Twilight hadn’t meant to be so curt with Spike.

“Spike come on, I don’t ask you to do much these days.”

Nor has she meant to try and guilt trip him.

“You know, I do a lot for you, getting Rarity to agree to see you even when she’s busy. Why can’t you do this for me?”

If Twilight looked back, she would probably say the last straw was when she had said that final sentence.

“Damn it Spike, fine. You’re a baby dragon, I get it. It’s too much for you to handle.” Twilight put a hoof to her face, looking at the angry purple dragon glaring at her, fingers clenched as he shook from unbridled rage. Twilight put her hoof down, feeling the pain start to hit her cheek. A stinging sensation, perfectly complimented by her shock.

“You just hit me,” she spoke, looking down once more. Spike blinked, and for a moment his anger was swept to the back of his mind, before quickly returning. Spike did not relent his glare. No more, he could not let Twilight walk over him any longer. Spike forced himself to not let his anger control his actions, taking a few calming breaths.

“How dare you.” Twilight glared at Spike, looming over him in anger. Spike was HER dragon, how dare HE hit her! Twilight ignored the rational part of her mind, and focused on the fact of what Spike had just done to her. Never mind the why, the fact was he had done it. Spike met her gaze, and Twilight felt her fur bristle in response.

“That’s it, you’re grounded! And I’m going to tell Rarity not to give you any spare gems she has lying around either!” Twilight leaned forward, putting her face right in Spike's. Spike felt a guttural growl leave his mouth, and Twilight scoffed, turning and storming away.

“Growl all you want mister, you deserve it. You’re still too young to know actions have consequences, so I’m going to have to teach you the hard way.” Twilight paused, and glanced back at Spike, who was shaking in anger again.

“Oh yeah?! Well-” Spike cut himself off and clenched his mouth shut. However, Twilight turned, and slowly began to walk back over, eyes blazing.

“Oh yeah what?” Twilight narrowed her eyes, getting uncomfortably close to Spike once more. Spike forced himself to not say anything, despite the fact he was so angry. Spike desperately wanted to shout, scream, screech, anything. But he forced himself to stay silent. Speaking up would only make things worse.

“Nothing,” he spoke, looking down as he forced himself to not react. Twilight snorted, and turned, glancing toward the door as a knock came.

“Good,” she spoke, turning. Spike bit his lip, feeling as if he was trying to plug up a volcano. Twilight opened the door, it was Rainbow Dash. Spike forced himself to calm down, and turned to begin putting books away.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get Spike to do it.” Spike let the book drop, letting it thud into the floor. Closing his eyes, he turned, and looked directly at Twilight. There was a hidden warning, don’t you dare in front of Rainbow Dash.

“No, you can do it,” he spoke, pointing at Twilight. Twilight blinked, and rolled her eyes, turning back to Rainbow Dash.

“So yeah, don’t worry, the new Daring Doo will be here by the time we return from Canterlot.” Twilight smiled warmly, and Rainbow Dash flew away. Slowly turning, Twilight closed the door, and walked into the kitchen without another word.

Canterlot, Spike clenched his teeth, grinding them. Gripping the book as he picked it up he wondered why he bothered not speaking up. Swallowing his pride, was this really the only way to curb his dragon greed like Twilight said? Why could she not understand why he was so angry? Spike clenched his teeth together harder, and forced himself to put the book away.

“Goodnight Spike, you won’t see me in the morning, as we’re leaving early for Canterlot. Thank you for helping me restock the shelves in our Castle library today.” Twilight turned, heading toward the part of the castle where they were sleeping. Spike turned, breathed in, and forced himself to speak, despite the fear at doing so.

“I’m going to Canterlot with you.” Spike watched as Twilight stopped mid stride, and turned to look at him, eyes narrowing.

“I told you Spike, we need somepony here to watch the Castle.” Twilight smiled warmly as she walked over, fully expecting Spike to nod and smile.

“Then you stay, because I’m not.” Spike dropped the book he had just put away onto the ground, and glared at Twilight. Twilight blinked, and then chuckled, scratching the top of his head with a hoof. Spike tried to swipe it away, but wasn’t fast enough.

“Come on Spike, I know you really want to spend time with Rarity, but I need you to do this. You were fine with it last week when I asked you. Besides, you’re grounded now.” Twilight smiled warmly, and turned to walk away.

“You can’t stop me.” Spike stood his ground, narrowing his eyes as he tried to stand taller, despite the fact Twilight towered above him. Twilight sighed, and turned.

“Spike, don’t force me to pull rank on you. Can’t you be a good little dragon?” Twilight looked down at Spike, closed her eyes, and sighed sadly. Suddenly, Spike was lifted up in the magic, and put down on a seat.

“I, Princess Twilight Sparkle, order you to watch my Castle. Failure to do so will result in me telling Rarity your deepest darkest secrets.” Twilight flared her wings, covering all escape routes as she loomed over Spike.

“You-I just-ARRGH!” Spike cried out, pulling at his ears as he tried to figure out how to say what he wanted to Twilight. Spike lunged forward, only vaguely realising what he was doing, and bit down on Twilight’s shoulder, digging his claws in and giving a guttural growl. Twilight leapt back, and wrenched Spike off herself, tossing him to the side.

Spike shook his head, feeling an unfamiliar taste in his mouth, one that filled him with revulsion, and at the same time, desire. Turning, he looked toward Twilight as she stumbled, one wing hanging limp, and looked at him in shock and horror. Spike gasped, standing up and taking a step closer, but Twilight skidded backward in fright, instinct eating at her.

“I’m sorry Twilight! I just got so angry I-” Spike paused his apology, noticing how Twilight was still swaying. Taking another step, Spike dove forward as Twilight collapsed, breathing heavily, and he bit his lip. Dragons weren’t poisonous, right?

“Don’t worry, I’ll go get help.” Spike turned, and dashed for the door, knowing the closest pony was Rarity. Guilt gnawing at him, Spike felt terrible, knowing that he had caused Twilight injury. Shaking it aside, Spike focused on putting as much speed as possible into his gait. Twilight’s life might depend on it.