Now...

Spike rose from his bed. He had been awake for hours.

Moonlight shone through the tall glass windows that stretched high above the Princess' royal chambers. Twilight's figure stirred quietly beneath satin sheets, suspended in a deep sleep.

With quiet breaths, Spike stepped out of a bed befitting a pet and onto a cold crystalline floor. He crossed the distance between his bed and Twilight's. Silently, he climbed the hoofboard until he stood... lingering a few inches above the Princess' slumbering form. He remained there, contemplative and still, gazing at Twilight's fluttering eyelids.

At last, he spoke... whispered across her pillow.

"Twilight, did I ever tell you the real reason why I returned Peewee to his nest?" Spike asked.

Twilight didn't answer. With a shuddering breath, she curled tighter under the covers.

Spike closed his eyes. He sighed.