Chapter 1: The Dream Come True

Current Location: Carousel Boutique

"Spike, can you help me close up shop?"

"Sure thing, Rarity," Spike called out running over to the main room where Rarity was.  It was getting late, so Rarity must have been ready to turn in for the night, "What can I do to help?" he asked.

"Well, if you could close and lock the windows and the door I'd be most grateful," Rarity said.  Spike nodded and immediately got to work.  There wasn't a lot to do on his end, but if Rarity appreciated it then that was a bonus.  He'd do anything for Rarity.

After he closed the door, he turned to admire Rarity as she put all of her materials away.  Even when she was tired she was graceful.  Her white coat and purple mane made her look like an angel, and the expression currently on her face was a slight frown, the kind that only a working mare would have.  It only made her that much more beautiful.

He had long since admitted to her that he had a massive crush on her.  An incident last year ended with both of them falling out of the sky together, and Spike took that as his chance to let his feelings out.  She stopped him before he could finish, but he could see it in her eyes.  She knew, and in some weird way, she felt the same.  It was enough for him, and he could have lived the rest of his life in peace.

But then things changed in the beginning of this year, when Twilight became an alicorn and decided to stay in Canterlot for a bit.  Spike was worried that he'd have to leave his friends.  That he'd have to leave Rarity.

Funny how things turn out, isn't it?

He was sure that by now he had that stupid love sick expression he hated on his face.  That was confirmed when Rarity turned to him and giggled.  Spike immediately turned away, blushing.  Darn it, he had to be more mature now!  Things were different now that they were living together.  He had to be a big dragon.

Rarity walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek, "Let's go into the living room and relax a bit, hm?" she requested softly in his ear.  Spike felt so warm now, he had to be running a fever now.  Rarity turned around and began to saunter into the living room, her tail swishing back and forth.

Spike shook his head snapping himself back to reality, and then made his way to the living room.  Once there he saw Rarity lying on the rug near the fireplace.  He walked over to her and sat down next to her, trying not to sit too close to her.  He didn't want to overstep his boundaries.

Something that wasn't even a problem apparently, as Rarity moved to get closer to him.  Celestia, everytime... not that he was complaining.

"You're tense," Rarity said.  Spike shook his head.

"I'm fine, Rarity," he lied, "Really."

Rarity gave him a smile that said "not buying it", got behind him, and began to use her hooves to massage his back.  It was absolute bliss, and not just because it felt wonderful.  She was touching him.  Him.  Was he this hopelessly in love with her?

"Now, doesn't that feel better?" Rarity asked softly.

"Uh huh..." Spike nodded, making Rarity give a soft laugh.

"You want me to keep going for a little while?" she asked.

"Yes please," Spike said.  Rarity smiled and continued the massage, but now Spike felt bad.  She was working all day.  Shouldn't he be giving her a massage.  Not only that, but she was always spending so much time with him.  It was the perfct night to go to a bar, find a grown stallion who could deal with her special needs.  He may be a young dragon, but he knew what mares needed.

"Hey, Rarity?"

"Hm?"

"Don't you ever want to hang out with somepony your age?" Spike asked, "I mean, I love spending time with you like this. Having you all to myself like this is a dream come true, but the age difference has to get to you."

"Not really," Rarity said, shocking Spike, "Honestly, you're much better company than any stallion my age."

"R-really?" Spike asked, unable to fully believe it.  Rarity gave a sad sigh and looked away a bit, still massaging Spike.

"I suppose there's no harm in telling you.  You're older now, and you already know a lot.  You see, most stallions only want me for my body."

"You mean so they can have..." Spike asked, getting a nod from the beautiful mare behind him.

"Sex.  They act nice to me, but in the end they're just trying to get me in bed with them.  It's most dreadful.  I found myself wishing for someone who could love me for me, you know?  Not just because of my looks.  Too bad that stallion doesn't exist..."

"I... love y- I mean, you shouldn't sell yourself short," Spike said, stopping himself from saying something that he knew he'd regret, "That someone does exist."

"You're right, he does," Rarity said getting close to him and nuzzling him lovingly, "And he's right here."

"Um... uh..."

"It's so innocent with you," Rarity said softly, "When I'm with you, I feel truly loved.  The way you look at me, how eager you are to help me, and the cute way you look away when I notice you admiring me," that earned a chuckle from Spike, "You have no idea how much I appreciate you.  You're all I need right now."

"Rarity..." hearing that meant a lot to Spike.  She actually appreciated him.  Spike turned around and looked into her eyes, feeling so much love and adoration, pure adoration.  Before he knew it, she pulled him into her embrace.  This was the closest he had ever been to Rarity.  She smelled so nice, and she was so warm.  He couldn't hold it in anymore, and before he knew it he was wagging his tail happily.

"You don't have to hold back with me," Rarity said, "I want you to be true to your feelings."

"Y-you got it," Spike said.  After staying like that for a few more moments, Rarity let go of Spike and lied down next to the fireplace again.  This time Spike took that as his chance to give her a massage.  After all, she was the one who worked so hard.

"I wish we could stay like this forever..." she said softly.  Spike didn't answer aloud, but he silently wished for the same thing.

"I don't know what's more pathetic.  Her for fawning over a kid, or him for trying so hard," the man in the blue cloak said, "Let's just hurry this up before I get sick."

The man in the blue cloak walked off, leaving the two "love birds" to their little game.  Ugh, that was almost as disgusting as the scent of Realians.  

Almost...

The next day, Rarity felt a need to touch base with Twilight.  After Twilight moved to Canterlot, she charmed a mirror to act as a communication window.  This allowed Rarity and Twilight to talk in real time.

"That's wonderful, Twilight," Rarity said, "I'm glad your adjusting over there."

"Yeah, well it's not the same without you guys," Twilight admitted, "Seems like I've been spoiled.  I remember how three years ago this would be heaven.  Now though..."

"It's the same over here," Rarity said, "It's like Ponyville has lost some of its color with you gone."

"Hopefully Spike isn't missing me too much," Twilight said, making Rarity tense up a bit.  She didn't even know why.

"Spike is doing just fine," Rarity said after a second.

"He isn't bothering you too much, is he?" Twilight asked.

"Oh no, not at all.  He's been wonderful.  I can see why he earned the title Number One Assistant."

Twilight laughed a bit hearing that, "Well that's good.  Hopefully I'll be able to move back to Ponyville soon, and Spike will be able to move back in with me."

That made Rarity stop.  When Twilight came back, would Spike have to...

"By the way," Twilight continued, "Where is Spike?  I'd like to talk to him for a bit."

"Oh, I sent him on an errand," she said quickly, "He'll probably be back in a few minutes.  Maybe... twenty or so... If you want to wait-"

"No, that's fine," Twilight said, visibly disappointed, "I'll call later.  I need to meet up with Celestia in a few.  I think you'd be more suited for the life of a princess.  So much class and grace training, ugh, I hate being a princess."

"I'm sure it can't be all bad," Rarity said, "You're just starting out.  Once you get done with the training section I'm sure things will get better."

"Yeah, I still can't wait to see you guys again.  Hopefully it'll be just like old times, just the six of us."

"You mean seven," Rarity corrected, "We can't forget about Spike."

"That's if he wants to be surrounded by a bunch of mares twice his age," Twilight laughed.  Although Rarity laughed a bit herself, she was serious, and she secretly hoped that Twilight would hurry and get called to do something.  If not then she might-

There was a knock on the door behind Twilight.  She groaned and gracefully flew over to the door.  Rarity thought he might have been a guard or something, since he was wearing armor.  Twilight sighed and went back t othe mirror, "Well, that's my cue."

"Stay strong, Twilight," Rarity said, "We're supporting you one hundred percent."

"Thanks Rarity.  Tell everypony I said hi, okay?"

"I will.  Take care Twilight," Twilight nodded, and they cut the link.  Rarity hated to admit it, but she was suddenly glad her friend had to go.  She got up from the mirror and walked over to her window, looking out at Ponyville.

Would Spike have to leave when Twilight came back to Ponyville?  Rarity had asked Spike to move in with her immediately after Twilight decided to stay in Canterlot.  She knew that Twilight would be coming back, but she didn't think about Spike having to move back with Twilight.  No, that wasn't right.  He was her Spikey Wikey!  He belonged to her!  Before Rarity knew it, she began having sort of scary thoughts about Twilight, and how she wanted to keep Spike all to herself.

"You can't have him," Rarity said, "He belongs to me now."  As she said that, she felt a presence behind her.  Someone was in the room with her, she could feel them, and even hear them breathe.  She quickly turned around, ready to strike at...

Nothing.  No one was there.  She must have been paranoid after her talk with Twilight.  She turned back to the window, her snout touching a familiar pink snout that smelled of cotton candy.

"Hi Rarity!" Pinkie Pie said happily. Rarity immediately jumped back screaming.

"My Faust, Pinkie Pie, don't scare me like that," Rarity said slowly steadying her breathing, "How are you even-" she asked, stopping when she saw Pinkie Pie floating next to her window being held up by a bunch of balloons tied around her waist.  Only Pinkie Pie would...

"I came here because you looked sad, and I hate seeing ponies sad, expecially if they're my friends, or I see them, and since you're my friend and I saw you, now I have DOUBLE the reason to help you!"

"I... see," Rarity said awkwardly.  Damn it, why now?  Why now?

"So... why are you sad?" Pinkie Pie asked, not missing a beat.

"Um, w-well it's nothing, really.  I just got finished talking to Twilight, and I suppose I'm missing her, that's all," Rarity said, only partially lying.

"I figured that was it," Pinkie Pie said, "Which is why I sent a letter to Princess Celestia asking her to prepare a surprise party for Twilight."

"Y-y-you what now?" Rarity asked in a shakey voice.

"Uh huh! You're the first one I saw, so here's your invitation!" Pinkie Pie pulled out a pink invitation out of nowhere.

"Oh... thanks Pinkie Pie, but I don't think-"

"Hey Pinkie Pie," Spike said from the door.  Damn it, why did she keep that door open?!  Why did Pinkie Pie have to talk so loud?!

"Hey Spike!  I'm handing out invitations to Twilight's party.  I have yours here too," Pinkie Pie handed Spike his invitation as he walked into the room.  Now she had to go.

"A party for Twilight?  Sounds fun!  Hey, we're closed on Sundays, right?" Spike asked Rarity, who did her best to hide her pained expression.

"That's right," Rarity said.

"So there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to come, right?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"I suppose not," Rarity said, trying even harder to not let her anger come through.  It looked like Spike noticed something, because he looked up at Rarity with a concerned expression.

"Spike, wanna help me hand out the rest of the invitations?" Pinkie Pie asked.  Spike looked at Pinkie Pie, but then looked at Rarity as if asking for permission.

"I need to get ready anyway," Rarity said, "Why don't you go with her.  Get some fresh air, you know?"

"Okay..." he said, visibly concerned.

"Great, I'll wait for you outside," Pinkie Pie said floating down to the front door.  Spike closed the window for Rarity and then went over to her.

"Are you sure you're okay?  If you don't want to go then-"

"It's been three months since Twilight moved away," Rarity stated, "We should really go see her."

"Well, if you're sure Rarity," Spike said.  He hugged Rarity to comfort her, a gesture that did make Rarity feel a little better, "I'll come back after helping Pinkie Pie," he continued walking to the door.  He took one last look at Rarity, and then walked out of the room.

When Rarity was sure that Spike was gone, she kicked the side of her bed in frustration.  Now she knew Spike would learn about Twilight's desire for him to move in with her again.  She'd lose him, and there was nothing she could do about it.

"It's not fair..." Rarity said angrily, shedding a few tears, "Why does everyone have to leave me?"

Unknown to everyone, the mysterious man in the blue cloak was close to Carousel Boutique, looking up at the window Rarity was looking out of before.  To get a better view, he briefly took off his mask, revealing his coarse, cracked face.

"So that's why the boss is so interested in her," he looked down and smirked, "Maybe this will be fun after all.