Chapter Four- A Little Turbulence

At the foot of a large hill, just about a mile north of Ponyville’s town limits, Spike stood before the light-gray ore vein that was surrounded by other rocks. It had the faintest smell of chlorine. He had discovered it earlier this morning, and periodically returned to it as he continued to break apart large rocks for his numerous work orders. He was fairly certain it was silver, but he wasn’t entirely positive. If it was though, he may have just earned himself a small profit that would provide him with enough earnings to live off of comfortably into the next year. Considering the fact that he provided services in rock cutting and construction, working in the winter months was not much of an option, so the possible financial cushion would be a welcomed addition for him.

“Spike, hey!”

Looking up to the sound of a distant voice, Spike saw a group of six young mares walking up the road towards his work site. He quirked an eyebrow and waved.

What are they doing here? He thought to himself. Usually the Cutie Mark Crusaders would visit him during work to pass on a message from Twilight or one of the girls or have lunch during their half-hour between classes. Twist was always a welcome addition to those lunch visits, since she always let Spike test out one of her latest confectionary creations.

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon tagging along could mean a variety of things, though. Most of said things were good...some were troublesome, though. A stallion–or drake in his case–learned quickly to never underestimate the “Filly Six”. The girls hadn’t always gotten along with each other, but like most foals, they had grown up and gotten over their old grudges towards each other. Now they were all close friends...and, Spike suspected, capable of short-range telepathy with each other.

Seriously, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Diamond Tiara...when they schemed or brainstormed it was something to witness. That, and you would be hard pressed to deny them of what they want.

“Hey, Scoots. What’s up?”

“Hey, Spike,” she answered, then nodded towards the rest of her approaching friends. “Heads up, by the way; the Equestrian Inquisition is coming. They heard about your dinner in Canterlot with Rainbow Dash a few days ago.”

Spike blinked, then looked to Scootaloo suspiciously. “You don’t say? I wonder how they found out...”

“W-what, you think I told them?” Scootaloo asked, a nervous grin on her face.

Spike sighed and debated on whether or not he should try and drive his chisel through one of his toes. At least then he’d have something less painful to endure than a bunch of overly-curious teenage fillies.

The voice of Diamond Tiara cut through his careful chiseling around the ore. “Spike, are you like, free for a moment?”

Sweet Luna, what did I do to deserve this? Spike turned around, a toothy grin forced onto his face. “Sure, why not?”

“So, we all heard ya went an’ had a fancy dinner with Rainbow Dash in Canterlot a couple of days ago...” Apple Bloom began, her voice taking on a conversational tone. Her expression held an air of innocence that only came with years of practice and living with Applejack and Big Macintosh, who could both see a lie coming from a mile away.

Spike nodded. “Yes, we did. Just a nice dinner between friends.”

“We heard it was at The Cypress. That’s a pretty expensive restaurant,” Diamond Tiara chimed in. “I mean, well, my daddy can afford it, but even he has to call for reservations a few weeks in advance. From what it sounded like, you got your reservation, like, without any problems at all.”

“I guess I was lucky, that’s all,” Spike replied evasively. He studied a claw with feigned interest while avoiding the scrutinizing gaze of the six ponies. “I’ve always had decent luck, after all.”

“So,” Twist pressed on. “How was the dinner?”

“It was nice.” Spike picked up his chisel, which he found rather fascinating all of the sudden.

“Did you do anything else in Canterlot?” Silver Spoon asked. “Like, go to the castle gardens?”

“Yep.”

Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, Twist, and Sweetie Belle all gasped while Scootaloo and Apple Bloom gave the four confused looks.

“You did? Wow, that sounds nice. How was it?” Sweetie Belle inquired.

Spike arched an eyebrow. “Okay, I guess. I showed her some of the statues and fountains.”

Twist grinned. “Did you do anything else?”

“Uh...we visited the museum? The Wonderbolts exhibit was there. I figured she would...” Spike’s eyes widened, then he cast the six ponies a weak glare. “What are you all doing here, anyway? I thought you guys had classes still.”

“Like, it’s three thirty in the afternoon. School’s been done for almost a half an hour.”

Spike looked to Diamond Tiara while raising an eyebrow. He gazed up towards the sky, taking note of the sun’s current position. “Really? Huh...must’ve lost track of the time.”

Diamond rolled her eyes. “Like, what’s so interesting about rocks that would make you lose track of time?”

He gestured towards his current project. “I found this ore. I...well, I think it’s silver, but I’m not sure. I started chiseling around it, but I think I’ll need an expert to take a look here and see–”

Silver Spoon was in front of the ore vein before Spike could finish speaking. She adjusted her glasses and looked at the vein from several angles. Then she took a tentative sniff, and her nose scrunched up. “I think that’s chlorargyrite. It’s not usually found in this part of Equestria. That’s definitely silver ore, though.”

“Chlorargyrite, huh? So, you really think it has silver in it?” Spike asked the gray coated filly.

Silver Spoon rolled her eyes, though there was a small smile on her lips. “Spike, my parents are the best silversmiths in the Central Equestrian valley, and I know precious metals,” she explained while taking a few steps back to look at Spike with a smile. “You must be, like, the luckiest dragon in Equestria, though! There’s not a lot of silver around our area.”

Spike smirked. “I did say I tend to have pretty decent luck.”

Silver Spoon continued. “Silver prices have increased by ten percent in the last three months.” She studied the ore vein a little more, nodding to herself. “I could help you get some mining tools. I think my father’s got a pickaxe at home and some better chisels to work with.”

“That’d be great, Silver Spoon. I don’t really do any mining, so I don’t own any real tools for the job. If you want, I can split the ore profits thirty-seventy, since you’re willing to help and–”

“Oh, that’s alright. My parents already have plenty of silver to work with. Just be sure to go to us when you want to have it completely extracted from the rest of the rock. Maybe you can have it made it into some jewelry–oof! What the hay, Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo gave Silver Spoon an odd look. “Silver Spoon, maybe Spike’s already got plans for the silver. Maybe he’ll just use it to buy something he or somepony else might like? I mean, not everyone’s into jewelry, right?”

Silver’s eyes widened as she looked to Spike with a nervous smile. “O-oh, yeah! Whatever, it’s all, like, up to you, Spike. Just a suggestion, totally just offering advice, hahaha...”

Spike gave the six young mares a confused look. “I guess I could do that.” An awkward silence hung in the air for several infinitely long moments, the kind that most don’t want to break in fear that they might say something stupid or embarrassing. Spike eventually cleared his throat. “Um...so...?”

“Nice weather, huh?” Scootaloo began, conversationally.

“O-oh, yeah,” Spike agreed, gazing up once more at the sky. “Can’t beat a day like this.” Spike turned back to the girls and noted Sweetie Belle was biting her lower lip while dancing in place.

“Um...Sweetie Belle? Is everything–?”

“WhenareyouandRainbowgoingtostartdatingeachotherbecauseIthinkthatwouldsupercuteandyoutwowould–gah, shoot, stupid, stupid!” Sweetie Belle groaned while smacking her forehead with a hoof.

“Sweetie Belle!” Diamond Tiara shouted. “You said you wouldn’t ask that!”

“I-it slipped, honest!”

Spike looked at the six fillies, then rested his gaze on Sweetie Belle, giving her a confused look. “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”

“Hahaha...oh, Sweetie Belle was...uhm...just saying how jealous she is that you and Rainbow Dash went The Cypress! Y-yeah, that’s what she said, eheheh...” Apple Bloom’s face scrunched up a bit as she broke eye contact with Spike. “Sweetie Belle was just uh...jealous, yep. She’s a real fan of those fancy restaurants...right, Sweetie Belle?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, heheh. I’m just silly that way. I guess Rarity is rubbing off on me,” Sweetie forced out a weak laugh while flashing Spike a sheepish smile.

“Yeah, you know how sthilly she can be,” Twist added, slipping into her old lisp as she flashed Spike a nervous grin. “S-so, yeah, uh, we’ll catch you later, Sthpike!”

“I’ll drop off the mining supplies at your place later!” Silver said quickly as she pulled Sweetie Belle away with a hoof covering her mouth.

The six suddenly took off, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon berating Sweetie Belle as Scootaloo just laughed out loud.

Spike watched them disappear over the hills leading back into town. He stared towards the direction they had taken off in for several seconds, then slowly shook his head. “Whatever.”

He turned to the large pile of granite rocks he had broken off from the hillside he was working on. Taking a look at the sun’s position, he rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck. “Might as well get this off to Vinyl’s before it gets to be too late...”

Rainbow Dash was currently sitting on a cloud that floated a few feet off the ground, watching as Fluttershy tended to an injured fox, putting the finishing touches on wrapping bandages around the animal’s right foreleg.

“Now, I know it’s just a sprain, but I want you to remember to not put too much weight on that front paw of yours for a few days, alright? I’ll stop by your den later this week to check up on you, Mrs. Fox.”

The vixen nodded, then gave Fluttershy a lick on the cheek before hobbling off to her den. Fluttershy watched with a content smile as the fox disappeared back into her burrow, then packed up her medical kit.

“So,” Rainbow began. “I was thinking that Spike and I should go to this one restaurant in Chicacolt that serves deep dish pizza. He says he loves Chicacolt style pizza, but I’ve always liked Manehatten style more.”

Fluttershy gave Dash a small smile. “Well, maybe you could go to both? I mean, try out the restaurant in Chicacolt first, then you can bring him to Manehatten and show him a place where they serve kind of pizza you like.” She finished packing her medical supplies as she continued. “I think that’s very nice of you to go somewhere Spike likes, though. He’s been looking a lot happier as of late since you and him went to Canterlot.”

The faintest blush appeared on Rainbow’s cheeks. “W-well, yeah, we had fun. I just don’t like seeing him all down in the dumps, you know?”

“Oh, of course. He’s such a sweet drake, though, I really hope he finds a special somepony...or dragon.”

Rainbow gave no comment, though her face was several shades darker than before. This didn’t go unnoticed by Fluttershy.

“Rainbow Dash, are you alright?”

“Yes!” Rainbow replied, a little louder than she had intended. Fluttershy jumped back while eliciting a squeak. Rainbow gave Fluttershy an apologetic look. “Sorry, I...it’s just been a weird past couple of days for me.”

“Well, you’ve never been that big of a fan for Mondays, and today is Monday...” Fluttershy began. “Maybe you’re just having an ‘off’ day?”

“No, no, it’s not that. It’s been just...weird. You know?”

“Um...not really.”

Rainbow sighed. Vague images of Spike flashed through her mind. She groaned, then turned to Fluttershy, who was giving her a concerned look.

She’s been my friend for as long as I can remember. I can trust her, right?

“Hey, Fluttershy? Can you keep a secret?”

Fluttershy perked up. “A secret? Oh my, is it serious?”

“Well, sort of...”

Fluttershy nodded. “Well, I promise I won’t tell anyone. That is, unless, well, you talk to me about it, or you say it’s okay to talk about it...”

Satisfied with Fluttershy’s promise, Rainbow continued. “Okay, so...I...well, l-look, it’s just...well, it’s something really personal, and if the wrong pony hears about it, there might be problems, you know?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I understand, Rainbow... though, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t feel comfortable doing so.”

“No, I feel like I have to tell somepony or else I’m going to go nuts.” She hopped off her cloud and rubbed her temple gently with a hoof. “So...I’ve been having these dreams lately...dreams about...”

Fluttershy waited patiently for several long moments as Rainbow Dash struggled to find the words. The rainbow maned mare opened and closed her mouth several times, groaning in frustration as she grappled with what she wanted to say to her friend.

“Um...you said you were having dreams about something...?”

“Yeah,” Rainbow answered. “They’re...” She took in a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, finally calming herself. “They’re dreams about Spike.”

“Spike?” Fluttershy repeated, confusion and surprise laced in her words.

Rainbow nodded. “Yeah, you see...”

Fifteen minutes later found Rainbow sitting with her gaze glued to the grass and a hoof scraping at a small patch of clover idly. She couldn’t meet Fluttershy’s gaze, fearing what she would see. Sure, it was Fluttershy, but still...

“So that’s what has been bothering you?” Fluttershy began. “Oh, Rainbow Dash, that’s not nearly as bad as you’re making it sound.”

“What do you mean? I’ve been losing sleep over him! I mean, I’m pretty sure it’s...nothing like that, but...” Rainbow Dash gazed up at her friend, only to find a joyful beaming in the yellow pegasus’ eyes.

“Rainbow Dash...I think...”

Rainbow Dash put a hoof to Fluttershy’s lips, shaking her head rapidly. “No! Don’t you dare say it!”

Fluttershy frowned, and softly pushed her friend’s hoof to the side. “I...well, I really think you might, though.” She placed a gentle hoof on Rainbow’s shoulder. “You might have a crush on Spike.”

Rainbow shook her head fervently. “No way, I don’t believe it!”

Fluttershy actually rolled her eyes this time. “Rainbow Dash, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Personally, I think it’s kind of adorable.”

“Whoa whoa, what? Adorable? I don’t do adorable!”

“Maybe not, but Spike does it pretty well. Oh, don’t tell him that, though. He gets so upset when he hears stuff like that.” Fluttershy giggled a little as she watched Rainbow fold her forelegs over her chest stubbornly.

Rainbow looked away, the blush returning once more to her cheeks. “You think I might have a crush on him? But...it’s so...weird. I mean, I’m older than him, I’m his flight coach, and he’s just moved out of Twilight’s place. What would she think of me if she saw me making the moves on someone who’s practically her little brother? Besides, isn’t Princess Celestia like...the one who raised him until Twilight was old enough? Oh man, what would she think?”

“Well, when you put it like that...” Fluttershy gave her friend an understanding smile. “Still, you can’t deny that you like him that way, right?”

“I guess. I mean, he’s definitely got nothing to be ashamed of. Have you seen the muscle he’s put on in the past year?”

Now it was Fluttershy’s turn to blush a little. “I...yes, he has gotten a little more muscular.”

“Yeah, but even without the muscles, he’s a pretty neat guy. I already told you how fun he was to be around last Friday.” A smile formed on Rainbow’s lips. “He’s pretty cool to hang out with.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Rainbow Dash, I really think you should...um, well...maybe just let him know that you like him?”

At this suggestion, Rainbow’s smile vanished. “Actually, I probably shouldn’t.”

Fluttershy cocked her head to the side a little. “Why not?”

“I just...well, I’m sure there are better mares out there. I don’t want history to repeat itself and end up hurting him. Or myself.”

Fluttershy’s eyes softened. “Rainbow Dash...that was years ago; you were young. You’re not like that anymore. I know that. You know that.”

“Maybe,” Rainbow replied. “I know that a lot of the ponies our age around here think that I’ll go and find the first stallion or mare on the street and–”

“That’s enough,” Fluttershy said sternly. “Now you listen here, Rainbow Dash. I’ve said it once already; you were young. You made some not-so-smart choices. You got hurt, yes, but look at how you are now. You learned from it. I don’t hate you for what happened in the past, and you’re still one of my dearest friends.” She was right in Rainbow’s face now. “You are a wonderful, caring pony, and there is no reason why you don’t deserve to find a special somepony...or somedragon.”

Rainbow’s ears drooped a bit, her wings sagging to her sides. “Do you really mean that?”

“Of course I do. Anypony who says otherwise is just a big meanie-jerk.”

Rainbow smiled at Fluttershy. “Thanks, Fluttershy. I sometimes forget how well you know me, heheh.”

Fluttershy gave Rainbow Dash a friendly nuzzle. “Oh, you don’t need to thank me. You’ve helped me plenty of times as well.” She pawed at the ground bashfully and smiled. “I-I don’t mind you thanking me, though.”

Rainbow got to her hooves and laughed. “You’re right. Maybe I should take this slow, you know? Take my time getting back out into the game.”

“I guess that’s one way of looking at it. I still think you should maybe ask him out before too long...I mean, you don’t have to, but...maybe you should....”

Dash nodded. “I know, I will...eventually...hopefully.” She let out a quiet chuckle. “I just...I want to get a feel for what it would be like. That and he is still getting over Rarity.” She lifted off the ground. “If he says he’d like to go out with me, cool. If not, can’t say I did any harm in trying, right?”

“Right,” Fluttershy agreed.

Rainbow puffed up her chest a bit. “Alright, I’m going to see how he’s doing. He should probably be finishing up work soon. He told me he was going to get up early today; something about wanting to get another load of granite over to the dance club before dinner time.”

“Alright, good luck!” Fluttershy’s voice called out as Rainbow took off towards the other end of town.

Within two minutes, Rainbow Dash could make out the large purple frame of Spike as he worked into the side of one of the nearby mountains just past Ponyville’s outskirts.

“Spike! What’s up?” Rainbow called out.

Looking up, Spike turned towards Rainbow and grinned, waving a single claw in her direction. “Hey, Rainbow. I’m just finishing up here.” He thumbed towards a large wagon full of rock. “Got about six tons today. I should probably be able to get to building up the expansions for 2 Hot 2 Trot’s bathrooms before the end of the week now.”

“Sweet! Um, you want some help?”

Spike gave her an easy smile. “Sure, if you want to help again. It’s more than last time, though.”

Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively. “Pfft, nothing I can’t handle.” She looked at the wagon for several long seconds. “So...six tons, huh?”

“You don’t have to help, Rainbow. I can pull it on my own easily enough.”

“N-no! I want to, it’s just...that’s a lot.”

“I’ve hauled more in the past.” He lumbered towards the large wagon, appearing to make a mental tally of his haul for the day. “That should be all of it.”

Rainbow exhaled, then nodded to herself. “Alright, Spike, you got that extra harness?

Several minutes later found the two once again pulling rock down the trail leading back into Ponyville. Spike, once again, found the work easier with Rainbow there to distract him.

“So...yeah...I told Dizzy Twister to send a letter to...” Rainbow Dash paused in the midst of her storytelling to blow a strand of her mane from her eyes. “...to Cloudsdale. We probably won’t hear back from the Weather Factory’s weather committee for at least two weeks, but that’s the most I’m giving them. They’ve been falling further and further behind on the weather schedule they sent out to us. Did you know it was supposed to be a downpour today?”

Spike looked up to the sky briefly. Not a single rain cloud for miles. “No kidding?”

“Yeah, and the worst part...gah, I better not get any chaffing marks from this...is that we’ve had to assign ponies to third shift work just to make sure we don’t get any sudden changes in weather from Cloudsdale. It’s bad enough that Everfree is so darn close, but at least that weather sticks over there most of the time.”

“Why don’t you just bring it up with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? I’m sure they can do something about it,” Spike suggested.

“No way! I don’t want to tick off the Weather Factory by having the Princesses pay them a sudden visit because of a complaint from us. The last thing I need is for the Ponyville weather ponies to be on bad terms with Cloudsdale.”

Spike grunted, understanding where she was coming from.

The town square was rather calm when they finally reached it. The few vendor stalls still standing looked to be in the middle of closing, their owners packing up their wares and produce as a sparse number of late-arrival customers bought what they could.

As they rounded a corner, Spike and Rainbow were able to make out the flashing lights of a building that stood at the far end of Lofty Breeze Street. The neon green and pink lights would flash ‘2 Hot 2 Trot’ every few seconds, then a dozen neon blue bulbs surrounding the sign would light up.

“Right, here we are.” Spike stopped behind the building next to a large pile of granite that he had dropped off the day prior. “Thanks for the help, Dash. I can take it from here.”

Dash undid her harness and watched as Spike slowly unloaded his cargo next to the already existing pile.

“I think I might stop inside the club real quick. Want me to let them know you’re dropping off some more granite for them or something?”

Spike shrugged as he set down a large boulder. “If you want. I already let them know the other day what I was doing.”

Rainbow nodded, and made her way towards the club’s front entrance, and was immediately greeted by loud bass music. Aside from the well lit bar, the place was rather dark. A dance floor stood in the middle of the building, and there were a few tables surrounding it while a DJ booth sat in one of the far corners. Flashing lights flickered across the floor, casting patterns of color every few seconds. The place seemed rather empty aside from a pony tending the bar, two mares sitting at a table, and a familiar unicorn behind the DJ booth.

Rainbow smiled to herself as she made her way towards the far end of the room where Vinyl Scratch was stationed. The unicorn mare’s white coat and two-toned blue mane was practically glowing beneath the black lights. Rainbow idly wondered how she herself must have looked right now.

Vinyl eventually glanced up, and lifted up her glasses to get a better look at Rainbow. Her mouth split into a wide grin upon recognizing the pegasus. “Rainbow Dash! It’s been a while!”

“Heya, Vinyl. How’s it going?”

Vinyl walked out from behind her booth and bumped hooves with Dash. “Not bad. It’s still quiet right now. This place doesn’t really get busy until nine at night anyway. Caramel and Blossomforth just like to come here and have a drink once in awhile.” She nodded towards the two ponies sitting at a table in one of the far corners of the club. “What brings you here?”

“Actually, I just wanted to let you know that Spike is out back dropping off another load of rocks for the expansion on your bathrooms.”

Vinyl laughed. “Spike’s here? Cool, this is just what I was hoping for!” Vinyl turned towards small hall in the back of the club, stopping at a door with a glowing EXIT sign over it.

Dash quirked an eyebrow as she followed behind. “What’s up?”

Vinyl looked over her shoulder to Rainbow, her smile still on her face. “Well, Jamboree and I have been running this club for not too long, but it’s been doing great so far. Still, we’ve been getting so many new ponies here that the number of customers has almost doubled in the past three months. We’ve been having lines outside of restrooms, too. So, Jamboree and I decided that Spike’s hard work’s earned him free drinks for a night if he wants them. I mean, yeah, we’re paying him for the work, but he’s doing some serious stuff here. Did you know he’s got plumbing experience?”

“Wait, really? I didn’t know he offered that kind of work.”

“Well, technically,” Vinyl began, her tone a little smug, “he doesn’t, but he spent about a month studying up on plumbing and stuff. About a week ago he showed up at our place and offered to install plumbing for an additional four hundred bits.” She shook her head and chuckled. “That’s the cheapest deal we could find, so we took it. All we have to do is get the actual latrines and sinks. That big softie is practically giving us the bathroom with how much we’ve been making here each week.”

Rainbow grinned. “Haha, he’s just becoming a jack of all trades.”

“Yeah, and like I said, he’s giving us a good deal,” Vinyl added. “So, Jamboree and I figured he’d appreciate a little sample of what we have to offer here.”

Vinyl opened the door with her magic, raising a hoof to shield her eyes from the daylight. “Ugh, too bright.”

“Vinyl, you’re wearing sunglasses...”

“I know! That sun’s crazy-bright, isn’t it? Princess Celestia’s gotta tone it down a few million lumens!”

Rainbow decided not to comment on Vinyl’s nocturnal habits, and instead followed her as she made her way towards Spike, who was nearly finished unloading the stone from his wagon.

“Yo, Spike, my main dragon! How’s it going?” Vinyl called out.

Spike set down a pony-sized boulder and looked up. “Vinyl? Hey, good to see you.” He got down onto all fours as the two approached. He curled his claws into a loose fist and bumped hooves with her. “That’s the last of the stone. Should be enough to make that addition to your bathrooms. Give me about a month and I should have the plumbing and the new stone walls all finished.”

“Loving the sound of that, Spike. So, you’re finished with work for today then, right?”

Spike shrugged. “More or less. I was going to probably head home and get a shower in, maybe make something to eat or–”

“How about you come in and unwind for a bit? You deserve it, bud. Any drink you want is on us tonight. Play your cards right and might get something extra out of it.” She pulled down her sunglasses and winked.

Spike blushed in spite of himself. Rainbow let out a laugh and nudged Vinyl. “Come on, Vinyl, ease up on him.”

Vinyl rolled her eyes. “Fine, fine.” She replaced her sunglasses and gave Spike a hopeful smile. “So? Whattya say? Free drinks, good music, comfortable atmosphere, beautiful mares like Rainbow and yours truly to flirt with... can’t go wrong, right?”

Spike scratched his cheek and looked to the ground, mumbling out something that sounded a lot like ‘gotta get up early’. Rainbow, on the other hand, could feel another faint blush rising up to her cheeks. She fought it down, focusing instead on the drake before her.

“Come on, Spike. It’ll be fun! Maybe...maybe you’ll even catch some mare’s eye, right?”

Spike’s eyes widened for a moment, then he slumped. Rainbow groaned internally, scolding herself for bringing up the topic of romance, be it a one-night stand or otherwise, around him. She should’ve known better; he was still getting over his incident with Rarity, after all.

“I-I mean, that’s not important, though. We can just chill, you know?”

Spike looked up at Rainbow, his toothy smile returning to his face. “Yeah...that’d be alright.” His eyes remained locked with hers for several seconds.

Vinyl was quiet as the drake and pegasus exchanged a silent conversation between each other. Her confused look slowly became a knowing grin, and she laughed. “So, Spike, is that a ‘yes’?”

“Huh?” Spike blinked. “O-oh, yeah! Sure! I guess stopping in for a little while won’t do any harm.”

“Another round, Jamboree! One Applebuck an’ one Sun Buzz!”

Rainbow Dash slammed her hoof onto the counter as she shouted out her order to the bartender. She was flushed in the cheeks, and there was an assortment of empty glasses of varying sizes set before her and Spike. Time had slipped by the two, and the clock on the wall was now reading eleven in the evening.

“I don’t know, Dash, I’m probably good for tonight after this, heheh.”

Rainbow turned to Spike, grinning from ear to ear. “Yeah? ‘Kay, this’ll be the last one for tonight...kay? I’d call Vinyl for a last round with us...but she’s in her groove right now.” She nodded over to the DJ unicorn, who was currently playing some ‘sick beats’, as she had so eloquently put it earlier when she had a pint of ale with the two.

“Sure, sure...” Spike gave a nod to his pegasus friend, his own cheeks a lighter hue of red. “You going to be able to fly home tonight?”

Rainbow snorted out a laugh. “Pfft, prob’ly not.” She shook her head more than was necessary. “Guess I’ll just walk over to Fluttershy’s and...I’unno, ask if she’ll let me crash for the night or something.”

Spike took the double shot of Equestrian whiskey and that Jamboree set in front of him and dropped it into a glass of citrus juice. He gave a toothy grin to Jamboree. “Thanks.”

“No problem, sweetie,” Jamboree replied with a smile while nodding over to Rainbow Dash, her white and purple mane bobbing a little. “She can get pretty rambunctious, especially after a few Applebucks. Just make sure she gets to a warm bed in one piece.”

“Ugh, I’m not some helpless little filly, Jamboree,” Rainbow groaned. She took the glass of brown and amber liquid into both hooves that Jamboree set before her and licked her lips. Then she looked to Spike’s own drink and snorted. “How the hay are you still standing after...what..eight of those?”

Spike shrugged as he swirled his concoction of hard liquor and citrus juice. “Dragons have a higher tolerance for alcohol, I guess. Never really looked into it.”

Rainbow pouted as she studied her drink. “I wish I was a dragon sometimes. Wait,” She gasped. “Actually, I don’t think I’d be able t’do a Sonic Rainboom as a dragon. That’d stink...”

Spike snorted. “Maybe you’d breath rainbow flames.”

“Oh, dude, Spike, that’d be awesome!” She looked to Jamboree, who was watching the two with an amused look as she cleaned a glass. “Jamboree, if you had a choice between earth pony and dragon, what would you take?”

“I’ll stick with being an earth pony.”

“But...fire breath! Wings!”

“Shedding scales,” Jamboree countered.

“Oh, she’s got a point there. That’s never fun.” Spike sighed. “It doesn’t get any easier, too. In a few years I’m going to have to find a nice rock bed to help me remove the ones on my back.”

“A rock bed?” Rainbow repeated. “Why?”

“To roll on and get the hard to reach scales. Trust me, it’s annoying to have old scales clinging to you.” He lifted his drink up to his lips and threw it back in a single gulp. He smacked his lips a few times, shook his head once, and covered his mouth with a claw and burped. A few embers of green escaped his mouth. “Guh...yeah, I’m done.”

Jamboree snickered. “I think you’d have put Cheerilee to shame when she was younger, Spike.”

Rainbow grinned. “You mean Cheerilee used to be a party-animal?”

Jamboree shook her head and laughed. “You have no idea. Back when I used to visit my aunt and uncle’s place, Cheerilee and I would go bar-hopping. She could probably drink most of the ponies here under the table...well, she could have about seven or eight years ago. My cousin’s not much for the bar scene anymore, especially with being a teacher and all the schoolwork she has to deal with.” She turned to Spike. “Besides, trying to drink a dragon under the table would end badly.”

Spike set down his empty glass, his smile becoming smug. “Probably would for most ponies.”

“Pssh, dragons are so lucky.” Rainbow threw back her own drink, setting it down and licking her lips in satisfaction.

“Calling it a night, then?” Jamboree began to clear away the empty glasses and setting them in the sink behind her.

“Yeah, we got training in the morning,” Rainbow stated as she looked to Spike.

“W-wait, flight training?” Spike literally paled. “ What time?”

“I ‘unno...noon?”

“After how much we drank, you really think we’re going to be ready to do flight drills?”

“Eh, you’ll be alright...” Rainbow got down from her stool, stumbling forward a little and catching herself. “Whoa, heheh. Yep, def’nitely not flying tonight, haha.” She turned back to Jamboree. “How much I owe ya?”

“I got it,” Spike stated as he dug into his scale pouches. He set down a healthy sum of bits, then got down from his extra large bench that Vinyl had brought out for him. “That should be enough.”

Jamboree looked at the pile of bits, then back at Spike. “Sweetie, Vinyl and I said you didn’t have to pay for anything tonight.”

“Then that’s for Rainbow Dash’s drinks.”

Jamboree frowned. “That’s more than enough to pay for both your drinks.”

“Yeah, c’mon, Spike...” Rainbow walked over and nudged the drake with a hoof. “I got this.” She began to pull out a smaller sum of bits that she had stashed away in her tail.

Spike shook his head. “Nah, it’s on me.”

Rainbow paused, pouting at the drake. “Spike...”

The dragon wasn’t giving in, though. “Come on, can’t a friend buy drinks for a friend?”

“I...” Rainbow paused, her mouth opening and closing several times. Eventually she grumbled and threw her front hooves into the air as she flared her wings. “Fiiiine, you win!” Folding her arms, she hovered in place and continued to pout.

“Careful, Dash. I think someone’s trying to woo you tonight,” Jamboree joked.

Jamboree’s comment had an instant effect on the pegasi. Rainbow Dash whirled around, a little too quickly, and fell onto her rump. Spike gave the purple coated mare behind the bar a flustered look, then began shaking his head rapidly.

“N-no, it’s not like that at all, Jamboree! I-I just...” Spike groaned as Jamboree covered her mouth with a hoof, giggling in amusement. “You’re worse than Vinyl.”

“Oh hush,” Jamboree waved a hoof dismissively. “At least I don’t flirt with my customers.” Her pink irises shined under the dim lighting of the bar, and her demure smile became more seductive. “Although, I like to think I’m an open-minded mare. You never know...” She winked playfully.

Spike looked away. “Th-that’s alright, Jamboree.”

Rainbow was back on her hooves, swaying slightly but otherwise perfectly fine. She shot Jamboree an annoyed look. Jamboree replied by sticking out her tongue at Rainbow and laughing as the pegasus.

“Take care, you two. Good luck with your flight training tomorrow,” Jamboree called out as they made their way out of the club.

The cool evening air washed over them as they walked through the double doors of 2 Hot 2 Trot. The faintest wisps of steam could be seen coming out of Spike’s nostrils, and Rainbow unconsciously found herself walking closer to him, heat radiating from him like the warmth from a fireplace.

Spike nearly stumbled as he felt the weight of Rainbow against his side. Every so often she would begin to nod off, her head drooping forward before she would catch herself, mumbling something that Spike couldn’t quite understand.

“Rainbow...do you want me to carry you?”

Rainbow Dash looked up to Spike, rubbed her eyes with a hoof, then yawned deeply. “Yeah...sorry...”

Spike just laughed gently. “It’s alright. I don’t mind.”

Rainbow let him scoop her up into his right arm, cradling her like a little foal. She felt his weight shift as he stood upright on his two back legs. The warmth flooding out of his chest was wonderful, and her eyelids began to close. She felt the rumbling of Spike’s chest as he talked, though she couldn’t make out the words he was saying.

“...Dash...Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow cracked open an eye. “Hm’yeah?”

“I’m kind of tired, too. Fluttershy’s place is a long ways from here, and I’m past any legal limit to fly.” He carefully adjusted her in his arms. “You just want to crash at my place? I’ll let you have the futon.”

Rainbow hummed, her mind clouded by one too many drinks and the soothing warmth of her draconic friend. “Yeah...yeah, cool...”

Spike snorted, holding back the laughter as Rainbow curled up in his arms.

I guess this isn’t so bad... Spike thought as he turned down the dirt road that lead out of Ponyville and towards his own home. His eyes adjusted to the faint moonlight, following the path as it became more uneven, winding between trees and hills. Some late spring peepers were calling in the distance, likely from the stream that ran by his house. The hooting of an Equestrian Brown Owl could be heard in one of the pine trees. Spike idly wondered if it was Owloysius. He lifted his free claw and waved in the general direction of the owl’s call, just in case it was his nocturnal friend.

“...ya gotta...Buccaneer Blaze...mmnn...”

Spike looked down to the mare in his arms, stifling a laugh as she muttered in her sleep.

She’s practicing even in her sleep. Yeesh... He brushed away a few strands of her colorful mane, only to draw his claw back and frown. Stop that. You can’t go getting your hopes up like that, Spike. Especially with someone as cool and popular as Rainbow Dash...

He sighed. It wouldn’t work, anyway. She’s a pony, you’re a dragon. Nope. No way, no how.

His large stone house came into view as he made his way over a hill. Within five minutes he was at the front door. He unlocked the door and pushed it open as quietly as he could. He walked towards the center of his living space. He pulled out his extra large futon with a foot, and gently lay Rainbow Dash on it, propping her head on a pillow and placing a blanket over her.

Spike stretched his wings out a bit, and walked over to his kitchen space. He got a glass of water for himself, and cleaned a few plates he had left out from a meal he had a day ago. He was tired, yes, but he was a bit restless, too. Twilight had explained after some research on dragons that male dragons, especially adolescents, would have random periods of restlessness. He couldn’t remember exactly, but she had said it was something to do with increasing testosterone levels. In other words, it was hormonal junk that he didn’t care enough about at the moment.

Stupid hormones... Spike thought as he set the last plate into its proper place in the cupboard. He fell back down to all fours and made his way towards his sleeping space. Rainbow Dash was gently snoring. She had shifted in her sleep, the blanket having become tangled in her back legs while her wings were fanned out at her sides.

He quietly lowered himself onto the opposite side of his futon, being extra careful to avoid moving it. He doubted Rainbow would awaken from her drunken sleep, but he didn’t want to risk it. He tucked his wings to his sides and wrapped his tail around his body.

Letting out a long, tired breath, he opened an eye and glanced at his guest for the night. Even with her mussed up mane, he couldn’t help but find her attractive. It was natural; he was a young, hot-blooded drake. She was a female, albeit a pony, with a fit and trim body.

He grumbled and turned away. Stop that, you idiot. No need to repeat things again.

Spike’s mind began to drift to Rarity, much to his chagrin. He wondered if she was happy with Fancypants. He was fairly certain she was. Why shouldn’t she be? He was, as far as he knew, a well-to-do stallion with good looks and class that fit her own lifestyle perfectly. He knew Rarity wouldn’t settle on looks and social standing alone, though. No doubt he was a wonderful pony, and Spike was certain he’d like him if he truly got to know him.

A muffled noise came from Rainbow Dash, followed by a snort and grumble. Spike stifled a chuckle and studied her as she continued to slumber, blissfully unaware of her surroundings and the dragon lying beside her.

He couldn’t deny it; her bed head was adorable. The stray strand of red, orange, and yellow stuck out at an odd angle, but he’d be damned if he didn’t think the look was perfect on her.

I wonder if she actually brushes her mane or not.

His attention turned away from her mane, settling on her face. A light trail of drool was forming on her lower lip, and this time Spike couldn’t hold back his laughter. Rainbow didn’t even seem phased by the noise, continuing to snore away.

Her wings twitched every so often. He imagined her dreaming of flight...though he doubted that with the amount of alcohol she had consumed that she would remember any of the dream at all. Maybe she dreamt of her future with the Wonderbolts...or an adventure with Twilight and the girls.

A smaller, much quieter voice in the back of his mind wondered if she thought of him at all. He squashed that voice and shoved it back into the darkness of his subconscious.

Rainbow had been right though. Spending the night at 2 Hot 2 Trot with her had been great. They had laughed, told stories, and just enjoyed time together as friends. She hadn’t gone and boasted anything or tried to act cool (or rather, didn’t over exaggerate her boasts and act ‘too cool’). It felt...good. He didn’t have to worry about acting offensive or pretending to be something he wasn’t. He didn’t have to keep up appearances. All she had ever wanted was for him to have fun.

Spike’s closed his eyes, the last image being that of the rainbow-maned pegasus sleeping soundly next to him. He felt a little more at ease, and his restlessness had suddenly vanished. His brooding thoughts over Rarity was still there, but it had been muffled by the presence of Rainbow Dash.

Guess I owe her thanks for more than just teaching me to fly...

Rainbow’s mind awoke to a wonderful and familiar smell. Only this smell wasn’t accompanied by smoke and cursing from her.

Eggs. She loved them, but her skills in cooking left much to be desired. The best she could do was scrambled eggs, since anything else she tried to make with them ended up breaking apart anyway.

She rose up, only to groan as her vision swayed for a moment. She let her brain catch up with her senses, and slowly, ever so slowly, sat up. Her head was pounding, only a little, but it was enough to remind her that she had drank just a tad too much last night.

“Ah, you’re up earlier than I expected. Breakfast will be done in a moment.”

Rainbow gaze fell upon none other than Spike, who was currently standing behind the counter of his kitchen, cooking what looked like omelettes on his range. He had a light, frilly apron on from what she could tell by viewing his backside. He picked up a spatula and twirled it in his claws once before flipping one of the omelettes with practiced ease. It landed back in the pan, perfectly intact.

“Heh, show off,” Rainbow chuckled as she got up from her spot on the futon. “Hey, thanks for letting me crash here. I must have been out of it, huh?”

“Eh, you weren’t horrible, but I’d definitely say you were a little more than tipsy.”

Rainbow flushed in the cheeks, looking down to the ground. “Oh Celestia, what did I do? Please don’t tell me I did anything stupid.”

Spike looked over his shoulder and smiled. “Nah, I just had to carry you back. Nothing big.”

Rainbow cringed. “Oh wow, really? Sorry about that...”

“No worries,” Spike replied with a wave of his claw as he returned to the eggs. “Just sit down and chill, breakfast is almost ready.”

Her stomach decided at that moment to make itself known, growling loud and long. “Great, I’m starving.”

“I’ll bet. I wanted to make some crepes or pancakes, but I figured with the flight training you said we’d be doing today, it’d be best not to make something so filling. So, omelettes it is.”

A warbling, singing tune suddenly filled the air. Rainbow turned towards the eastern window, only to be greeted by the sight of a young male phoenix. She grinned, recognizing the bird right away. “Peewee!”

Peewee puffed up at the sight of Rainbow Dash, trying his best to look impressive and colorful. Spike watched the display and rolled his eyes. “Easy, Casanova, don’t want Philomena to find out you’re flirting with other girls now.”

Peewee’s eyes snapped open, and he let out a slightly panicked squawk. He flitted over to Spike and began chattering in his avian tongue. While Rainbow couldn’t hope to guess what he was saying, she had a fair idea by the bird's body language.

“Oh relax, I’m just teasing, buddy.” He flashed Peewee a friendly grin. “Besides, I’m pretty sure Philomena’s already aware of your crush. What did you send her last week? Some honeyed sunflower seeds and a daisy?”

Peewee looked to Rainbow Dash, and she swore she could see the faintest hint of crimson on his cheeks. He warbled again, quieter this time. Spike chuckled, and scratched Peewee gently on the neck, eliciting a coo from the bird.

“Just give it time, Peewee. You’re still really young, and she’s almost three hundred years old.”

Flaring his wings majestically, Peewee let out a loud, melodic chirruping sound.

“Yes, well, you’re still too young to worry about finding a nest-mate, anyway. I doubt Philomena would feel right settling down with a phoenix who’s barely an adult...oh stop that sulking, Peewee. Just...get to know her better. She’d probably appreciate that more than you trying to court her right away.”

Peewee was quiet for several long moments. He nodded once, then flitted off of Spike’s arm and took to the air. He circled above Spike and Dash a few times, then flew back out the door.

“Wow...” Rainbow blinked. “He’s in a hurry.”

Spike removed the two omelettes from the large frying pan and placed them on two separate plates. “It’s spring right now. Phoenixes are restless this time of year, since it’s a time of growth and life waking up. They’re magical creatures, so rebirth and all that stuff is tied pretty closely to them.” He smirked as he moved towards a table and set down their breakfast. “That, and hormones.”

“Ah, poor guy,” Rainbow laughed. “How come I haven’t seen him around lately? The girls miss him showing up at the weekly pet play date, you know.”

“Well, he’s getting older. I don’t like the idea of him staying cooped up in here all day, so I let him come and go as he pleases. He’ll probably settle down when summer hits, and stick around when fall and winter comes.”

Breakfast was filled with conversation between the two relating to their plans for training today. Most of it, to Spike’s dismay, was going to involve running and endurance work.

“Well, we gotta burn off all those gemstones somehow.”

“Technically flying would burn them off quicker,” Spike stated.

“Yeah, but it doesn’t hurt to be fast on the ground, too. I’m not just a fast flier, you know.” She dusted her hoof against her chest, giving him a confident grin. “You gotta be good at other stuff too if you’re going to be a real athlete.”

“I thought we were just trying to improve my flight, though.”

Rainbow shrugged. “We are. Like I said, endurance training is good for anything. Get’s your heart going, gets those lungs breathing. You know, cardio work.”

“Hmph, fine. I still think you’re just trying to punish me because Twilight was upset with me over the gemstones.”

“You know, Scootaloo hardly complained about any training we did,” Rainbow sighed. “Look at her now. She’s a pro with that scooter of hers, and she’s a pretty good flier, too.”

Spike rolled his eyes. “That’s like comparing a potato plant to an apple tree, Rainbow. One is a lot bigger than the other, and they both grow and develop differently.”

Rainbow frowned, folding her forelegs together. “If you don’t want to train, fine.”

Spike sighed. “Of course I want to train. I just...” Spike looked at Rainbow closely. She seemed genuinely upset about this. He had to remind himself that she was taking time out of her day to help him. Griping was hardly a decent way to thank her.”

“Actually, I probably could stand to do some running and lose a few pounds.” He patted his stomach and gave her a sheepish grin.

Rainbow shook her head at him and laughed. “Pfft, you could grind rocks into sand on those rock-hard abs, Spike. I’m just talking about your overall stamina and stuff. You’re strong, but there’s always room for improvement.”

“Well, you’re the coach. You’re the expert here,” Spike conceded while grinning a little. “So, when do you want to head out and train?”

“Probably now. We’re going to do some laps around Ponyville, probably until noonish. Then we’ll finish up with some power-sets and a cool-down run.”

Spike held back a groan. Looks like it was going to be another exhausting day for him.

“So...after I finished up flight camp, I got a part-time job as a weather pony in Ponyville. The commute was a bit of a pain, so after a few years I managed to buy a cloudhouse and move it over here. I’ve been here ever since.”

Rainbow looked up to Spike as he continued taking in slow, deep breaths, just like she had taught him when they first started training. It was tempting to just take in faster, shorter breaths, but Rainbow had told him from the start that he’d just be wasting his energy. Bigger breaths allow for more oxygen to be absorbed into his lungs’ air sacs, after all.

“That...cloudhouse...must’ve cost...a lot...” Spike commented, trying to maintain his deep breath intervals. “I mean...the material for my house...cost about...25,000 bits in all...and I didn’t hire anyone...to build it...”

Rainbow Dash fell silent. Spike noticed the lack of a response, and looked down to her. She had an unreadable expression on her face.

“Rainbow...you alright?”

Rainbow snapped out of whatever trance she had been, and looked up at Spike, and grinned. “H-huh? Oh, yep! Sorry, kind of spaced out there, didn’t I?” She laughed. “Yeah, but I’m glad I decided to move over to Ponyville. Cool town, not too crowded, and you don’t have to worry about anyone bumping into you as often while you’re practicing your stunts.”

Spike slowed down a little. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”

“Well...I don’t know, you just sort of tuned everything out there all of the sudden. Something bothering you?”

Rainbow came to a stop beside Spike. “Nah, everything’s cool.” She looked to the sky and noted the position of the sun. “Looks like it’s about noon. Wanna take a breather before we get to the last part of training for today?”

“Sure,” Spike replied, and sat down on the grass, enjoying the reprieve from his intense workout. “So, how’s Tank been?”

“Pretty good. I brought him over the other morning before work to have Twilight cast her extended cloudwalking spell on him. He’ll be good for another month before his next appointment.”

Rainbow lay down on her back, enjoying the feeling of the grass beneath her. “Aw yeah...don’t get any better than this, Spike. Those muscles burning...gotta love it.”

“Eh, not so sure I have the same love for fatigue and exhaustion, but suit yourself.” He smirked. “Not all of us are as amazing as you, after all.”

Rainbow Dash grinned, but it quickly faded. “Well...I mean, you’re pretty good at this stuff too, Spike. I mean, I’m good...but it doesn’t mean I’m perfect.”

Spike quirked an eyebrow. “You running a fever, Rainbow Dash?”

The mare frowned, and looked away. “No. Geesh...”

“Are you okay, Rainbow?”

Rainbow Dash looked back at him, her frown still in place. “Do you think I’m really that awesome?”

Spike smiled. “Well...you do get some pretty harebrained ideas. Still, I’d say you’re one of the best ponies I know when it comes to athletics. Maybe a little full of yourself, but who isn’t? Even so...” Spike’s smile became a full-blown grin. “You’re easily one of the coolest ponies anyone could meet, and a great friend.”

Rainbow smiled, the faintest of blushes on her face. “You’re...you’re pretty awesome too, Spike.”

Spike laughed. “I try.”

“I-I mean, it, Spike.” Rainbow looked up at him, a serious expression now on her face. “I wish I were as smart as you sometimes. You’re funny, super-smart,”

“Twilight is super-smart, Rainbow. I’m just above average at best.”

Rainbow shook her head. “Still, next to Twilight, you’re probably the smartest Ponyvillian around. You’re also really strong.”

“Well, maybe by pony standards. As far as dragons go, I’m about aver–”

Rainbow Dash’s wings flared up. “Stop selling yourself short, Spike!” She was suddenly in his face, wings flapping as she hovered inches in front of him. “First you’re saying you don’t think you can compete with others at the Best Young Flyer competition, and now you’re saying you’re average?” She shook her head, her blush increasing. “You don’t see yourself the way I do! I see a dragon who won’t back down from a challenge, and who can always be counted on when the going gets tough!”

Spike craned his neck back away from her. He wasn’t sure what to make of Rainbow Dash all of the sudden. She could get passionate about her drills, but...this was her talking about him in particular.

“If you just believed in yourself like I do, then you’d be the best at whatever you do! Nopony would have a chance against you in a flight competition, or a strength contest, or...or a poetry writing competition, even!”

He was speechless, and she was breathless. She landed on the ground, taking in a few slow, deep breaths. He watched her all while wishing his cheeks weren't heating up so badly. “U-um...thanks, Rainbow. I...” He scratched his neck, grinning sheepishly. “That...that really does mean a lot. Coming from you, I mean...”

Rainbow nodded. “I’m just saying it like it is, Spike. You’re...you’re super awesome, and...I don’t like the idea of someone like you holding yourself back because of any personal doubts...”

As she spoke, a few rays of early afternoon sun shined at just the right angle, highlighting every strand of her chromatic hair. That familiar feeling he had when they had flown to Canterlot not too long ago sprung up within him. He felt his throat tighten as she looked at him with those intense, rose irises of hers. Even if she tried to hide her emotions and act tough, her eyes spoke all that was ever needed if one studied them long enough.

Spike was beginning to understand them, and he was both intimidated and intrigued by what they were possibly conveying.

“Hey...you wanna go flying for a while?” Spike offered as he turned to look up at the few clouds that were developing overhead thanks to the weather ponies.

“Sure!” Rainbow answered, a little too quickly. “Anywhere in particular?”

Spike looked to the lush, green wilderness of the Everfree Forest. A few clouds were forming over the thick canopy, and he smiled. “I think I have an idea...”

Rainbow Dash and Spike were in a fit of laughter by the time they reached the door of Golden Oaks Library. They paused outside the entrance, Rainbow shaking her drenched body in a manner more befitting of a dog than a pony while Spike tried to wipe his scales of excess water.

“Hahaha, wow, can’t say I’ve done that before,” Rainbow exclaimed as she smoothed back her damp mane.

“Really? I’ve always wanted to go through one of those wild storms,” Spike replied. “I mean...they’re so unpredictable! You saw what happened. One minute it was drizzling, the next it was an absolute downpour!” He smoothed down his spines, only for them to stick back up and flick water at Rainbow Dash.

“Hey!” She chuckled. “Watch where you’re spraying!”

Spike gave her an apologetic smile as he knocked on the door. They both turned to it as they heard the sound of hooves pounding down the steps. A latch was unlocked from the other side, and the front door of the library opened. A familiar blond mare poked her head out. “Well, if it ain’t Rainbow Dash and Spike.”

“Hey, Applejack,” Spike greeted. “Is Twilight around?”

Applejack went quiet for a moment, her cheeks flushing a little. “Uh...y-yeah, she’s just caught up in one of her kooky science experiments. I’m just here to lend her a hoof an’ make sure she doesn’t burn her mane off.”

“A-Applejack, is anyone down there?”

“Just Rainbow Dash and Spike, sugarcube,” Applejack replied.

“Spike’s out there?” Twilight yelped, followed by the sound of several books falling off a shelf. “O-oh, tell him I’ll be right down!”

Applejack turned back to the two, giving them an uneasy smile.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow and took in her friend’s current appearance. Her hat was slightly off to one side (something that Applejack would never allow), and the band around her tail was missing.

“Science experiments, huh?” Rainbow asked in a casual tone. Her knowing smile betrayed her thoughts, and Applejack noticed.

“That’s right,” Applejack replied. “Just some magic stuff. A little bit of studyin’ in magic. Nothin’ too serious.”

“What kind of magic?” Rainbow asked, her tone challenging.

The cowpony’s eyes narrowed. “Just some arcane syphonin’ theory tests, a little runic inscription applications she’s been workin’ on.”

Rainbow Dash blinked. She...hadn’t been expecting an answer, especially one that sounded so true.

“Really?” Spike asked innocently. “That’s interesting, I thought she was done with those tests a few months ago.”

“O-oh, she is, but she’s uh...just revistin’ them. You know how she gets when she has an idea on the noggin. Can’t get it out unless she actually does it.”

Spike snorted in amusement. “That’s Twilight, alright.”

A flash of pink light blinded the three for a brief moment, and Twilight Sparkle appeared beside Applejack. She flashed Spike and Rainbow Dash an innocent smile. “Hello! Hi, Rainbow Dash! Hi, Spike!” She looked to the both quickly. “Anything I can help you with?”

“Yeah, we were wondering if you had a copy of Daring Do and the Lost City in the Clouds in the shelves. Spike didn’t really give it a good read when he rented it from here.”

“A book? That’s what–?” Twilight paused, her eyes brightening. “I-I mean, yes! A book! At a library, heheh...” She blushed a little. “Just...let me go look and see if I have it!”

She galloped off to the fiction section of the library. Spike and Rainbow Dash gave Applejack a confused look, and she continued to look at the ground with extreme interest.

“...Arcane syphoning, huh?” Rainbow asked.

“Yep, really complicated stuff...” Applejack answered while pursing her lips and looking away. “Some complicated unicorn magic hooey, but ya never know when a bit of earth pony muscle might be needed...” She cleared her throat. “S-so, how have you two been fairin’? Been flyin’ around and doing your training, I take it?”

“Oh, yeah! We were doing all sorts of tricks over the Everfree-er, I mean, yeah! Lots of endurance stuff today...ahem...”

“Oh, well that sounds mighty fun!” Applejack smiled, relieved to have a change in subject. “I take it you’ve been keeping him plenty busy, huh, Rainbow Dash?”

Rainbow decided to let Applejack off the hook for now. “Yeah, but he brought it upon himself. He asked the best flyer ever to teach him, and I’m no slouch.”

“Found it!” Twilight was suddenly before the two once more, the Daring Do book they had requested floating in her magic beside her head. “Be sure to return it by next week Wednesday!” She placed the book in Spike’s awaiting claws. “Anything else?”

“Um...” Spike frowned a bit. “Twilight, are...you okay? You look a little frazzled.”

“I do?” Twilight gasped, but quickly regained her composure. “I-I mean, eheheh...y-yes, well, it’s been a rather tedious study session. Erm...right, Applejack?”

Applejack flushed a little more. “Y-yep, real tedious...”

“Do you want me to help at–?”

“No!” Twilight practically shouted. “I-I mean, nono, that’s really not necessary, Spike. You already helped me out a lot last month when I was doing those chemistry experiments on those gemstone and salt mixtures. Besides,” Twilight looked at Applejack, who was still red in the cheeks. “Applejack has been a wonderful help so far.”

Spike’s frown lessened a little, but he still seemed concerned. “Alright...if you say so...”

Rainbow gave him a gentle nudge on the arm with a hoof. “Come on, Spike. She said they’re good. Let’s go find a place at the park and we can read over that part where she fights off those griffon mercenaries.”

Spike rolled his eyes. “I’m telling you, they weren’t mercenaries. They were treasure hunters looking for the Ruby Medallion that held the city afloat.”

Rainbow gave Spike an even look. “No, those guys came later, and they were–”

“Well, we need to get back to experimenting!” Twilight interrupted. “I don’t want to leave you two from your reading, now! Take care!”

The door shut in their face. Spike snorted, blowing out a plume of smoke from his nostrils. “Hmph. She was in a hurry.” He shook his head. “If I didn’t know any better...” He went quiet for several long moments, then chuckled. “Nah...”

Rainbow snickered. “Come on! Let’s go grab some lunch while we’re at it! I’m starving!”

“Haha, yeah, me too,” Spike agreed as his stomach began growling. “Want to split an extra large pizza?”

“With feta cheese and green peppers?”

Spike shrugged. “I was thinking red onions, broccoli, and artichoke hearts, but we can do that if you want.”

“Hey, that sounds kind of good, let’s do that instead.”

“You sure? I don’t mind feta cheese, and I love peppers–”

“No, I think that’d be awesome, Spike,” Rainbow insisted. “Never hurts to try something new, right?”

“I guess that’s true. Alright, red onion, broccoli, and artichoke hearts it is.”

An hour later found the two seated under a tree and sharing a large thin crust pizza, Manehatten style. Spike still preferred deep dish Chicacolt style, but had to admit that the crispy crunch of the crust was definitely a nice touch.

“Mm, see! Right there!” Rainbow Dash pointed with a greasy hoof just centimeters above a certain paragraph of the Daring Do book before her. “It says here, ‘Daring Do leaped over the fallen pillar as one of the griffon mercs’ crossbow bolts grazed her flank. She hissed in pain, and rolled into the deep undergrowth, hoping to lose them in the dense foliage.’” She looked up at Spike and grinned. “Told ya!”

Spike grumbled and placed a few bits in Rainbow’s awaiting hooves. “Should’ve known better than to bet against one of the only members of the Golden Oaks Reading Club. Twilight would be proud.”

Rainbow Dash continued to grin smugly. “You’re just jealous.”

Spike snorted. “Maybe,” he chuckled quietly. “Maybe...you want the last slice?”

“Only if you don’t want it.”

Spike urged her with a gentle wave of his claw. “Be my guest.”

She grinned, and took the slice of slightly cold pizza in her hooves. Within seconds it was gone.

“Ahh, that hit the spot.” She patted her stomach as a satisfied smile spread across her lips. “Definitely going to try that again sometime. It beats feta cheese and green peppers any day.”

“Tell you what,” Spike suggested as he closed the book up. “Next time we’ll have feta cheese and green peppers on a deep dish Chicacolt pizza. Maybe...this Friday?”

Rainbow froze up for a second, and studied Spike’s expression. The slightest glimmer of something was flickering in those deep emerald eyes of his. His smile was friendly, and yet...

Oh no, is...is he asking me on a date? No, he couldn’t be...that’d be stupid, why would he do that? He doesn’t like me that way, does he? Of course not. Besides, I can’t rush this...don’t want to end up doing something stupid. Take this nice and slow. No need to rush it. Dating can wait. Nope, no need to go that far right now. We’re friends, nothing more. It’s easy that way, at least for now. Maybe later...

“Oh, Friday? I...I don’t think that’ll work, Spike. I got to do some weather work all afternoon and junk.”

“...and junk?” Spike repeated. His grin fell, but he didn’t look hurt by her declination. “What else you have to do on Friday? Extra work stuff? Training?”

“Y-yeah, I gotta um...go to Cloudsdale for a meeting. Weather stuff.”

“Oh, so you got the letter from the committee already?”

“No, no...I figured I’d just...go there myself, see if I can book an appointment.”

“Oh,” Spike frowned. “You sure they’ll be free to talk on a Friday?”

“Hopefully?” Rainbow answered weakly. “Still, yeah, I won’t be free on Friday. Sorry, Spike.”

“It’s okay.” Spike smiled. “I know how busy you get.”

“Hey,” Rainbow began. “Thanks for hanging out today. It was fun.”

“Yeah, anytime, Rainbow.” He held up the book. “I’ll hold onto this, maybe re-read it a little before going on to the newest book. I’ll return it after I’m done.”

“Cool,” Rainbow looked to the late afternoon sky. “Well, I better get going, Spike.”

“Yeah, same for me.” Spike got up and cracked his neck a bit. “I guess I’ll see you later...oh! I almost forgot. That Dance Festival is about two weeks away. You still want to go, right?”

Rainbow beamed. “You bet I do!”

“Heh, I figured you would. Um, maybe did you want to grab something to eat before we go to the club? Maybe eat at that Cavallian restaurant? I hear they have some great pasta dishes, and they even have a live band that plays every weekend.”

Rainbow’s ears fell back, and she was suddenly unable to meet Spike’s gaze. “O-oh, um...” Nope. Nope. Too soon. No need to do this yet. Take your time, Dash. Get to know him better first and– “Sure!”

“Sweet. Well, I’ll catch up with you later. You want to practice this weekend, too?”

“Y-yeah, how about...Sunday? That work for you?”

Spike flashed her a grin. “You bet.”

Rainbow Dash and Spike parted ways shortly after, the young drake making his way down the road back to his house. Rainbow was home within a minute’s time, and began pacing around her slightly messy living room. Tank watched her with a semi-worried expression as he chewed on a tasty piece of kale.

“...I mean, he’s nice, Tank, but...I don’t know if I’m ready for anything serious yet, you know?” She looked to the tortoise, who remained an ever-attentive listener. “He’s really cool, and smart, and I just...uuugh!” She stomped on the ground a few times. “What if it doesn’t work out? What if he doesn’t really like me that way, but dates me out of pity? You don’t think he’d do that, do you?”

Tank blinked.

“No, probably not...but then again, he would probably get worried and think he hurt me if he said no. So, he’d go out with me and wouldn’t say anything, even if he wasn’t enjoying it.”

She sighed and plopped onto the fluffy floor of her cloud home. Unpleasant memories she thought she had long forgotten began to resurface.

‘Dude, did you hear? Rainbow Dash and Merryweather were making out behind the track stadium...’

‘Well, I saw Starstreak and Rainbow Dash leaving the party early the other night. Hahaha, the poor idiot didn’t even know she was planning on dumping him the following week!’

‘What are you looking at, Rainbow Dash? Don’t get any ideas, I’m already dating somepony that I actually care about...’

‘So yeah, Rainbow’s apparently with two stallions and a mare right now. Not sure of their names, but I guess nothing surprises me anymore about Dash, haha!’

Rainbow Dash sniffled while rubbing her eyes. “Stop crying, Rainbow Dash...you’re not a little foal...”

A soft grunt reached her ears. She looked down to see Tank nudging one of her hooves with his face.

“Oh...” She sniffled as her eyes began to blur with unshed tears. “Sorry, Tank, I’m just...I’m all sorts of messed up right now.” She patted him gently on the shell. then frowned as she met the tortoise’s concerned gaze. “Though...I could use a hug right now.”

She picked up the tortoise and held him close. While Tank didn’t know a whole lot about Rainbow Dash’s past, he knew she didn’t like to dwell on it. That was fine, though. He cared for Rainbow Dash, and if he could help her, even a little bit, that was fine by him.

“I-I’m just...I don’t...” Rainbow Dash shuddered as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I don’t want to hurt anypony, Tank. I’m pretty sure I’ve changed...b-but...” She held him tightly. “W-what if I haven’t? F-Fluttershy says I’m not like that anymore...but what if she’s wrong? What if I just hurt Spike, too? What if I end up acting just like I always did?” She shook her head. “I-I don’t even know if he likes me like that. What if he thinks I’m a freak or something for thinking that way about him?”

She continued to hold her pet closely long after she was done crying, well into the early evening. By the time she finally felt like getting up off the floor, the clock on her wall read seven in the evening. She sighed, and got up to her feet. She was exhausted, and her eyes stung from all the crying she had done.

She brushed her teeth, set her alarms, and after making sure Tank was good for the night, buried herself underneath her covers.

Just take it slow... she thought to herself. No need to rush this...this isn’t a race. This isn’t a competition. It’s Spike...a friend who’s become...more than just a good friend...but...not someone you’d date. Not yet, anyway...

Another tear ran down her cheek. You’re Rainbow Dash. You’re awesome. You’re good at whatever you do. He’ll...he’ll see how cool you really are, and...and then maybe he’ll see you differently than the others did...

She closed her eyes, and buried her face into her cloud pillows.

...hopefully...