My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Matchmaker

Chapter 5

Problem

Trixie lovingly sighed as she played with a flower lily in the library.

“Never saw you this love-struck when you were pining after me.” Twilight joked.

“that’s because I wasn’t this much in love. Oh, Lily is so lovely. She’s so beautiful, kind, caring…”

“that’s ¾ of the pony population.” Requiem joked. Trixie’s response was a ball to Req’s head, without breaking pose or character.

“so… when do we meet this Lily?” Halo asked.

“I don’t know. We were so smitten, we didn’t think that far ahead.”

Spike skipped on up the walk-way to Carousel Boutique with a smile on his face and flowers in his hands. He took a big whiff and smiled. “(This is great. I keep this up and Rarity will be my marefriend. And that surprise I have planned for tonight is sure to win her heart.)” His left hand hurt again. He put the flowers in his teeth and rubbed the blisters. “I should’ve put some aloe on before I left.”

He knocked the door before entering. “hey, Rarity. You want to--” he stopped to see her lying on the floor with a wet mane and tail.

“oh, hey Spike.” Rarity called out as she normally would. Spike stuttered humorously. “you’re probably wondering why I’m on the floor.” Spike nodded like a puppet. “well, I just got out of the shower and found that I didn’t have any towels handle so I came down here to grab some but I slipped and twisted my ankle.” Spike babbled like a idiot. “Are you okay?”

“I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I…” Spike shook his head. “I’m fine. We should probably do something about that ankle.” Spike put the flowers down and picked Rarity up.

“Thanks.” Rarity rested her head on his chest and snuggled in. “I’m so lucky to have a friend like you.”

Spike‘s heart sank a bit when she said friend. “no prob.”

Luna lovingly hummed as she brushed her mane.

“guess this Trixie really got you good.” Celestia said, watching from the doorway.

“oh, she’s got the most wonderful sense of humor. Did you know she’s a traveling performer?”

“Really?”

“well, was. Her wagon was destroyed so she’s staying in Ponyville with her brothers.”

“oh.”

Luna stopped brushing for a moment and thought about a big question. “Tia…”

“hmm?”

“is it… weird that I’m in love with a mare.”

“no. it’s not. Half of the couples out there in Equestria are Filly-Foolers.” Luna cocked her head, wondering what that means. “Mares who love Mares.”

“oh. You’d figure with a name like Filly-Foolers…”

“I know I know I know. I didn’t choose the name.”

Luna chuckled. Her mind went back to Trixie who, in Luna’s mind, is lieing down in a seductive pose.

Rarity dried off her mane as Spike bandaged her rear left ankle.

“thanks, Spike. Huh, I bandage your left hand and now your bandaging my left ankle.”

Spike gave a gasping chuckle. “irony.” Rarity nodded. Spike finished wrapping the ankle.

“thanks, Spike.”

“my pleasure.” Spike put the bandages up and spotted a bag on the floor. “what’s with the luggage?”

“oh, I’m going to Canterlot for the day. Fancy Pants wants to talk business.”

“Fancy Pants?” Spike tried to hold back laughter. “What kind of name is Fancy Pants?”

“don’t laugh. He’s a kind and sophisticated pony, unlike a certain prince.”

“if you say so.” Spike choked, still trying to not laugh.

Rarity rolled her eyes. She got up with a noticeable limp. She used her magic to grab a sunhat and hover it beside her. “well, better hurry. I’m supposed to meet him at noon.” she walked to the door. “mind grabbing my bag, Spike?”

“Already got it.” he said as he walked after her, carrying the bag.

The door to Marble’s room creaked open.

Pinkie poked her head in. she looked around the room to see if the coast is clear. It was. She tip-toed in and closed the door behind her.

“Okay. Where did Marble put that picture?” she muttered to herself. She went back into her memories (literally) and remembered that Marble put the picture under a flower pot. She tip-toed over and carefully lifted it up. Using her teeth, she bit down on the very tip and pulled it out. She set the plant down and zoomed on over to a covered window. She furled it up and took a look at the group-shot of 4 different ponies.

“that must’ve been Marble before the coat, glasses, and emo personality.” she compared both looks, her eyes ringing like a pinball machine. “Current Marble’s cuter.” she flipped the picture over and saw names on the other side. Diamond’s name fell under a Pegasus mare around Marble‘s. “so… is Diamond a ex-marefriend? Did that kiss remind him of her?” she hoped not but that didn’t stop that thought from sinking into her heart. “Celestia, I hope not.” she looked at the words again and found that Diamond and the other 2 ponies lived with Marble in Manehatten.

“maybe they can tell me what happened between these 2.” she closed the curtains and tip-toed out of the room with the picture.

Spike walked to the boutique, having promised Rarity he’ll keep an eye on it while she’s away. He opened the door and walked in to see Sweetie Belle with one of the flowers he was going to give Rarity in her mouth.

“Sweetie Belle?” he closed the door and picked up a cup of water he had set down earlier. “What are you doing?”

“just being sexy for my favorite Drake.” she said in a seductive tone.

Spike spit up the water and coughed. “you’re being what?!?”

“oh, brother.” she spit the flower out and walked over. “Did Rarity make you that dense?” she brushed her hair out of her face and suddenly kissed him.

Spike went wide-eyed and muffled yelled as he pushed her away. He spit out the kiss and wiped his lips. “Are you crazy!?”

“yeah. Crazy in love for you.”

Spike gave a sighing scoff as he brushed his spines. “Sweetie Belle… I’m in love with Rarity. You know that.”

“so? I love you too.”

“b-but you’re younger then me. A lot younger.”

“no, I’d say we’re about the same age. You just look older. Besides, Rarity doesn’t love you like I do.”

Spike scoffed. “Yes she does.”

“are you sure?” Sweetie insisted. “did you read the letter that came for her?”

That drove a nail into the ‘Rarity doesn’t love me’ coffin. He shook his head ‘no’. Sweetie walked back to grab a letter. Sweetie Belle grabbed it and brought it to him. Spike took it, eager to prove Sweetie Belle wrong, but what he read just added another nail to the coffin.

‘My Dearest Rarity.

Your bewitching form haunts my night and day equally. We simply must meet and discuss our future. I shall wait for you in Canterlot.

Fancy Pants.’

Spike didn’t want to believe it but it was there in black and white. “no. no no no. this is a fake. It has to be.”

“Tsk. I’m afraid it’s real. And that ain‘t even the real hard-hitter.” Sweetie said. Spike didn’t want to know more but he felt like he had to. Sweetie Belle headed on upstairs, Spike not far behind.

Back downstairs, a piece of paper fell out of one of the mannequin dresses and landed with the words facing up.

‘Rarity.

I know this is unexpected but I have a business proposition for you. I would like to open a boutique modeled after your own in Canterlot. My Fiancée, Fleur Di Lis, was quite taken with your style and wants to open one of her own. Please come to Canterlot at your earliest convenience so we can discuss it.

Fancy Pants.’

Zilver slept beneath a tree, just like last time, snoring up a storm. A.J. emptied a bucket of water on him. Zilver sputtered as he snapped awake. “What was that for?”

“We need to talk. In private.” she angrily said. Zilver, not wanting to have his life shortened, agreed.

Sweetie Belle lead Spike into Rarity’s room. He sensed that nothing was off but his heart was telling him otherwise. “Okay. I’ll bite. What?”

Sweetie Belle pointed to the garbage can. Spike walked on over and peered in. what he saw just put in the final nail.

In the garbage can was the Fire Ruby he had giving Rarity a week before his birthday and what had changed him back from his greed. He couldn’t bear to look at it anymore. He unfurled his wings and flew out the window as fast as he could.

Sweetie Belle ran to the window and watched him fly away. She couldn’t help but worry. “Maybe I went too far.” she winced as she used her magic to put the Fire Ruby back top of Rarity’s dresser.

Applejack closed the barn door, giving her and Zilver time to talk.

“we need to talk about what happened the other night.” A.J. sighed.

“I thought we agreed never to speak of it again.”

“Zilver…”

“okay. Okay. So… what’s the problem?”

“well, ever since we… you know…” Zilver nodded in acknowledgement, knowing what she meant. “I…I couldn’t stop thinking about you.”

Zilver felt honored. “well, thanks.”

A.J. smacked him in the back of the head. “not that way, you perv.” Zil chuckled as she rolled her eyes. “well, I thought back to it and I was thinking and… every time I thought back to it, I kept thinking about you.”

“what are you getting at, Applejack?”

A.J. took a deep breath. “I think I have the same thing that Twilight has for your brother.”

“what?” Zilver’s eyes got tiny. “you mean… You’re in love with me?”

“I hoped not but… I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I just… feel flustered around you, I have trouble breathing, my heart beats fast, I…”

Zilver interrupted her with a kiss. “just shut up, okay?” A.J. leaned in to kiss again but Zil stopped her. “but… I’m not looking for a relationship right now. I got out of a pretty dicey relationship and I’m just not ready and…” Zil pecked her on the cheek and turned to leave. “…I hope you can understand.”

Zilver began to leave when… “There’s more, Zilver.” Zilver stopped and looked back to her. A.J. sighed as she said it. “I’m pregnant.”

That news hit Zilver like a ton of bricks. “you’re p-p-p…” he couldn’t say it. “you’re preaaaa…” Applejack started to get annoyed. Zilver laughed as he fell backwards and fainted upon hitting the ground.

“don’t blame ya for doing that.”

Halo sat on the bed at his apartment, not exactly eager to do this. Twilight walked in and closed the door. “you wanted to see me, Halo?”

“Twilight. We need to talk.” he said in a stern tone.

“about what?”

“About us.”

Twi got a little worried as she sat down. “w-what do you mean?”

Halo sighed as he rubbed his eyes. “we both know you love me and nothing is going to change that and I… *Sigh* I hate to say it but I love you too.”

“well, if you feel that way, why are we having this talk?”

“Cause I… I don’t want to.”

“Don’t want to?”

“I know nothing about love and I’m worried about what will happen. Plus there’s all that history between us such as Trixie and… Starlight.”

Twilight looked down at her pregnant stomach then back up at him. “So, what are you saying exactly?”

“I’m saying…” Halo sighed. “I’m saying that you’re probably better off being with someone else. I’m not suitable for you or anypony. I’m just… I’m sorry.”

Halo walked to the door and almost left but was stopped by Twi. She pulled him close and tearfully kissed him square on the lips. She broke it and sniffled. “at least… think about it.” she tearfully said. She walked on out, leaving behind a confused Halo. Now he felt bad as his heart felt like it was being tightened in a vice.

A disoriented Zilver woke up to the distorted sound of Applejack’s voice. “Zilver. Zilver.” his vision and his voice eventually cleared up. “Zilver, you okay?”

A dizzy Zilver got up. “I… I could’ve sworn you said you were pregnant.”

“I am.” Zilver swooned but A.J. stopped him. “Okay, enough is enough, Drama Queen.”

“a-a-are you sure you’re pregnant?”

“well… no. all I know is I missed my p--”

“Ah. Nobody needs to hear that.”

“right. Well, I also had butterflies in my stomach and felt sick every morning. Twilight told me she’s going though the same things so I know it has to be that.”

“y-y-you sure it’s that? M-m-maybe you just have the flu or something.”

Applejack sighed. “well, we’ll know next week. I took this to the doc and he’s checking to make sure I am or ain’t with child.”

Zilver kept looking for a way out of this. “a-and you’re sure I’m the father?”

“you’re the first pony I slept with so… yeah.”

Zilver held his head as he began to freak out. “no no no. I’m not ready to be a parent.”

“Neither am I! but we’re gonna have to deal with this in one way or another.”

“Says you!” Zilver panted. “I’m outta here.” he walked to the barn door and opened it.

“Zilver! This is your responsibility too. You can’t run away from this.”

Zilver sarcastically laughed. “watch me!” he said as he closed the barn door.

Shadow wrote his words down onto a piece of paper to give to Rainbow Dash. This was letter 22. The rejects littered the ground beside him.

“dang it. How do I word this?” he groaned. He snapped and crumbled up the letter. He tossed it aside with the others.

He looked up and saw Rainbow walk by outside, carrying a box on her back. Shadow put down what he was doing and ran out.

“hey, Dash. What’cha doing?” he asked as he ran out of his apartment to join her.

“hey, Shadow. Nothing much. Just gonna join Soarin’ on a party.” she then got overly cheerful. “he’s gonna introduce me to Spitfire, Fleetfoot, and Rapidfire. I think he’s trying to induct me into the Wonderbolts! I’m so excited!”

“congrats. I know how hard you were wanting to get in.”

“AAAAAND…” Dash snickered. “… I think he’s gonna move our relationship ahead.”

That hurt Shadow. “Relationship?”

“yeah. We’ve been dating since we met. Maybe, after tonight, we’ll move things to the bedroom.”

“oh. I see.” a defeated Shadow looked away for a moment.

“well, I gotta get going.” Rainbow said as she unfurled her wings.

Shadow turned to leave but stopped half-way. “Rainbow…” Dash stopped in mid-flight and looked down to Shadow. “(tell her. Tell her, you idiot. Tell her you love her.) I… I…” Dash cocked her head to the right, wondering what he was talking about. Shadow gave a defeated sigh. “I… want to wish you good luck.”

“Thanks.” Dash called back before flying away.

Shadow headed back to his place, defeated and sad. “(what would I have said? She was in a relationship with a celebrity. Guess some things…) were never meant to be.”

Spike sat on the hill he had chosen to reveal his feelings to Rarity thanks to something he worked hard on. The sun had begun to set when he heard panting behind him. He looked to see Rarity running up the hill to him.

“Sorry I’m late.” Rarity panted. “but Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis never shut up. They just kept on talking. Gobble gobble gobble gobble gobble.” she chuckled. Spike didn’t buy it. “so… what did you want to show me?”

Spike took a deep breath and got up. “it doesn’t matter now.”

“‘doesn’t matter now?’ what are you talking about?”

Spike turned and left. “why do you care?”

A very confused Rarity ran out in front of him. “what are you talking about, Spike?”

“I know you went to Fancy Pants so you can get back together with him.”

“What!?! No no no. I went to see him because Fleur wanted to open up a copy of my boutique there and--”

“stop lying!” Spike roared. Rarity stepped back in fear. Spike sighed as he looked to the ground.

“Spike… what’s going on?” Rarity asked.

“it’s too late now.” he softly said. “you already stomped on my heart and shattered it to pieces. Can‘t believe I went out of my way to make it.” he unfurled his wings and took off. Rarity looked up in confusion.

“What is he talking about?” she wondered as she sat down, looking in the same direction. She then saw what Spike was looking at. She held her hooves to her mouth as tears began to form in her eyes. “oh. Oh, no…” she gasped. She fell forward to her hooves, which shook rapidly as tears fell. “Spike…”

Across from her, made out of shaped rocks, were words that read:
‘you will be in my heart eternally, my one and only love.’