Amira smiled, looking directly to Spike.

“Good,” he mumbled out with a nod. “T-that’d be nice.”

Rarity cleared her throat, giving a quick, encouraging smile to Spike. “So, if this cuisine is unusual to you, might I ask what you tend to dine on, dear?”

“Well, I enjoy most, if not all, Saddle Arabian meals,” Amira explained looking to her plate, “but if I had to choose a personal favorite, I would have to say imsakhan, the variety of flavors in the dish is wonderful.”

“Imsakhan,” Spike repeated, trying to lock the words tight in his mind. “I’ll make you some of that too, while you visit. How’s that?”

“That sounds wonderful Spike,” Amira answered, “but I would still have to visit, after all, we’re together now are we not?”

“Well… I could try making it while I’m here,” he replied, rubbing the back of his head. “I just figured that it wouldn’t be as good as the stuff you’re used to, so… I’d take advantage of the homesickness while you were in Equestria.”

“Spike, wherever you choose to make it I’m sure that it will be delicious.” Amira cut into her steak and took a bite. “Especially if this meal is any testament to your skill.”

“If you say so. Maybe I’ll give it a shot while I’m here after all.”

“Ya know just talkin’ ‘bout yer food ain’t gonna make it go away,” Applejack chimed in, pushing aside her spotless plate. “Ya might want ta eat up before Rarity sees there’s still meat on the table.”

“She’s right,” Spike agreed, looking with a hint of alarm at Amira.

“Don’t act like I cannot control my impulses,” Rarity huffed, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin.

“Well, as a precaution perhaps we should finish up?” Amira suggested, adding a laugh at the end, “I don’t think everyone here wishes to stay her all evening.”

“I wouldn’t mind!” Pinkie exclaimed. “We could have a sleepover! I call dibs on the table!”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea Pinkie,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes.“But Amira’s right, it’s getting really late, so let’s finish up and get ready for bed.”

“It feels like we just got together,” Spike said. “But alright.”

“If some of us hadn’t overindulged last night,” Rarity gave a flat look to Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, “I’d suggest simply moving the party to the casbah and listen to a band, as I’ve found a certain appreciation for this culture’s music.” She looked at Amira, giving the briefest of glances to Spike, as if ordering him to pay attention. “Are you a fan of it, Amira, or do you tend to favor a different genre?”

“Music is a medium for the soul, Madam Rarity,” Amira replied, “I am partial to anything that allows my emotions and body to flow freely. Though the music your culture calls ‘rock’ does confuse me to an extent. I mean there are some songs I rather enjoy from it, but overall I find it hard to comprehend.”

“Hey lady, rock is awesome!” Rainbow suddenly blurted out, grabbing into invisible guitar, “Five Finger Death Buck is the shit!” She proceeded to give a small strum of her fingers across imaginary strings, silently singing the words to herself, garnering several embarrassed and confused looks.

“Please don’t swear at the dinner table, dear,” Rarity chastised, one of the few manners Applejack gave to her over their time spent together, thanks to Applebloom being present. She smiled warming at Amira. “I believe you may enjoy a type of musical style the griffons gave to us: samba. I can hear a few similarities between your music and their own, and I believe it’d be a fantastic introduction to other genres. And, of course, there’s always Blues. If you return to Equestria, I insist that Jacqueline and I showcase our favorite club to you.”

“I would rather enjoy that,” Amira nodded, “I’ve always found Blues to have the most calming tunes.”

“Quite,” Rarity agreed. “Our little—” She caught herself and smiled maternally to the boy. “Our Spike has a respectable knowledge of blues as well. Perhaps he could tell you about them while we’re dealing with business here.”

Spike grinned brightly at her; Rarity had given him an ‘in.’ He blurted out, “And I like art too. We could do that.” Wincing, he rubbed the back of his head. “That is, if you like art. And, uh, if there’s a… museum or gallery around to, to look at it.”

Amira smiled warmly before putting her hand on his. “I’ve always found Equestrian art to be most fascinating, but I know very little about it, I would love you to teach me about it tomorrow.”

“I’ll be ready to rumble!” Spike agreed with a nod.

With that Spike and the others finished their plates, wrapping up whatever leftovers that remained in containers that Pinkie had pulled literally out from nowhere. After the last bits and pieces of food were gathered servants rushed in and scooped up every dirty dish before anyone could say anything. Ten minutes later, thanks to Amira’s guidance, the group found themselves standing in front of their doors, all more than ready for the food induced coma that awaited them.

“That was fun,” Twilight said, looking to the group behind her. “And it was very nice meeting you this evening, Amira. I can’t wait until delegations are done tomorrow so I can hang out with you and Spike.”

“I also am eager,” Amira replied with a bow before turning to walk down the hall. “Farewell until tomorrow.”

“Goodbye, Amira,” Spike said, a dumb smile on his face.

“Alright, come on Casanova.” Twilight shook her head, pulling Spike into their room as she rolled her eyes, “there’ll be plenty of time to ogle at her tomorrow, with my supervision.”

“Ogle?” he stammered out. “What are you talking about? I was just saying goodbye.”

“I may have always had my nose in a book, but after years of seeing you do the exact same thing to Rarity…” Twilight paused, throwing on a smug grin, “I think I know when you’re ogling or not.”

Spike crossed his arms and was about to snap back, but instead decided to give Twilight this one. “So maybe I like her,” he admitted reluctantly. “How could I not? She’s smart, and, and pretty, and nice.”

“From what I’ve seen yes,” Twilight nodded, “but I just want to make sure you don’t get hurt again, you know I hate to see you heartbroken.”

“I’ll be fine,” Spike said. “I’m happier than I’ve been in a long while, even.”

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed that either.” Twilight smiled, pulling him in for a one armed hug. “But let’s not talk about that right now. I’m sure you're just as tired as I am after such a large meal.”

“I could go for some sleep right about now,” he agreed, returning the hug then breaking away to unbutton his shirt.

“Thought so.” She snapped her fingers, the close she was wearing vanished off her body and appeared in a tight wad next to her travel bags. “See you in the morning Spike.” she said, stretching her arms above her head then sliding under her covers, “sleep well.”

He nodded, stripping down to his briefs. “You too,” he said, throwing his own covers aside and crawling underneath them. The boy shut his eyes, and was dead to the world in a heart’s beat.