Rain pattered against the windows of the Carousel Boutique, a steady, quiet rhythm that filled the silence that permeated within. From what Rarity had read on the town square bulletin board, the weather team had scheduled a thunderstorm later tonight that would last until about one at night.

Judging from the distant rumbling of thunder, the schedule had not been changed since she had last read it.

Rarity had always found a sort of calm in thunderstorms, especially during the summer when the air was humid. The cool breeze that always accompanied a storm gave her pleasant chills, and while lightning was dangerous, she enjoyed watching it as it danced across the sky from the relative safety of her home.

She wasn’t up to watch the storm, however. Not tonight, anyway. No, she had a very different reason to be awake tonight.

She slowly paced about the main room of her boutique, pausing to gaze through the window looking out to the darkened streets of Ponyville or look at the clock on her wall. The expression on her face was a mixture of anxiousness and worry, hidden beneath a thin veil of calm.

Perhaps he decided not to show up? I wouldn’t blame him, what with this weather and all...

No, he would show up. Sure, it was a little stormy outside, but nothing like that had ever stopped him from coming over to her place in the past whenever she asked for his assistance with late projects. There were often cases when he would simply stop by to see if she needed help, or to just ‘hang out’ with her, as he often put it.

Tonight, however, her request had been for a different reason.

Her pacing halted when she heard a knock at her door. She restrained herself from galloping to the door, and slowly turned the lock before opening. A purple snout poked through the crack, followed a pair of green eyes.

“Hi, Rarity. Um...I got your letter,” Spike held up a small scroll with a claw. “Everything alright? You didn’t really say much in the letter, so...”

Spike had grown in the five years since he and Twilight moved into Ponyville. He now stood about half a head taller than Rarity. His arms and legs had become muscular since he had been having his growth spurts. A pair of wings were folded along his sides. They were still underdeveloped, and it would be close to another two years before he was ready to glide, let alone fly. Twilight had explained once that while his wings were large, they were not yet strong enough to support his mass in flight. Until he was ready, the most he could do was build his wing muscles’ strength and be patient.

With his increased mass came a change in posture, too. He now preferred walking on all fours, only standing on his back legs when he needed to reach something or when he needed to squeeze through narrow spaces.

Rarity smiled as she took note of his three foot long tail waving lazily from side to side: a sign of contentment that she had become familiar with. Sometimes the girls would tease him for behaving like a dog whenever this happened. Rarity, however, never took part in these teasing sessions. In fact, she was usually the first to his defense, reprimanding Dash or Pinkie (the usual culprits) for making fun of him. She knew how sensitive Spike could be when it came to his growing body.

Despite his increased height and weight and the development of wings, Spike was still the same dragon who was always willing to help a friend in need.

Especially a friend like Rarity.

“Spikey, dear, come in!” She opened the door fully, stepping inside to allow the dragon entry. She looked to a dresser off in a far corner of the boutique, and opened it with her magic. A large, fluffy white towel floated out from the drawer toward Spike. Spike reached for it, only for it to float behind him. Rarity moved the plush towel up and down his back, drying off the scales that were beyond his reach. She then levitated it before him so that he could continue drying himself off. Spike took the towel and flashed her a gracious, toothy grin as she gave him a small smile of her own.

As he dried off, Rarity looked out to the streets, watching as the rain continued to come down. “Oh, I do apologize for sending a letter to you at such an hour. Thank you for coming by, it truly means a lot.”

Spike waved a clawed hand dismissively as he wiped his head dry. “Bah, don’t worry about it, Rarity.”

Ah, another thing about Spike that had changed. His maturity. He no longer fawned over her, or worshipped the ground she walked on. He treated her more like just another good friend, and less like a crush. She still caught him looking at her with a hint of longing once in awhile, but those looks were fewer than they had been in the past. He knew how to hide them better now. Rarity still enjoyed the attention, regardless if it was more subtle than it used to be. Especially when said attention was coming from a handsome dragon like Spike.

“Well, you’ve always been a true gentledrake, Spike,” She replied with a smile. “I’m sure Twilight and Princess Celestia couldn’t be prouder.”

Spike flushed a bit. “Heh, geesh, Rarity, it’s nothing, really. You know I don’t mind. A little rain never hurt anyone.”

Rarity just remained smiling as she shut the door behind him. She hummed to herself as she lit a few candles in the room and closed the blinds. She turned to see Spike looking at her with a slightly nervous grin. He obviously didn’t know the reason for this late-night visit, but had come anyway. She studied his features for several moments. His pristine spines, his glossy scales, the delicate tracery of veins that ran through the leathery folds of his wings...

...veins pumping his blood through them, heart beating, strong and steady, sweat beading around his neck, his neck, pulse, throat...

Rarity scrunched her eyes shut momentarily, then opened them. She focused her mind on the dragon before her, admiring his face. She took in a few slow, quiet breaths, trying to appear as calm and normal as possible. She flashed Spike a cheerful smile. “Can I get you anything to drink? Tea, perhaps? I imagine you must be absolutely freezing from that dreadful downpour outside.”

Spike smiled. “Yeah, sure, I’ll have a cup. Thanks.”

Rarity just smiled. “Think nothing of it, dear. You just make yourself at home while I get you a big mug of green tea. No doubt you haven’t been keeping up with drinking your fluids this summer. The heat has been close to unbearable so far. It’s important for one to keep their fluid levels up during the summer months.”

Fluids, blood, thirsty...

Rarity walked into the kitchen, leaving Spike alone in her boutique’s main room. The minute she stepped into the kitchen she began trembling. Her magic shakily lifted two tea packets from a shelf in her pantry while filling up a kettle with water. She then took the filled kettle and set it on the stovetop before turning on the burner. Her vision began to swim a bit, and she had to steady herself by leaning on the countertop.

Calm down, Rarity. You are doing fine, just keep your poise. This is Spike, after all. He’s not some stranger. He’s your friend.

She shook her head to try to shake off the dizziness, finding the action did little to help. Her ears twitched at the sound of a loud tapping on the countertop. She looked to see one of her hooves was shaking , yet she didn’t feel any sudden drop in the room’s temperature that may have caused it.

Honestly, Rarity! Come now, this is no time to be losing your nerve, here! Get a hold of yourself before you do something embarrassing in front of him! She took in a few deep breaths once more, trying to slow down the beating of her own heart.

Calm. Poise. Control. Calm. Poise...control....

Eventually her balance returned to her, allowing her to walk once more. She felt a thin sheen of sweat run down her brow as she made her way towards the cupboard where she kept her cups and glasses, pulling out a delicate porcelain tea cup and a heavy clay mug for her and Spike. She set them both on the counter then turned her attention to the sugar bowl that was off to the side of the counter space. With a glow of her horn, she pulled it towards her while removing its lid.

Just tell him why you called him over. You need his help to stave off this insufferable hunger that’s gnawing at you. If that somehow goes well...then you can bring up the other reason. She cringed to herself as the thought crossed her mind. He’ll either be delighted by the second half of my little confession, or mortified...depending on how he takes you revealing what you truly are to him...

After getting everything situated and the kettle on the burner, she made her way out of the kitchen. “Well, the tea should be ready in a few minutes. We just have to wait for the water to boil,” Rarity said with a too-cheerful tone. She briefly checked herself in a mirror hanging in the hallway between the kitchen and dressmaking room. She wiped away some sweat from her brow and checked her eyeliner.

Good, no smudging. The last thing I need is to look like something from one of his nightmares...

“Great, thanks, Rarity.” Spike replied. Rarity noticed that he had cleared away some space for them to sit. He had found a large pillow to rest his arms on as he lay on the floor, and had placed a cushion across from him for her to sit on. “So...what’s up?”

Rarity made her way towards the drake and gracefully took her spot across from him. She studied him as he watched her. He had a small smile on his face, and his tail was still slowly sliding left and right. He was comfortable around her. Happy.

He trusts you, Rarity. There’s no need to be afraid of him...

She looked to the floor, and slowly exhaled. “Spike...I called you here so that I could talk to you about something rather...private.”

Spike’s ear frills twitched. “Oh...is it...bad?”

You don’t know the half of it. “Not entirely, no. It’s just...” She looked to the dragon, but found that she could not meet his gaze. Why was this so hard?

Because if you tell him, he may forever shun you, or worse, tell someone else! You would be ruined, and lose all your friends. Oh, it would be an absolute disaster! I would have to close up shop, exile myself from town! I might even have to change my name and identity!

“Rarity? Is everything okay?”

No, Spike...it’s been years since everything has been okay..

“Nothing I can’t handle, Spike. Thank you, though. Ahem...right...” She studied one of her hooves casually while taking in a slow, deep breath before exhaling. “Spike...what do you know of Sangritis Vampyria?”

Spike gave her an odd look. “Sangritis Vampyria?” He rubbed his chin with a claw, rolling the word around in his mind for a moment before his eyes lit up. “Oh! The ‘vampirism’ disease? That was an imagined disease thought up by ponies. I think it was around during the time before Princess Luna was banished to the moon.”

Rarity replied with a nod. Her throat tightened a little, and she felt beads of sweat forming on her brow and neck once more. Would he laugh? Would he get suspicious? Surely he wouldn’t suspect her of such a thing...would he?

Spike hummed in thought. “Sure, I remember reading about it in a volume of Equestrian lore. I guess the idea of the disease stuck around, since more than a few fantasy novels about vampires mention it.” A small grin crossed his lips. “According to the lore book, anypony who was afflicted with the disease became a vampire, and they had to feed on the blood of ponies or other living creatures to stay alive.” He snorted with laughter. “Like dead ponies are actually coming back to life. Those were weird times, I tell you...” He put his hands to his cheeks, a look of mock-terror on his face. “Oh no, scary undead ponies!” He eventually settled down and his laughter ceased. He quirked an eyebrow at Rarity, giving her an amused grin. “Why do you ask? Are you a vampire, Rarity?” He let out mirthful laugh. “I better watch out. Vampires can charm ponies just by looking into their eyes.”

Rarity forced out a laugh. “Haha...yes, I’m a vampire. I vant to suck your blood, blah!” She raised up her front legs and made a silly face, baring her broad, flat teeth and earning a laugh from Spike.

She chewed on her lower lip. So far this this conversation was off to a bad start for her, though she had expected as much. The idea of vampires was rather absurd; any pony with a lick of common sense to them knew they were purely fictional.

If only that were true.

She adjusted her hair and put on an embarrassed smile, hoping it would suffice to mask the worry she was feeling. “Yes, I suppose it is a bit silly, isn’t it? I...well, I had read about it in some classic horror novel, recently. There were several vampires in it, and well...it was a little...scarier than I had anticipated. It was somewhat romantic with the talk of loneliness and craving the love of another despite being something that’s not quite a pony anymore, but still rather unsettling. All that talk of...blood.”

“O-oh...I wasn’t trying to tease you, Rarity...” Spike started. “Yeah...some of those horror stories are a little creepy, aren’t they? I guess living with Twilight for so long has kind of killed any superstitions I had, heh.”

Rarity was saved from having to think of what to say next as the tea kettle began to whistle. “Oh! Excuse me for a moment, Spike.”

She got up from her cushion and quickly made her way towards the kitchen.

Well, this is just wonderful, isn’t it? Once I explain why I really called him over, he’ll probably try to run or think he’s going insane. Oh, Rarity, what are you getting yourself into?

She removed the tea kettle from the stove and poured the steaming water into the two cups. She plunged a tea bag into each cup and lifted them with her magic.

She barely made it past the doorway before staggering as another wave of vertigo washed over her. She swayed and groaned, trying to maintain her balance as she moved forward. She faintly heard the the two cups shatter on the floor, spilling hot tea all over the place. Her vision was filled with purple and green. A vaguely familiar voice was calling to her from what sounded like miles away.

“Ungh...Spi-key? Is...is that you?”

“I’m right here, Rarity, I’ve got you!”

Two strong arms gently lifted her up off the floor. She felt warmth run through every fiber of her being as she leaned against Spike’s muscular chest, enjoying the rippling of his muscles as he carried her down the dark hallway. She reveled in the sensations of him. The warmth, the smell, the sound of his heart beating against her cheek.

She craned her neck up, looking towards the spot between his ear frills and shoulders. Her eyes locked onto the throbbing of his skin over his vein. His pulse had sped up, and he was carrying her upstairs to her room. She noted the worried look on his face; it was like he was pained to see her in such a state. She smiled and placed a hoof against his cheek. He paused briefly, meeting her eyes with a concerned look. Her gaze became more focused, her eyes gazing deeply into his. There was a faint, magical tension between the two, flowing from Rarity to Spike as they continued to hold each other’s gaze .

“Rarity, are–?” His eyes lost focus and glazed over. Rarity continued to stroke her hoof against his cheek in a loving manner, admiring the deep emerald color of his eyes.

“You’ve really...grown into a handsome dragon, Spike,” she purred as she pulled Spike deeper into the trance. Her mind was screaming for her to stop, telling her that what she was doing would forever ruin any chance at a future with Spike. The hunger within her, however, wanted Spike, and it wanted him now.

Rarity lifted her head up, moving her lips towards his neck. She opened her mouth and flexed her jaw muscles slightly. Two glistening fangs jackknifed from her upper jaw, sharp as daggers. Drawing out her fangs so quickly was always a painful, odd sensation for her. Still, she had long gotten used to the pain. Even after having them for so long, her fangs gave her mixed feelings. When they were out, she felt powerful...primal. It disturbed her how much she enjoyed the transformation. She felt like she had become an entirely different creature; no longer a frail, harmless little pony, but a creature that could be capable of hunting and fending for itself without fear of the things that went bump in the night.

I shouldn’t want this...I’m a pony...not...this...

Not only did she feel stronger in the physical sense, but her mind felt more powerful too. She could command any who so much as looked into her eyes. The trance she had put him under could be broken by Spike with little difficulty on his part, if she so desired. She didn’t want to let him go, though. Her hunger was driving her to keep his gaze, keep ahold of his mind. This was part of what disturbed her when she transformed. She knew she could make him do anything she wanted, if she tried. She loved the power it gave her, but despised what it represented. She had made Spike a slave to her every whim. He was like putty in her hooves.

She leaned in close, her fangs hovering over Spike’s neck. She stared at the throbbing vein beneath the skin of his throat hungrily. She opened her mouth wider, but hesitated.

“Spike...I...I’m...sorry.” She whispered softly. Then, she shed all sense of morality and let go to her urges. She let out a feral hiss before sinking her fangs into him, puncturing his scaled skin and piercing the vein beneath.

“Gyaah!” Spike cried out, and promptly dropped her. The unexpected pain jolted him awake from his trance. She fell heavily to the ground, and everything came back to focus. She gasped as she tasted blood on her lips. She looked up to see Spike backing away from her, confusion and alarm clear in his eyes. He pressed a hand over his neck, then drew it back and stared at the red liquid for several seconds before looking back to Rarity.

“S-Spike, I can explain.” Rarity spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

Spike continued to back away from her. “W-what...Rarity...why did you–?”

At that moment, several flashes of lightning streaked across the sky outside. The lightning lit up the hall for several long seconds, allowing Spike to have a clear look at the mare before him. Jutting out from her upper lips were a pair of fangs that looked both alien and wrong on her. They pressed against her bottom lip, gleaming in a slick coating of blood that dripped down them and onto her chin.

Spike drew back in horror, staring at the pony who was staring up at him with worry in her eyes.

W-wait, Rarity isn’t supposed to have fangs! She’s a pony! Rarity’s beautiful, smart, classy...and definitely doesn’t bite others in the throat! He winced as he felt a painful twinge from his neck. She couldn’t possibly be that...that...pony on the floor. She would never tolerate having those bloodstains on her coat! She would be freaking out! She would never thirst for...for blood!

His blood.

No! No way! Screw this, I am out of here!

Spike turned and bolted, not even bothering to look over his shoulder to see if she was giving chase.

“Spike! No, please!”

He sprinted down the hall, his tail knocking over a bust of Celestia and one of the fine vases that had been tastefully-selected by her as it thrashed from side to side. He rounded the corner and bounded down the stairs, taking the steps three at a time. His claws dug into the wooden floor as he turned sharply, sprinting towards the doorway leading out to the stormy streets of Ponyville.

Lightning flashed through the windows again, lighting up the dark shop. He squinted against the sudden brightness. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest. He spotted the doorway just beyond the hall and main room. He was almost there! Safety and freedom were almost within reach!

The room was plunged back into darkness for several long seconds. Then another flash of lightning revealed Rarity standing in front of the door, blocking his exit. Her eyes glowed a vibrant blue, like those of a cat. The fangs poking out from her mouth gleamed in the brief flash of light.

“Yaah!” Spike skidded to an abrupt halt, his claws leaving marks on the floor.

“Spike, please! I-I’m sorry, I can explain!” Rarity said, taking a step towards him, a hoof raised towards him pleadingly.

Spike scooted back, fear in his eyes. How did she suddenly appear in front of him? He hadn’t seen any flash of magic from her horn. What did she want? Why did she bite him?

She couldn’t possibly be a– no, that’s impossible! They don’t exist! They’re made-up! Fake! “G-get away from me!”

Rarity felt tears running down her cheeks as she watched the dragon staring at her like she was a monster. That terror-stricken gaze felt like a knife slowly twisting itself in her chest. But the worst pain she felt was from knowing that he was right to be afraid. She was a monster, he was right to be afraid of her. “Please, just listen to what–”

He skittered back hastily, almost falling over. Then he looked behind him, down to the far end of the hall.

The back door!

Spike spun around, knocking over a few displays and dressers as he ran through the darkened hall of the boutique. He heard Rarity galloping behind him, followed by a crash as she tripped over one of the obstacles he had unintentionally created in his headlong flight. He reached for the door and quickly pulled it open, sprinting out into the downpour.

He faintly heard Rarity calling after him, but he dared not stop. No. She is insane! She...she had bitten me in the neck! Her teeth...the blood... He shook his head, and refocused on looking ahead, trying to gain his bearings. You’re freaking out, Spike, calm down, it was just a trick of the light!

The pain in his neck, however, said otherwise. Tricks of the light don’t put blood on ponies’ faces, or puncture your neck.

He had to get home to warn Twilight. She would notify the mayor and the rest of the town. Let Princess Celestia know. Let them know what, exactly? That Rarity was either completely insane or she was a fictional creature brought to life.

A vampire. An undead pony, out for his blood, literally. Sure, he had read about them, but...they were fictional! Made-up!

No wait, I can’t go back to the library! She’ll just follow me there! With the way she had suddenly appeared in front of him back in the boutique, she could be on him at any moment if he didn’t keep moving!

No, the library wasn’t an option, as much as he longed for its sanctuary. He would be putting Twilight in danger!

“Spiiiike! Stop! Please, wait!”

His ears twitched at the sound of Rarity’s voice slicing through the rain. His heart continued to hammer against his chest, his eyes widening in panic as his legs strained to move faster.

No, no, no!

Spike wasn’t about let Rarity take a second bite out of him. He saw the distant trees of the Everfree rising over the towns and shops of Ponyville.

Bingo! I can lose her in there! She might not even follow me; she can’t stand getting dirty! A small voice in the back of his panicking mind reminded him that she had bitten into his neck and gotten blood all over her muzzle! The voice therefore considered it very likely that dirt probably wouldn’t be much of a deterrent to whatever creature that had taken over Rarity’s mind and body.

It would be so easy to lose her if my wings were strong enough to let me fly. Even if I can’t fly, the Everfree is the darkest forest in all of Equestria. I can see well enough in there. He forced more strength into his legs, picking up speed. I just hope that doesn’t apply to her as well...I’m pretty sure that vampires can’t see in the dark, right? Right? With the panicked state he was currently in, his mind was having trouble remembering anything from the book.

His claws dug into the mucky ground and flung up soil as he continued down the road, making a beeline for the foreboding forest while the rain continued to come down in sheets, pelting against his face and the rest of his scaled body. He’d lure her towards the Everfree, then lose her among the trees and lay low for a minute or two before making his way back to the library, and warn Twilight and the others.

Rarity struggled to catch her breath as she galloped after Spike. Things had gone from bad to worse rather quickly. Chasing a panicking dragon had not been among her plans for this evening. If only her damned hunger hadn’t made her hypnotize him, he wouldn’t have panicked in the first place.

These powers really are more trouble than they’re worth...

Her heart leaped into her throat as she saw him make his way past the outskirts of Ponyville, and toward the Everfree. She continued her chase, leaving the cobblestone and dirt roads of Ponyville and galloping through the grass fields surrounding the town.

“No, Spikey, not there!” Rarity shouted, more to herself than the dragon. If she lost him in there with the mental state he was in, who knew what could happen to him. Calling to him had done little to help her situation, considering all it seemed to do was make him run faster out of fear.

She would have tried to teleport in front of him, but the storm would throw off her focus. She wasn’t Twilight Sparkle, after all. The night wasn’t dark enough, nor were the shadows deep enough for her to phase through.

No, right now, chasing him was the only option she had, making the forest all the more of an obstacle for her.

She continued galloping across the slick grass, ignoring the stitch in her side as she neared the Everfree. She lost sight of Spike as he vanished into the dark foliage of the forest. She paused momentarily, dancing frantically in place as she looked to the dark trees ahead of her. While the dark posed no real difficulty for her, it didn’t mean she enjoyed it. There were all sorts of beasts in the Everfree that she would prefer to never encounter.

Spike is in there, though...and it’s your fault he’s scared out of his wits. Go after him! Now!

Cursing under her breath, she ignored her fears and ran in after him.

Her eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness. With the forest canopy blocking out most of the rainfall, she immediately caught the scent of iron and sweat. Spike was still bleeding.

She had to find him and get him to calm down. If his current mental state was bad enough, she might be forced to use her hypnosis to soothe his terrified mind. She had never really used her hypnosis on a panicked pony, let alone a dragon. It could be dangerous, but if she had to do it, she would, even if it would be breaking her Code. He may have settled down already, but either way, she needed to speak to him, needed the chance to explain herself. She didn’t want to Spike to run off again.She would have to approach him as slowly and peacefully as possible if she wanted to avoid hypnotizing Spike again. If there was any other alternative, she would take it. Anything was better than breaking her Code.

Well before she had become a vampire, she had carefully groomed herself into a proper lady. She used her natural grace and gorgeous looks along with her eloquent speaking skills to woo or persuade ponies into helping her with various tasks, such as pulling a carriage full of her friends to Canterlot so they could attend the Grand Galloping Gala.

She took pride in not needing her vampiric charms. It gave her a sense of normalcy and made her feel like she was still a pony, and not some bloodthirsty monster. As such, she never intentionally used hypnosis. In fact, she had been fairly confident in her control over her hypnotic powers until this evening. Free will was a sacred thing to her, and she would never willingly take that away from anyone. That was her Code, her way of living as this awful creature that she now was. Yet here she was, in the Everfree, because because she had broken that very Code, even if it had been an accident.

What she had done to Spike was wrong. He was a friend. A dear friend. Feeding on Spike’s blood without his consent was reprehensible. She had crossed the line by doing so, and it filled her with self-loathing and disgust. How could she just let herself get carried away like that?

That was one reason why she was so worried; she got carried away so easily when he had been holding her. The control she had over her hypnotic powers had slipped right through her hooves, so to speak. If anything, Spike had made her lose control of her senses a little.

In more ways than one.

Rarity frowned. She prided herself on being composed around the other sex. With Spike though, things were different for some reason. The way he smiled, his scent, the way his muscles flexed as he moved...the sound of his beating heart...everything that had attracted her to him, compounded with her maddening hunger, had pushed her mental restraints past their breaking point. When Spike had been carrying her in the boutique, it felt like her mind had been wrapped in a thick layer of cotton, like she was floating through the air and was lighter than a feather. The feeling had been wonderful, so wonderful that she had forgone her control. Now she was paying for her weakness, and searching through the Everfree for a panicking dragon.

Spike’s scent was getting stronger as she pushed her way through several thick bushes. She instinctively placed her nose to the ground and sniffed, picking up the metallic smell of his blood in the earth. Yes, Spike had definitely been through here.

She pushed past a few bushes, any noise she made drowned out by the steady sound of the rain battering the canopy overhead. Stray flashes of lightning created a strobe effect. Her vision became clearer and sharper as her pupils dilated further to the point that the blue of her eyes couldn’t be seen. Without her vampiric eyesight, she wouldn’t have been able to see her hoof in front of her own face.

Has it always been this dark in the Everfree? She briefly gazed up toward the canopy, straining to see past the thick leaves. There was no moonlight whatsoever. I suppose the storm clouds blocking out the Moon are responsible as well.

The familiar scent of gemstones and dusty tomes wafted past her nostrils. Her heightened senses picked up the faint sound of heavy breathing up ahead. She slowly crept towards a small area clear of grass and brush, taking note of a purple mass in the center.

Spike looked scared out of his wits. Although, anyone with a sane mind probably would be, she thought. Hypnosis or not, he had every right to be afraid of her.

He was currently looking around fearfully, his head turning every direction but behind him. Luckily, his back was turned, so this worked to her advantage, allowing her to get closer. Part of her wanted to retract her fangs back, but she realized that would only make things worse. Hiding what she was wouldn’t help in the long run. She needed to be honest with him. She licked her lips before speaking, just loud enough for him to hear. “Spike...?”

Spike was on his feet instantly, facing towards her. His chest heaved rapidly as he looked at Rarity with a fearful expression. He hastily backed away from her . “S-stay back!” He flared out his wings in a threatening gesture, but the look on his face ruined the effect. “I-I don’t know what’s going on, but if you come any closer, then I-I’ll...” He took another step back as he noticed Rarity wasn’t backing down. “We don’t need to fight! Y-you don’t need to kill me!”

“Kill...?” Rarity felt her chest tighten at the very idea of such violence. “Spike...that’s absurd! I would never kill you, nor anypony for that matter! You’re my friend!”

She noticed that his wings drooped a little. He was still afraid of her, but her words seemed to have the desired effect and quelled his fears a little.

Spike shuddered as she slowly approached him. His eyes narrowed as she cautiously made her way into the clearing. He took note of her white coat that seemed to shimmer softly in the darkness. Despite the fact that his mind was racing with fear, he still found himself admiring her. Then he looked into her eyes.

Her eyes were dark, as though the blacks of her pupils had swallowed up the brilliant blue of her irises. It made him cringe a little, but...he didn’t feel any malice or ill-intent coming from her gaze. The small frown on her face made her look all the less imposing. It was almost as if she was worried about him.

He felt himself slowly calm down. His body stopped shaking in fear, and his breathing eventually slowed down. Rarity sat down on her haunches, her eyes remaining on him as he studied her. She tried to give him a smile, but doing so made it look like she was trying to mask a pain of some sort. She blew a strand of hair from her face, then settled into an expression of placidity as she watched him with patient eyes.

“So...you’re...a vampire?”

Rarity gave him the slightest of nods. “Yes, I am.”

Well, she had cleared the air on that riddle. So, she was a vampire...and she wasn’t going to kill him? He gave her a quizzical look, his mind coming to a halt. “Y-you’re not going to kill me? Really? I-I thought that vampires–”

Her mask of calm dropped instantly, replaced by a pained expression. “No! Never!” Rarity looked hurt. “Spike,” She bowed her head in shame. “I suppose I owe you an explanation...”

“That...would help,” he agreed, though he kept his distance. She had bitten him once already. He wasn’t about to drop his guard with her so close.

But maybe she’ll say something that will reveal a weakness of hers, or maybe she’ll get distracted. Then I can make a break for it and go deeper into the forest... Anything to buy him some time, allow him a chance to escape...he would take it.

He continued to study her, keeping his eyes locked on her every movement. She didn’t look all that different when he had the chance to actually look at her from a (somewhat) calm state of mind. Going against his better judgement, he decided to listen to Rarity’s explanation.

Rarity kept her eyes to the ground as she began, trying to look as serene and non-threatening as she could. “I have been a...vampire...for almost seven years now.”

“So...this happened before Twilight and I came to Ponyville?”

“Yes. I had lived off of stolen blood packets from the hospital and when situations were dire...animal blood,” Rarity looked sick at the mere thought. “At least, I had been until shortly after you and Twilight came into my life. A few months after you both moved into town, I asked Twilight if she could contact Princess Celestia, and arrange a private meeting between the two of us.”

“Wait, Twilight knows about this, too?”

“No, I told her it was personal business, relating to my shop and possibly expanding it into Canterlot. I hated lying to Twilight like that, but you can imagine my reasons.” She pawed the ground a little before continuing. “Celestia, being the wonderful princess she is, arranged it so I would receive a few pints of blood every month in a magically cooled package. One packet of blood was the equivalent of a pint, so the amount she sent was usually enough to keep my thirst down. She set up a delivery system for me through some trusted ponies she knew.”

“What about Sweetie Belle and your family?”

Rarity’s face became pained for a moment, though a small smile slowly crept onto her lips. “My family knows. Mother and Father have come to accept it, and love me all the same. They really worry about me and if I’m taking care of myself, so...I know they care. Sweetie Belle didn’t find out until about four years ago when she walked in on me during one of my...feedings. Not a blood packet, either. I-I kept a few animals in a fridge in the basement of my boutique in case of an emergency. I’m not proud of it, but...well, this condition doesn’t allow me to be picky.”

“Oh...”

“Indeed. She screamed so loud my ears were ringing for days. I had to use my...powers...to pacify her.” She grimaced for a moment, like she had tasted something foul. She took in a breath before exhaling and continuing her story. “When she was calm enough, I explained everything.” A small smile tugged at her mouth. “She’s been very supportive of me when things are tough. She...she’s even helped once or twice. She has donated a little here and there. I...I hated myself for making her feel weak and tired, but she didn’t seem to mind.” Rarity shook her head slowly. “She deserves so much better than me... ” Tears ran down Rarity’s cheeks. “I love her so much, but...I just...the problem is, the thirst has been coming more often, and with much greater intensity, too. It’s been like this for almost a whole year now. The blood packets don’t help me nearly as much as they used to, and I hate killing little animals. If Fluttershy knew, she...” She repressed a sob and sniffled several times. She wiped her eyes a bit before slowly calming down again. She looked to Spike with a pained expression.

“So...is that...is that why you bit me...?” He gently ran a clawed hand over the wound on his neck.

“Yes, my hunger overwhelmed me. That’s what drove me to...to do that to you, and I’m...truly sorry for that. I would...never, ever intentionally hurt you.” She sniffled a little. “Y-yet, I did. I hurt you, and...and it scares me that I did.” She choked out a sob. “If something ever happened to you–” She bit her lip, staring down at her hooves and fidgeting a little. “I mean...you’re a very dear friend to me, Spike.”

“Have you told any of the others about this? I’m sure Twilight would understand...”

Rarity shook her head. “I was going to tell you about...this, but things didn’t go as planned. I let my monstrous side take control. I lost control because of this horrid, ugly thing I truly am.”

Seeing Rarity in pain still hurt him the way it always had. Despite her fangs, the desire for blood, and the absurdity of it all, he was finding it harder and harder to ignore the fact that the mare sitting before him truly was the one he had fallen for. She was still the Element of Generosity...still a dressmaker...still Rarity. Just not quite the mare he thought he knew. “You’re not ugly, Rarity. You’re beautiful,” Spike replied softly.

Rarity let out a weak chuckle. “Thank you, darling,” She sniffled before continuing. “To answer your question though, no, I haven’t told anyone else about this aside from Princess Celestia, my parents, and Sweetie Belle, though Princess Luna knows as well now. She has visited me during every full moon since that night she came to Ponyville for her first Nightmare Night festival. She has proved to be quite knowledgeable on the various aspects of vampirism. Being the Princess of the Night, she has dealt with beings like vampires plenty of times before.”

Spike’s curiosity was starting to win over the fear in his mind. One element of the stories gave him pause, however. “So...are you...dead?”

Rarity gave Spike a perplexed look before giggling, a hoof covering her mouth. “No, I am very much alive. My heart's still beating as it always has. I’m just...well, I’m alive in a different way than I used to be. I no longer need to eat, but I still do enjoy eating. The digestive processes all work as they used to, but...well, it’s sort of like exercising now. I don’t need to eat, but it helps keep my stomach in shape so I can maintain appearances by eating socially. I still breathe, and still go through most of the other things that ponies go through.”

So, Rarity could still eat and digest food like any normal pony. That made sense, now that he thought about it. She ate on a day to day basis, after all. So, if she ate, it was probably reasonable to assume that other biological processes still worked as they always had, like she said. She could eat, she could move her muscles, and blood still pumped through her heart. She was a living, breathing creature, just like him. Just like any other creature.

Any...other...

He blinked as the thought crossed his mind, and before he knew it, the words had left his mouth. “Even...pregnancy?”

Rarity’s looked at him curiously and blushed. “Yes, I...could still conceive a foal if I wished.”

Well, this had become awkward. Though, he supposed he could blame that last question on living with Twilight Sparkle. He knew more about equine biology than he cared to admit thanks to her. He still remembered the diagrams and charts she used when giving him the dreaded talk about ‘the birds and the bees’.

Oddly enough, no birds or bees were ever mentioned in that lecture...

Spike looked away, his own cheeks burning up. “Sorry.”

Rarity smiled while shaking her head. The poor dear was flushing in the cheeks, and looked like he wanted to be anywhere but there in the clearing at the moment.

Typical Spike. Always a true gentledrake, even in a situation like this. He no longer appeared to be frightened of her. His breathing had slowed down, and his wings had folded back to his sides. His tail even wagged a little from side to side. She felt it was safe enough to finally approach him.

He was surprised to feel a gentle touch on his arm. He looked to see Rarity had moved right next to him, her eyes inclined upwards a little so she could meet his slightly higher gaze. Her smile was an understanding one. “It’s alright, Spike. I’m just happy that we’re talking now. I really don’t like scaring anyone, least of all you.”

Spike studied her, looking over her face and stopping at her fangs. This was still rather surreal. Rarity was a vampire, yet she wasn’t anything like he had read about in books. Well, she had that sort of charming appeal to her, yes, but she had always been charming and lovely in his eyes. She didn’t look pale or dead at all, just like she had said.

“S-so...um...wow. I’m talking to a vampire. Something that...I thought only existed in myths and horror stories.”

Rarity frowned. “Well, I suppose those stories have some truth to them, Spike. I am living proof that vampires are real, after all.”

“What about sunlight? What does that do to you?”

“Mm, my eyes are little more sensitive than they used to be, but otherwise I’m fine. I can see in the dark, too.”

“Garlic?”

“Well, I’m not a fan of it as is, but I’ve eaten it a few times in different recipes with no trouble. I could eat a clove of garlic if I had to.” She wrinkled her nose a little. “Though, I’d probably brush my teeth a dozen times afterwards.”

“Can you cross running water?”

“As long as it’s not too cold, I suppose. I’d rather not get my mane all wet, but I have taken a dip in the stream in town with Sweetie Belle on occasion...”

“Can you enter homes without being invited in?”

Rarity quirked an eyebrow. “Why would I do that? That’s just plain rude. If I had to, I suppose so, though I’d sooner knock than break in.”

“Can you cross lines of salt or–?”

“Spike,” Rarity placed a hoof over the young drake’s mouth. “Most of those supposed weaknesses really are myths. And before you ask, driving a stake through my heart will kill me, just as it would anypony. Trust me, Princess Luna explained it all to me.”

Spike gave her an embarrassed grin. “Heh, sorry...just curious.”

“Perfectly understandable,” Rarity chuckled. “I can also move very quickly through shadows if it’s dark enough. It’s...sort of like everything around me slows down when I’m moving through the darkness. I guess it’s like teleportation, but...not the same. I’m not sure how I do it...but I just do...it just works naturally for me. That’s how I was able to appear right in front of you at the boutique. Princess Luna’s been trying to figure that power out as well. I also have the ability to hypnotize others.”

“Hypnosis, huh? I guess that’s a good name for it.” His eyes narrowed a little while he frowned, not meeting her gaze.

Rarity winced before breaking eye contact and nodding. “Y-yes...I’m sorry for that, Spike.”

Spike went quiet for several long moments. He wasn’t about to let her off the hook for that, but he wanted to know more. There had to be a reason she was a vampire, after all. He frowned before speaking. “So...I take it there are other vampires in Equestria, huh?”

Rarity gave Spike a small smile. “Well of course. I know the thought of vampires existing among ponies is a bit scary, but how do you think I became like this? How do you suppose Princess Luna was able to teach me all about vampires in the first place?”

He nodded, a little ashamed of how stupid he had just sounded. “How did you become a vampire?”

Rarity sighed. “Goodness...that’s a question I wish I could answer for myself. I was coming back from a late evening at Fluttershy’s. I was just going up the road towards Ponyville when something struck me on the back of the head. When I awoke, I tasted blood on my lips, and had two puncture wounds on my neck.”

“You were attacked by another vampire? You don’t...you don’t think Fluttershy is...?”

Rarity’s eyebrows quirked before she broke out into a laugh. “Oh good heavens, no! Our dear Fluttershy is not a vampire. I honestly can’t picture her being capable of doing the things that vampires do to live. Then again...I wouldn’t have believed myself capable of drinking blood either...”

“So you think it was...just, what, a random vampire in the area at the time?”

“That’s what the Princesses suspect. Luna’s been keeping tabs on all the known vampires in Equestria for the better part of four millennia, and none of them appear to be responsible for my turning. There is no simple way to determine if somepony is a vampire, but...I’m pretty sure I’m the only vampire in town. Princess Luna can use a spell to look into the soul of a pony and determine whether they are a vampire or not, but performing a spell like that is something that is far beyond my magical capabilities.

“Right...so...what happened?”

“Well, as far as I understand, you only turn if you drink vampire blood. So, the vampire in question had knocked me unconscious, then fed me some of their blood. They also bit my neck, so they must have been looking for somepony to feed on as well. Luna was upset to hear about such an attack, as you can imagine. Celestia and her have kept rather good, supportive relations with the vampires of Equestria, because most of them were turned in similar kinds of attacks. I’m actually the first known pony to be turned in over three hundred years.”

Spike felt a little uneasy with this knowledge. For her to be the first new vampire known to Celestia and Luna in over three hundred years definitely had some big implications. What were all the vampires in Equestria doing before then? Why such a long duration of time between ponies being turned into vampires?

He gave Rarity an uneasy look. “How...long do vampires live?”

Rarity gave him an uncertain look before shaking her head. “Well...nopony knows for certain, Spike. However, Princess Luna told me once that she knows a vampire who is around two thousand years old. She’s a lovely mare that lives outside of Fillydelphia. The Princess stops by to share a cup of tea with her once a month. She makes the best raspberry torte, too, or so I’ve been told by Luna.”

“Wow...”

Rarity nodded. “I haven’t met any other vampires, but from what Luna has told me, most of them live their lives essentially as they did before being turned. They’ve found ways to manage their thirst, and well...” She hesitated before continuing. “That’s...part of the reason I had called you to my house this evening.”

Spike’s stomach knotted and his heart beat picked up. That fearful sensation was slowly rising back to the forefront of his mind, but he held it at bay. He needed to get the whole picture here, both to satisfy his growing curiosity, and because this was Rarity. Anything that affected her automatically affected him, regardless of what it was.

He chewed on his lip thoughtfully before speaking, keeping his tone controlled and even. “You want me to help with your...um...blood problem, huh?”

Rarity’s eyes met Spike’s for several long moments. A flash of lightning lit up the area for a brief moment, revealing the tracks of tears that had run down her cheeks. It could have been the rain that made those, but deep down, he knew it had been done by her, not the weather. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, as though searching for the right words. She looked as though she was afraid to answer. She eventually let out a long sigh. “Yes.”

They sat in silence, the muffled rainfall overhead providing the only noise to fill in the lull in the conversation.

Come on, Spike. She needs you. Look at her, and tell yourself that isn’t the look of somepony who’s reached their breaking point. Spike continued to study her face. She didn’t look away, but the look in her eyes was both hopeful and worried.

Gah...would this be right, though? If I said no to helping her, that’d be just as bad. I’d hate to see her cry, and making her cry would be even worse. I can’t do that to her...can I?

“Tell me more...”

Rarity’s head jerked up, looking into the emerald of Spike’s eyes. “W-what?”

Spike managed a little smile. He was still disturbed by the whole situation, but at least he was sure that this was still Rarity that he was talking to. She was asking for help, just as she had done so often over the years. It was a strange, new kind of help, yes, but this was still a kind of help that he could provide her. Still, the proof was in the pony, and he had seen enough. She was the real deal. A real vampire, but also the real Rarity, who needed his help. She was desperate. Despite everything that had happened, despite all the confusion and fear he had experienced tonight, he still wanted to help her, and he still cared for her, maybe. That much he was certain of. “I won’t lie, this is more than a little scary for me. But... I don’t want you to be suffering like this, Rarity. I can tell this is hard for you. I...well, I’ve never turned you down when you asked for my help before. I don’t intend to start now, either.” He scratched the spines on his neck as he gave her a crooked grin. “I guess I might could be...your...um...?”

“‘Confidant’ would probably be an appropriate term,” Rarity suggested with a little smile. “Spike...are you sure about this? I feel like I’m kind of putting you in an unfair position, making you decide on something like this without any time to give it a lot of thought. Although...doing this wouldn’t involve me just taking blood from you. There are...’benefits’ that you will receive from this as well...”

“Huh?”

Rarity fidgeted with her hooves a little as she blushed. “I...I suppose I forgot to mention this, but...vampires have another innate power. Well, it’s not really within my control, but...vampires’ saliva can...stir up certain feelings...”

“In what way?”

“Well, it often affects...well, it causes excitement...wait, no...that’s a little vague...” She sighed before staring straight into Spike’s eyes. “You’ll probably become aroused.”

“Aroused?” Spike repeated, quirking an eyebrow. He blinked dumbly at her, and his mouth fell open and his eyes widened. Rarity almost burst out laughing upon seeing the expression, but fought down the laughter, knowing how serious this was.

“Yes, though I’m not sure if it will affect you the same way, since you’re a dragon and not a pony,” Rarity continued. “Luna believes this ability allows vampires to help the...donor feel...well, more at ease. It helped mask the pain of being bitten.”

“So it’s sort of like an aphrodisiac?”

“For the lack of a better term, yes.”

Spike’s brow furrowed as his claw rose to his chin, his face assuming an intense expression as he looked to the canopy above. Alright, back to the facts here. One, vampires are real. Freaky, but a fact nonetheless. They drink blood, and apparently being bitten may not be a totally unpleasant experience to deal with if what she was saying applies to me as well.

He was pretty sure she was being honest with him. Even though Rarity could put on a good act, years of coming to know her had made him able to see through her acting most of the time, so he was pretty sure she was being truthful. He trusted her, too. Besides...he was the best choice to do this for her. He was a dragon. He could endure more than a pony could, even at his young age.

Was he really willing to let her bite him again? His neck still stung from the earlier bite. He didn’t like the idea of being her replacement for her monthly blood shipments or being bitten in the neck who knows how often. Though, he also didn’t like the idea of seeing Rarity suffer. If anything, the latter was worse than the former in his mind.

“Not drinking blood would be...bad, right?” he eventually asked.

“Yes. I would die,” Rarity answered.

Well, that was another point to take into consideration.

But she’s a vampire. She feeds on living ponies’ blood!

Spike paused at that thought. Was...was this right? To just...let her take his blood? What if she somehow lost control while feeding? What if she went on a feeding frenzy?

Do you honestly think she would do that? This is Rarity you’re thinking about. Rarity wouldn’t do anything like that.

Still...Rarity was a vampire. A vampire!

If she honestly was something to be feared, she probably would have killed you back at the boutique. She didn’t though. She’s your friend, idiot!

He couldn’t let Rarity die. That would be wrong, no matter how he tried to argue against it. It wasn’t like she was forcing this upon him, after all. She was pleading for his help, not demanding it. No, his mind was made up. He wasn’t going to abandon Rarity and leave her to solve this on her own. A real friend wouldn’t do that.

There was still one question that was bugging him.

“What about the shipments from Princess Celestia? Couldn’t she just send...I don’t know, more blood?” Spike asked. He paused for a moment before adding, a little quieter than before. “Why me?”

Rarity sighed. “I have asked for more blood shipments from the Princess, Spike. I’ve eaten twelve blood packets in the last two weeks. Twelve! A year ago, twelve packets would have lasted me two months.” She shook her head, pressing a hoof to her temple. “I...I don’t know why, but, cold blood doesn’t work the same way it used to.” She licked her lips and a starved look flickered across her eyes. She shook her head sharply and frowned. “I’m always hungry...”

She took in a deep breath and exhaled. “Then...then things changed, I guess. You...I started to see you more often...well, more often than I already did. Something changed in me that...I don’t quite understand even now. I felt a need, no...a hunger to be near you. It got to the point where I had to schedule my visits to see you and Twilight only after I had fed because I was afraid I would go mad and...do something I’d regret. Tonight proved that fear was not misplaced...” She hung her head ashamedly. “My initial plan was to call you over tonight and discuss the matter. I...had hoped that you may, by some chance, be willing to allow me to...feed on you.” She winced at her own choice of words. “Forgive me, Spike. I...it’s the truth, though. I am a shallow, selfish–”

Spike placed a comforting claw on Rarity’s shoulder, causing her to jump. She looked into his emerald eyes, which gazed back sympathetically. “So, that’s why you called me over to the boutique tonight, huh? Is...is it really that hard to control?”

“Words cannot describe it well enough, Spike. Even now...my mind is torn between...between feeding on you...and...something...” She paused momentarily, and her face reddened. “...something else.”

“Something...else?” Spike repeated, his voice laced with confusion. “Rarity, I don’t follow you. Is this...fixation...that you’ve got for me the reason why you called me over, or is is there a different reason you want my blood?” He didn’t look upset, just worried. For her.

Rarity gave Spike a weak smile. “Truthfully...I called you over tonight because you’re a sweetheart. I was counting on your kindness. You’ve always been willing to help me, regardless of what I asked of you, like helping me carry loads of fabric and sewing supplies across town, or making me a late night cup of tea when I’m working on an important project. You’ve also helped me dig for gemstones, and never made a single complaint. I knew that you were someone I could count on. That is why I thought of you when I needed help. I won’t deny that I am hungry for your blood. That and...” She cleared her throat, her face reddening a little as she focused on the ground. “...well...and I...won’t deny that I have been...harboring feelings for you.”

Spike’s breath caught in his chest. His eyes bugged out a little, and his heart skipped a beat. He couldn’t have heard her correctly, though. She couldn’t have possibly just said that...could she...?

The dragon swallowed hard and spoke, his voice shaking a little. “I seem to have misheard you, Rarity. C-could...you repeat that again? ”

Rarity’s smile grew a little as her cheeks flushed. “I...well, the best way to put this is that I have come to really admire you, Spike. I won’t deny that you’re an attractive young drake. You also have better manners than most stallions I’ve met.” She wrinkled her nose, as though recalling something foul, then her eyes returned to his. The alluring smile she gave him made him weak in the knees. “Not to mention you have a stunning physique, and charming smile. I...I have fallen for you, Spike.”

“S-seriously? When did this happen?”

“Goodness, I suppose it must have been close to two years ago now, in the springtime. Sort of cliché, don’t you think? Spring; the season of love.” She laughed a little. “I think the first time I began to see you as more than just a friend when I watched you helping Big Mac with the planting at Sweet Apple Acres about a week after Winter Wrap Up. Watching you work...your strong, taut muscles as they pulled that wagon...” She caught herself, clearing her throat once more. “Don’t misunderstand, Spike...I knew you had a crush on me. Still, I had to keep everyone at a distance, you see, what with me being a vampire and all. Not to mention you were just a child. You were too young for me to have a relationship with. That, and a young dragonling like you would have probably had some difficulty dealing with my...needs.”

“What about your parents? Or Sweetie Belle? You fed on her, right?”

Rarity frowned. “I never told my parents. They had enough on their plate with raising Sweetie Belle and worrying about my vampirism. I refused to ask them for blood, because I know they would have dropped everything in their lives if I said anything about my problem. As for Sweetie Belle....” Rarity’s lip trembled a little and her eyes began to well up with more tears. “She knew I was hurting, somehow she could tell. She doesn’t always act like it, but she’s a very perceptive little girl. When she found out, she wanted to help, despite my protests. I eventually caved in when she promised to keep it a secret. I never bit her. She...she would make a small cut on one of her forelegs, not too deep, mind you. Just enough to fill a quarter of a wine glass at most. I forbade her to do more than that, and as I stated, those occasions were few and far between. There were days when controlling my hunger was especially difficult for me to do. Sometimes I would close up shop early and just lock myself up in my home, refusing to come out until my hunger subsided. At times it would get to the point that I couldn’t even sleep, and I would be up until the early hours of morning.”

That explained a few things. He had often wondered why she would sometimes isolate herself from the rest of town, sometimes not appearing for a day or two at a time. He also understood her thoughts about his crush on her when he was little. Though, he wasn’t a child anymore. He felt his wings flex. “So, me being an adult changes things, huh?”

“Yes,” Rarity replied softly.

Spike nodded calmly, trying to mask his growing excitement. Rarity was attracted to him! He found it hard to believe, even if he had always wanted it to be true. She...she liked him, not just as a friend, but romantically!

This raised another question up, though...

“I...does this...make us something, then?”

Rarity gave him one of those half-lidded smiles he had come to love back when he was a baby dragon. It was the kind of smile she had given him before kissing his cheek after he had given her his fire ruby. A smile that made his heartbeat pick up, make his knees quake. “We can be...if you want.”

He knew Rarity was serious because she was not the kind of pony to toy around with someone when it came to matters of the heart. Still, it didn’t make her confession any less surprising to him.

“You’re not...bothered by me being a dragon? Not even a little bit?”

“Spikey,” She began, “I like you for who you are. Being a dragon or a pony makes no difference to me, darling. That and, to be fair, you’re not put off by the fact that I’m a vampire. How can I not love someone like that? Besides, you didn’t seem to think much of me being a pony and you being a dragon when you were younger.

Spike blinked before grinning sheepishly. “Well, you got me there,” he laughed. “I don’t know...I just...thought you were really beautiful. Everything you did was amazing in my eyes. I thought you were perfect. I was looking at you through rose-tinted glasses, I guess.”

Rarity’s expression fell. “Oh...so you don’t...?”

“I still really like you!” Spike said quickly, grinning nervously. “I-it’s just...well, I’ve come to see the parts of you that are...not perfect. You can be rather stubborn. You can also be a little obsessed with perfection when it comes to dressmaking projects, and while that can be a good thing with your line of work, well...it does get a little out of hand.”

Rarity had the decency to blush. “I suppose that’s true...”

“That and, you know...you being a vampire,” He laughed quietly. Rarity gave him a worried look. She looked ready to question him, so he continued. “Still, it’s those imperfections that make you you. You’re not perfect. You’re Rarity. I couldn’t ask for a better pony to fall for.”

Rarity’s smile returned as she placed a hoof over her chest. “I’m touched, Spike.”

“I would love to go out with you...it would make me the happiest dragon in all of Equestria.” He flushed a bit while lowering his gaze, silently berating himself for saying something so cheesy. Smooth, Spike. Real smooth...

Rarity giggled, making Spike blush even harder. “Oh...Spike...” She spoke softly. He raised his head up, his face taking on a curious expression. His eyes met hers again, and he felt a fluttering sensation in his stomach as he saw the smile on her face. “That...do you really mean that?”

“Y-yeah...”

“That’s...” She was blushing now too. “That is incredibly sweet of you. I mean it.”

“Well, I meant what I said too, Rarity. I would be happier than any dragon if you would...y’know...be with me.”

Rarity’s heart fluttered in her chest. He wanted to be with her, and the way he said it was both genuine and endearing. Spike cared for her, and yet he was still a little bashful about it. How could he still be so innocent and adorable while also being so damn attractive at the same time?

She leaned in close, her smile becoming a little predatory. “I must admit...if you don’t mind me saying, as you’ve gotten older and, hmmm, bigger over the past few years, I’ve found you to be quite...ravishing.” Her smile widened a little. “The truth is, Spike...I want you.”

“Heh, uh...r-really?” Spike felt his heartbeat go from a steady pace to a full-on gallop. That tone she was using. Oh wow...how many times had he wished to hear her talk to him like that? It was like every dream he had ever had about Rarity was coming true right before his eyes. Except for her being a vampire. He had never dreamt about that at all. Even so, the fact that she was a vampire kind of made the whole situation more...exciting for him.

He stared into her eyes for several moments. Her pupils remained fully dilated, her eyes vast, dark pools without a trace of their usual blue to them, but he found himself enjoying the look now. It was exotic, and more than a little appealing to him. She was gazing at him longingly. He could feel her breath on his face as she pressed against him, pushing him back a little while closing the distance between their noses.

Spike started to panic. Oh boy, she was moving in for the kiss! This would be his first one ever...what if he screwed up? What if he was a horrible kisser? Would she laugh at him? Probably not, but still, he didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of her.

He pushed back a little, resisting her advance. She gave him a confused look before smiling and moving in on him once more. She was about to press her lips to his before he stopped her with a gentle hand to hold her back.

“W-wait, Rarity, um...can’t we slow down a bit? I mean..we’re moving rather quickly, aren’t we?”

“Oh!” Rarity stopped her advances suddenly, pulling her head back. “Forgive me, I didn’t think–”

“No, no, I mean...I’m liking this, this is really great, but...I guess I’m a little shocked to see you being so...forward.”

For a brief moment she frowned. The frown gradually became a sympathetic smile. She rubbed a hoof on his cheek and moved her rump over a little, her eyes beginning to gloss over with a hungry, yet sultry, expression. “Spike,” she began, her voice almost pleading in tone. “I don’t mean to be rude, but...I need you...your blood.” She let out a shuddering breath as she brushed her hoof over his neck. “Please...”

He opened his mouth as realization struck him. “O-oh! R-right, I...I didn’t even...think about that.” He grinned a little, trying to look at ease with Rarity sitting on top of him, wanting his blood of all things.

Okay, Spike...no big deal...well, yes, it is a big deal. Still, this is Rarity. You’d do almost anything for her, right? Right. This certainly falls into the category of ‘almost anything’.”

Spike thought this over for a moment. Rarity legitimately needed this. Her life actually depended on this kind of thing...drinking blood.

“Spike...is...everything alright?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, I’m good, sorry. Just...thinking. Sorry, heh...”

Her smile fell a little. “You’re uncomfortable, aren’t you?”

“No! I’m just...well, it’s not every day a vampire wants to drink your blood...er...at least, that’s usually the case.” He gave her a grin. “It’s you, though. I’m fine with this, since it’s you, Rarity.” He took in a deep breath. “I’m okay with doing this.” He craned his neck back and turned his head to the side, presenting it to her.

“Oh, Spike...” Rarity’s seductive smile returned as she began leaning forward once more. “Mmm...those spines of yours...you really do take good care of yourself, don’t you? Even after running around in this forest, your scales and spines still have quite a luster to them.” She moved a hoof down his spines, dragging it across his neck. “Such strong neck muscles...and you have such a supple throat...”

“R-really? Well, I have been polishing my scales lately. Thanks for noticing. Um...you’re as beautiful as always.” Spike deflated as soon as the words left his mouth.

Seriously, you couldn’t come up with anything better? She is throwing compliments at you left and right, yet all you could come up with was ‘you’re beautiful as always’? He ran a hand over his face, a small frown marring his features. “That is, I mean–”

Rarity’s hoof gently turned his face so that he was facing her. “Shhh...” She breathed softly, her warm breath tickling his snout. “I know you mean well, Spike. You don’t need to tell me anything...”

Rarity hummed happily as she leaned towards in towards Spike once more. Their noses touched briefly, the feeling of hot air from Spike’s mouth sending pleasant shivers down her body. She could hear the beating of his heart, feel his pulse steadily picking up pace. She loved it; she loved the fact that she was was making him this way. She was making him excited.

Her.

A vampire...an abhorrent, in-equine creature that fed on the blood of living creatures. It was repulsive, and she hated herself for it. Yet, someone like her could, somehow, make him feel this way.

Not only did he care for her, but he thought she was beautiful. How? It was confusing to her, but at the same time, it moved her. How could she have ever doubted someone as sincere as Spike? The thought that she had used her hypnosis on him someone like him felt like a horrible crime, an awful, despicable sin.

I may not deserve him...but I’ll try to change that...

Rarity’s lips slowly brushed against his. She was surprised by how smooth they were.

She enjoyed the slight hesitancy behind his actions. She had a little experience in such things, having dated stallions before she became a vampire. Years without any intimate contact had been maddening for her, though.To feel it again was pure bliss...

She lunged forward, her lips mashing against his. He groaned into the kiss, his claws wrapping around her waist and mane as she slowly brushed her hooves over his face and broad shoulders.

They pulled away after a few more seconds, gasping for air. Spike saw spots dancing in his vision, and judging from Rarity’s expression, she was feeling something similar.

“Whoa...”

Rarity giggled as she nuzzled his cheek. “First kiss, hm?”

“Y-yeah...”

Rarity lowered her face so it was only a hair’s breadth from his. “Did you like it?”

She felt Spike nod.

“So did I.”

Seeing as Spike was still a little lightheaded, Rarity decided to take the initiative. She gave him a few light kisses on the cheek, then moved towards his lips once again, gently sucking on his lower lip with playful tenderness. She then opened her mouth a little, and her tongue began to brush against his teeth. A forked tongue flicked out and brushed against her upper lip, grazing her fangs. She pulled back suddenly and giggled at the sensation. “Eek, Spike! That tickled!”

Spike blushed, pulling his tongue in. “Sorry! It’s just your fangs...they felt...nice. My tongue sort of just...did it on its own.”

Rarity giggled some more. “Don’t be. You surprised me, that’s all.” She was blushing a little as well. “I...I didn’t hurt you with my fangs, did I?”

“No, not at all. Well...maybe a little bit. It didn’t really hurt that badly, though.”

Rarity looked embarrassed. “Do...do you mind if I cover them? I’m not that fond of them, really.”

“Why?” Spike asked. “They’re beautiful.”

Rarity wanted to forgo all restraint and just ravish Spike right then and there. She managed to keep control of herself though, and just gave him a loving smile. “Spike...that means a lot to me, but...I would feel more comfortable if I covered them. Just to be on the safe side?”

Spike gave her an understanding smile. “That’s fine, Rarity. If it makes you more comfortable, I don’t mind at all.”

Rarity folded her upper lips over her fangs, her tongue moving over them a few times before she seemed satisfied.

“Can’t you just...retract them?”

“Well...not exactly. They...they’re sort of hard to pull in when I’m excited. Much like a pegasus’ wings when they’re stimulated.”

Spike blinked several times before grinning a little. “Really? That’s kind of hot.”

Rarity flushed a deeper red and looked away. “Honestly, Spike, you’re embarrassing me!” He noted the faint smile she was trying to hide though.

“Alright, alright, I’m sorry for teasing.” He ran a claw along her cheek, turning her towards him again. She continued to blush, but her smile widened a little.

“You’re lucky you’re so handsome,” she purred, her smile becoming more seductive. She moved in for another taste, this time suckling on his lips for several seconds. Spike shuddered a little before opening his mouth. Her tongue began brushing against his, and much to her delight, he responded by entwining it with hers. It was an odd sensation to feel his flexible tongue wrapping around hers, but it wasn’t unpleasant, either.

The mare pulled away suddenly, her lips swollen from their little bout. It may have been a trick of the light, but Spike swore her fangs had protruded out further. “Spike...I...I need to...” She brushed a hoof along his neck. Her eyes had an almost animalistic need to them. She was taking in quicker breaths now. Her hoof ran down the length of his neck, trailing the path of his vein. He could feel his skin pulsing rapidly as she lightly pressed against his scales with a delicate hoof.

Rarity continued to massage Spike’s neck as he growled in pleasure. The look of lust in the drake’s eyes had proven Rarity’s statement on vampire saliva to be correct. She had been unsure of how it would affect Spike, but so far he was reacting just as a pony would. She loved the way his eyes roamed over her as she let his claws roam over her coat. It made her feel like she was beautiful again. Truly beautiful. Like she was wanted, desired. It was a feeling she had long ago given up on. Her head felt like it was spinning. Spike wanted her not just because he thought she was beautiful, but because he honestly, truly, loved her.

Spike couldn’t get enough of the mare sitting on top of his stomach. He could hear the blood pumping through his ears, yet at the same time everything was coming in clearer. He could smell the sweat from her, taste the need for him. Her eyes sparkled with a predatory yet longing gaze. Her soft coat rubbing against his smooth scales made his body tingle. He wasn’t sure how much more of this he could take.

“Spike...please. Can I...? Her hoof rested against his neck, near the spot she had previously bit him. The bleeding had stopped some time ago, it seemed.

Slowly, he nodded to her. “Okay...”

Rarity leaned in for a final kiss before pulling away and trailing down his chin with her tongue. Her fangs gently glided over his scales, brushing occasionally against them, causing him to hold her a little tighter while he shivered.

“R-Rarity...”

She grazed along the left half of his neck, licking at an almost frantic pace over the spot where she felt his pulse. A warm wet trail of saliva followed her tongue as she brushed it over his sleek, smooth scales. Every so often she would plant a feverish kiss over a spot before resuming her activity of giving every inch of his neck her tongue’s attention.

The sensation was sending waves of pleasure through Spike as she did so, causing his eyes to roll into the back of his head. He groaned in pleasure, his senses heightened with lust and desire. He slowly ran a hand down her flank, causing Rarity to shudder in delight. She raised her head up a little to give him a sultry look before continuing her task. She leaned in, breathing in the scent of Spike and exhaling on his neck.

“Spike...?”

“Y-yeah...?” he breathed.

“Thank you for this.”

Rarity sank her fangs into his neck, eliciting a loud hiss of pleasure mixed with pain from Spike. His fingers dug into her soft rump, causing her to moan as she ran a hoof over his chest and stomach. She felt the warmth of his blood touch her tongue, and she removed her fangs from his neck before quickly placing her lips on the two wounds. She gently licked over the wounds while sucking on his neck.

She continued to run her tongue over the spot where blood trickled out, her saliva doing its job and closing up the majority of the tissue and vein while leaving a slow, steady trickle for her to feed from. In due time her saliva would speed up the coagulation of his blood and Spike’s bite marks would be mended.

Spike groaned, the effects of Rarity’s saliva increasing now that it had come into direct contact with his bloodstream. His head was swimming. The slightest brush of Rarity’s coat against his skin sent a tingle down his spine. He felt his desire for the mare increasing, his need to just take her where he sat, roaring in the back of his lust-clouded mind. He wanted her. He wanted her, he wanted her right–

Summoning forth a monumental amount of willpower, he reined in his urges, instead relishing in the feeling of Rarity’s tongue on his neck. He moved his hands up and down her waist, grabbing a clawful of mane every so often and running his hands through it. He whispered out her name with heated breaths, his voice slurred by the heat of passion.

Rarity continued to feed, but did her best to oblige him. She shook her hips a little, grinding against his stomach, eliciting a moan from Spike. The heat between them was almost overwhelming for her, and her desire to feed was strong. Her hoof drifted lower. She felt Spike buck a little, letting out a surprised yelp as her hoof brushed against a part of him that was firm but not covered in scales. She smiled into his neck before giving it a final lick. She pulled away and gave him a teasing smirk as he looked upon her hungrily. She continued to brush her her hoof up and down his length, enjoying the minute squirms and shivers she was able to get out of him as she did so. She eventually removed her hoof from his member, causing Spike to groan in disappointment. Slowly, she lowered her hips, quivering as a firm sensation brushed along her inner thighs.

Spike, eyes wide and claws digging into her rump to the point of almost breaking skin, choked out a gasp.

Rarity managed to smile as she took in deep breaths. “Well...it appears you were...right about the aphrodisiac–aah–analogy...” She gave him a look that made him only want her more. “Don’t be ashamed, Spike...” She leaned in closer and whispered. “I’m rather excited as well.”

As if to emphasize her point, her tail began to swish from side to side before she flicked over her head. The soft, curled ends of her tail brushed across his snout. A scent flooded his nostrils, and while he had never smelled it before, his body recognized it. His face was a bright red, cheeks flaring with warmth as he let out a few hot breaths, a small plume of smoke rolling out of his nostrils as she lowered herself a little further, slowly taking him in. His mind was barely able to form a coherent thought as Rarity nuzzled his cheeks before returning to his neck. She whispered softly into his his ear. “Try to be gentle...”

Spike shuddered, gently grasping her rump with both claws. Rarity lay her head against his chest, relishing in the sensation. She shuddered for several seconds, then tensed up as a pressure slowly began to fill her.

“S-Spike!” She gasped before burying her face into his chest, wriggling as the sensation became more intense with every passing moment.

Spike stopped, allowing Rarity a chance to adjust. She gave him a slightly pained smile, and for a moment Spike’s lust-filled expression became worried.

“Rarity...are...are you okay?”

She just chuckled a little, giving him the most reassuring smile she could. “Oh...I-I’m fine...it’s...just...been quite awhile. J-just give me a moment.”

Several moments passed between the two. Spike nuzzled her neck softly as she adjusted herself to his girth. Before long she began moving again, slowly rocking back and forth. Spike’s mouth hung open a little as he slowly began to thrust into her. She whimpered in pleasure as her hips began to rock a little faster.

“Oh sh–” Spike growled out. “I...Rarity...” Spike groaned as he moved a claw around her back to better hold onto her.

Any remaining interest to feed further was lost to Rarity as she moved her hips in tandem with Spike’s. Steamy gasps, small squeals, and shuddering moans escaped her throat with each thrust as they continued to move to a carnal rhythm.

“O-oh, Spike! Yes...yes, just like–ahh!” She beat a hoof to his chest as she shuddered in delight. “Th-there, right there, Spike!”

Her breath washed over the crook of Spike’s neck as she held onto him for dear life. She slowly raised her head up, gazing into his eyes. She captured his lips into a kiss, taking in short gulps of air every few seconds before resuming her assault on his mouth.

Between the wonderful pressure Spike was creating inside her, his hands caressing her rump, and his occasional nipping at her lips, it was becoming too much for her. She pulled away from his kiss and took in a few deep breaths, her lungs greedily gulping for air.

Spike continued moving his hips, slowly picking up the pace. The sound of Rarity’s encouraging squeals of delight was bringing him close to the edge. He tried to keep his tongue from lolling out of his mouth, but the sensory overload from their strenuous activity was becoming too much for him.

Spike’s pupils contracted suddenly and his nostrils flared as he whispered hoarsely. “Rarity...I...I’m going to...”

Rarity managed to lift her head from Spike’s chest. She saw the look in his eyes; an almost pleading look. She felt his thrusts becoming more frantic, less rhythmic, and understood. She began to buck her hips faster, her own moans of pleasure mixing with his. She leaned closer to his face, giving him her most encouraging, sultry smile. “Spike...please...do it...”

His thrusting quickened further, causing Rarity to arch her back and groan in ecstasy. “Y-you sure–?”

Her eyes closed, the wonderful feeling becoming too much for her. “Yes!”

Spike’s breathing hitched a little before he gave a final thrust, letting out something between a growl and a roar that reverberated in Rarity’s own chest. His arms wrapped around her tightly while Rarity’s hips quivered. Warmth spread throughout her, a white-hot pleasure rushing through her abdomen. She let out a few little gasps as her hips continued to buck on their own. Spike’s hips fell, his body giving out a final grunt of exhaustion. Rarity’s bucking began to slow, but he could feel the muscles of her inner thighs starting to twitch uncontrollably.

“Ah...S-Spike...I...I...” A pressure began to build up in her belly, begging for release.

She bit down on Spike’s shoulder, her fangs once again drawing blood as she closed her eyes. Her tongue began to lap at the shallow wound, taking in the metallic tasting fluid as she rode on the high of nearing her climax. She felt her inner walls clench over him for several seconds as the pressure was finally released. Her forelegs quaked before giving into exhaustion, causing her to collapse on Spike’s stomach. The spasms continued for about a minute, setting her nerves on fire. Spike continued to hold her in a firm, gentle grasp as she trembled with pleasure. He planted small kisses along her neck as her spasms slowly petered out. She was vaguely aware of Spike’s claws running through her mane once more as she came down from her high.

Several minutes passed, Spike just lying there as Rarity attempted to catch her breath. The forest surrounding them was silent, aside from the chirping of crickets and a distant owl calling out to the night. The storm had passed, but neither of them noticed. The stinging pain on Spike’s neck had vanished, replaced instead with a pleasant afterglow that filled his entire being. He felt like he was walking among the clouds, like he was lighter than air, and the only thing anchoring him to the world was the mare lying on top of him. Every muscle in his body was aching, yet it felt so damn good.

He took in a few deep breaths, his eyes trying to regain their focus. His head was still swimming as he slowly craned his neck to look at Rarity, who was giving him a small smile of her own. Her mane was a mess. Several locks of her mane were matted with sweat against her forehead while stray curls pointed out in a random directions. He found the look to be rather sexy on her.

Then again, everything about her was sexy to him right now.

He chuckled quietly. “Whoa...”

Rarity gave a chuckle of her own as she got to her feet. “Well, that was...not something I had expected to experience tonight.”

“You’re not...upset, are–?”

Rarity laughed brightly. “Heavens no, far from it! I haven’t experienced anything like that in years, Spike.” She gave him a little wink. “It was wonderful.”

“So...was the sex a one-time thing? Because...I really liked it. A lot.”

Rarity blinked. “Well, personally, I would love to do this again in the near future. Perhaps not every time, though. I can imagine that draining your blood while having sex would eventually take its toll on anyone, even a dragon.”

Spike rolled over so he was standing on all four feet, stretching out his wings and groaning in relief as they creaked. “So,” he began. “...What are we now?”

She couldn’t help but smile. Spike was too adorable for his own good sometimes. “Spike, I...” She walked up and nuzzled him. “Yes, if you want to, I’d be happy to be your marefriend...or your lover. However you wish to see it. I just want to be with you. Though, I suppose we’ve already skipped a few of the traditional steps and went straight to this, didn’t we?”

“I can still take you out to dinner,” Spike began.

Rarity’s eyes danced with joy, then she laughed. “That sounds lovely, Spike.” She kissed him on the snout. “Oh, and sex isn’t a ‘feeding-only’ thing...at least, I would like to do that more often.” She cleared her throat a bit before continuing, a little quieter this time. “It...it really was the best I’ve had for as long as I can remember, to be honest.”

Spike grinned, his ear frills flaring out a little. “Really?”

“Really. It was absolutely amazing.” She gave him a friendly nudge with her rump, then smiled. “I meant what I said though, Spike. I want you. I want to know you better.” She brushed herself under his chin. “A dragon who is as wonderful and kind as you is someone I would happily spend my days with. Considering that you’re a dragon...and...well, me being a vampire...we have quite a while to do that.”

Spike leaned against Rarity a little, enjoying the feel of her pressing against him. “I’d like that, Rarity. I’d...really like to get to know you better, too. I...I could see us spending a long time together.”

Rarity her lips trembled as she smiled. “Me too, Spike.”

“Rarity...are you going to be okay?” Spike asked, a little alarmed by her emotional display.

“Yes, I will. I’m just...a little wound up, I suppose.” She wiped her eyes before giving him a reassuring look. “I’m just so happy. This is far from how I had expected tonight. I’m happy for that.”

Spikes eyes widened a little as a thought crossed his mind. “We’re going to have to tell Twilight and the others at some point.”

Rarity nodded. “I realize that. One way or another, I’ll have to eventually let them in on my little secret. That may come sooner than I’d like, though.” She pointed a hoof to his neck, which now had four small bite wounds in it. “She will definitely notice those.”

Spike flashed her a grin. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there when you tell them.”

Rarity smiled. “Of course you will...and I’ll be there for you when...when you tell Twilight about us.”

“So...looks like the storm let up.”

Rarity looked to the sky above and smiled. “Ah, so it has.” She scanned the forest and frowned. “All the more reason to get back into town. I don’t really like this place all that much.”

“ I don’t mind it too much. It’s not so bad as long as you stay close to the edge of the forest. Besides, you’re here with me,” Spike said.

Rarity gave Spike an approving smile. “I suppose you’re right about that. I’m safe as long as I’m with my big, strong dragon, aren’t I?” She gazed at him lovingly as Spike chuckled quietly while scratching his cheek bashfully.

“Well, I’m still probably not much of a match for a manticore. Though, I can breathe fire. Still, the ones in here are a bit bigger than me. ”

“Again, all the more reason to get back into town.”

Spike chuckled as the two made their way out of the forest. It had been an emotional rollercoaster of an evening for the both of them. Spike let out a yawn, his maw opening wide as he smacked his lips a little. He wouldn’t admit it to her, but the loss of blood from Rarity’s feeding had made him a little sleepy. He doubted he lost enough to warrant any major concern, but still, he’d probably take it easy tomorrow if he could help it. He would recover fine, though. He was a dragon, after all. Heck, some of the injuries he received from Twilight’s experiements were worse than this, and he was usually fine within a day or two.

He looked down at Rarity, whose gaze was focused on the path ahead of them leading out to Ponyville. Sensing his eyes upon her, she turned to look up at him as well, her gaze melting once more into the loving look he was quickly becoming addicted to.

As Rarity stared into Spike’s eyes, a sudden realization hit her.

I...I don’t feel hungry anymore...I’m...perfectly fine...

It was true. Her hunger, that gnawing, horrible pain that had been eating away at her mind and body for over a year now was gone. It was like a huge weight pressing upon her had been lifted. Spike’s blood... it sated her. It had driven away all the weakness and hunger from her mind. It was like a sense of normalcy had returned to her life.

No, that wasn’t entirely accurate. It hadn’t just been his blood. If that were the case, the blood packets would have satisfied her. No, it had to be something else. What, though? Maybe it had been his presence, his embrace, and his love. She had not taken that much blood from him, after all. Just being near him soothed her spirit. That, she thought, may be the real reason behind this wonderful wholeness she was feeling. She felt complete. Whatever the cause was, she had Spike to thank for it.

“It’s odd...”

Spike cocked his head a little. “What is?”

Rarity just kept smiling. “For the first time in...in years...I feel like everything is going to be okay. Now that you’re here, with me...everything is going to get better.”

Spike grinned. How had he gotten so lucky? It didn’t matter to him if she was a vampire, had fangs, consumed blood, or had hypnotic powers; Rarity was still the mare he had fallen for.

He had her, and she had him.

A bite to the neck was a small price to pay.

As the two exited the forest, walking with their sides pressed close together, Luna’s full moon peeked out from behind the passing storm clouds. It shone brightly, bathing the sleeping world in a gentle light, nearly as bright as the dawn.