The Warmth of Winter

Chapter Four: The Beginning

In that instant, Spike couldn't possibly think fast enough to come up with a well thought out action. Instead, he did the first thing that came to mind. The young dragon, whose face was now covered in crimson, shot back a whole three feet.

"What the hay was that!?" he shrieked.

Scootaloo jumped back as well, and instinctively avoided eye contact. "I'm sorry! It's just, Sweetie Belle told us how she saw Rarity kiss you on the cheek when you did something nice for her! Please don't be angry!"

Spike's blush deepened, for until this point, he had assumed no one except for Twilight, and Rarity herself, bared witness. Despite his embarrassment, Spike wanted to assure Scootaloo that of all the emotions he was experiencing, anger was not among them.

"Scoots, I'm not mad. I mean, I'm a little surprised right now, but certainly not mad."

The dragon's semi comforting words caused Scootaloo to slowly cast her gaze in his direction.

"I'm sorry; I just thought that it would just be another way of thanking you. I hope I didn't mess anything up."

Spike shook his head. "No, it's okay... I was just a little surprised is all. Sorry."

Scootaloo smiled faintly. "It's okay, and I'm sorry about… that."

He briefly returned the smile before beginning to turn away. "Listen, I've got to go. Twi is going to start getting worried."

Scootaloo nodded. "Oh, okay. See ya later."

Spike quickly waved his claw "See ya."

As Spike walked off into the ever dimming twilight, Scootaloo watched him until she was sure she couldn't be seen, or heard.

"Ugh!" she exclaimed as she threw herself into a sitting position beneath the tree. "Go ahead and kiss him!? Great idea! What in Equestria were you thinking!? He likes Rarity!"

Once again, a pang of sadness hit her heart at the mention of Spike's crush. However, this time there was no debating why, for it was clear that Scootaloo indeed had a crush on Spike.

In a fit of self-loathing, the little filly began smacking the side of her head with her hoof. "Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!"

Just as she was going in for her fifth strike, she felt her hoof brush against something. She looked down to see Spike's scarf wrapped around her neck. Slowly, she lowered her offending hoof, and lifted the fabric with a sigh. It was in that moment, that Scootaloo realized that perhaps not all hope had yet been lost.

Spike let out a frustrated sigh as he closed the library door behind him. "Could that have gone any worse?" he asked himself.

"Could what have gone any worse?" asked a warm voice.

Spike looked up to see Twilight sitting next to a nearby bookshelf. He averted his gaze quickly, but soon returned it.

"Twi, can you promise to keep a secret?"

She nodded.

Spike paused briefly, considering his words. "When I was leaving… Scootaloo kissed me on the cheek."

"What!?" Twilight yelped with joy. She was about to start bouncing around like a little filly, until she realized Spike's distraught expression was still unwavering. This caused her emotions to shift back to the initial state of concern.

"Well, what happened? I thought you'd be happy."

Spike sighed. "I jumped away, and freaked out. I think I even hurt her feelings."

"Oh… Spike, don't worry. I'm sure she isn't mad at you. You two will be back to normal in no time."

"But I didn't tell you the worst part."

Twilight raised her brow, but remained silent.

"You remember all those things you were saying at Sugar Cube Corner?"

She nodded.

"Well, you were right; I do think Scootaloo is cute and really nice, and... I even liked the kiss… I think I do like her."

Twilight smiled. "Then you should tell her."

Spike sighed and took a seat upon the floor. "What about Rarity? I mean, I still like her, but if I like Scootaloo too…" Spike buried his face into his hands.

Twilight wasn't exactly trying to be manipulative, but she saw this as an opportunity to push Spike in a direction that would benefit all; not just herself.

"Spike, Rarity doesn't need you."

Shocked by Twilight's bluntness, Spike shot up. "What?!" he yelled, almost ready to pounce on her.

Twilight raised a hoof. "She doesn't need you because she is the Element of Generosity, she has her friends, and she has her sister. Now, look at Scootaloo; she only has Sweetie Belle, Applebloom and Rainbow Dash. You tell me: which one looks like they need you more?"

Spike thought a moment, thinking of something to counter Twilight, but her argument was solid. He like both Rarity and Scootaloo equally, but Scootaloo was the one in need; more so than anyone ever knew. Though not only that, but Spike had also promised that he'd take care of her, and by his dragon code he was not going to break a promise.

"You're right, Twilight. You're absolutely right."

As the sun reached its peak in the sky, Spike found himself sitting on a park bench, unable to stop thinking about Scootaloo since the night before. Though now, the young dragon thought it best to go someplace peaceful to consider his next course of action; he was set on telling Scootaloo of his newfound feelings, but at the same time he was fearful of her reaction. She could laugh in his face and never talk to him again, or she could kick him right in his stomach. Though these outcomes were unlikely, they terrified him nonetheless.

The dragon was so deep in thought that he was completely oblivious to a young white unicorn trotting over to him, her mind full of malicious and manipulative intent.

"Hi, Spike," said Sweetie Belle as she took a seat next to him.

Spike instantly snapped back to reality. "Huh? Oh hey, Sweetie Belle. What are you doing out here?"

The filly threw out a dismissive hoof. "Oh, it's a long story."

"Well, I have time. What is it?"

Sweetie Belle tried her best to withhold a grin, anticipating this reaction. "Well, if you really must know, Rarity actually kicked me out."

Spike raised his brow. "What? Why?"

"It's not because I got in trouble or anything. It's something else."

"Like what?"

Once again, Sweetie Belle suppressed a grin as she milked the situation for all it was worth.

"Well, you see Rarity is actually having a colt over for lunch. Like on a date. His name is Fancy something."

Spike's eyes widened in shock, but after a moment, and only a slight feeling of sadness, he was rather content with the news. For instead of crushing him, this revelation only seemed to force his hand in the direction he had already wished.

"Oh, okay."

Sweetie Belle's mouth threatened to drop. Everything in her plan had gone accordingly up until this point, for she had forgotten to factor in the possibility of Spike not liking Rarity the way he used to.

"Those lying jerks!" she yelled.

Spike jumped, startled by Sweetie Belle's outburst. "What?!"

The filly blushed, a little surprised as well. "Uhhhh, nothing! Bye Spike! Talk to you later!"

Scootaloo walked through the streets of Ponyville, making her way to the library. Despite the fact that she had apologized for her action the day before, she still felt as though it wasn't enough. She just hoped she could somehow get things back to the way they were before this mess.

As the young filly passed Sofas and Quills, she saw Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. She was almost going to say hi, before she noticed that Sweetie Belle was yelling at Applebloom. Then suddenly the unicorn lunged on top of the earth pony.

'Yeah, I better not get into that one,' she thought as she looked back to the path. Suddenly she and an unknown passerby bumped into each other, causing both to fall onto their rumps.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" snapped Scootaloo.

"Sorry."

Scootaloo could feel her blood run ice cold and her face turn fire red upon recognizing the voice. Slowly, she unwillingly looked up to see that it was none other than Spike. Of course it had to be Spike! Not Rumble or Pipsqueak, but Spike. Why did it have to be Spike!?

"Oh my gosh, I'm sorry, Spike!" she exclaimed as she jumped to all fours.

Spike, who was busy brushing the snow off, simply threw out a claw. "Oh, um... It's okay, but what are you doing out here?"

"Um, I was actually going to see you. We need to talk about yesterday."

Spike nodded. "Yeah, I kind of thought I needed to talk to about that too."

Spike's words caused Scootaloo to feel a twinge of fear, but she tried to ignore it. Whatever this was, it wasn't going to end badly. Not at all...

"Listen Spike, I just want to say that I'm sorry again. I wasn't really thinking and it was stupid. I just want to take it back."

Spike rested a claw atop her shoulder. "Scootaloo, please stop. If anyone should be apologizing, it's me. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. Honestly… I was a little happy it happened." As those words left Spike's lips, he could feel something in the pit of his stomach wishing to retract them.

Scootaloo quickly shot up. "What?!" she yelped a little louder, and happier, than intended.

Spike mentally breathed a massive sigh of relief, but at the same time he found himself blushing at how happy she seemed.

Scootaloo did her best to hide a blush, but once she noticed Spike's expression, there was no stopping it. "So," she began timidly, "You don't think I'm weird or anything?"

He shook his head. "Of course not. Hey, do you think we could go back to the clubhouse? There's something I want to tell you."

Scootaloo felt her heart flutter, hoping he was referring to a possible crush on her. Despite how unlikely this possibility seemed to her, the notion was there nonetheless.

"Sure," she replied with a smile.

"Here's good," said Spike as he stopped, just before the location of the Cutie Mark Crusaders' clubhouse.

Scootaloo turned to face him, biting down on her tongue to suppress a smile. "So, what is it you wanted to tell me?"

Spike sighed as he brought a claw to the back of his neck. He could feel all of his confidence that he had built up on the walk over, be drained in seconds by Scootaloo's awaiting eyes.

"Well, Uhhh... Scootaloo," he began nervously, trying his best not to trip over his own words.

'Oh my gosh is he about to do what I think he is?' she thought, keying in on his tone of voice.

"You remember yesterday when those bullies came up to us?"

Scootaloo nodded, quite clearly recalling the events during and especially after that particular part happened.

"Well, after all the stuff they said, I didn't think you would want to hang out with me anymore. I mean... a lot of it was true; dragons and ponies aren't supposed to hang out, but I like it."

Scootaloo rested a hoof upon Spike's shoulder, causing him to look up and see a warm smile.

"Spike," she began, "Nothing would ever want to make me stop being your friend; especially not those two snobs. And to be honest, I like it too."

Spike smiled, feeling his confidence return. "Well in that case, there's something I need to tell you." He paused briefly. "I sort of," he sighed. "Have a crush on you."

Scootaloo stood there frozen, her hoof still resting upon Spike's shoulder. She had been dying to hear those words, but had not the slightest idea what to do once she did.

Spike braced his face for impact with Scootaloo's hoof, however nothing came. Seconds passed and still nothing, then she finally began to move. Quickly, Spike slammed his eyes shut, but instead of pain, he felt Scootaloo's warm embrace envelop him.

"I... sort of have a crush on you too."

Spike couldn't move, he was too surprised and happy by the outcome to have his body function properly; instead, almost as if on autopilot, he wrapped both of his claws around the filly.

Scootaloo felt this and smiled before nuzzling into Spike's chest. However, it occurred to her that what she was doing right now was totally un-Rainbow Dash, so as a way of livening up things she said, "If you ever tell anyone I was nuzzling you, I will end you."

Spike's chuckle seemed to bring him back into reality, so he raised one of his claws to the back of her mane and began to gently stroke. "Sure thing, Scoots."

Though the filly was very much enjoying the feeling of the dragons careful fingers running through her mane, she knew that they had to break the embrace, so she made the first move in backing away.

Spike was a little disappointed, but when he noticed Scootaloo's beaming smile he couldn't help but feel better. "Sooooo, are you my fillyfriend now?"

Scootaloo blushed heavily, never really considering that until this point, but with a smile she nodded. "Yeah, I guess so. So, what do you want to do… drakefriend?"

Spike playfully rolled his eyes. "Well, now that we're together, maybe we should go out somewhere."

"Like where?"

He looked away for a moment, considering all possible nearby and affordable options, before one popped into his head. "What about Sugar Cube Corner?"

Scootaloo nodded. "Sounds great!" Just then a disheartening realization hit her. "But I don't have any bits."

Spike smiled. "Don't worry, I never leave the library without a few tucked away in my scarf, besides, it's not right for a lady to pay."

Scootaloo blushed. "Thank you, Spike. That's really sweet."

"Well, after you milady," joked Spike as he bowed and gestured down the path.

Scootaloo poorly hid a smile behind an exaggerated face hoof. "Really Spike?" she asked while giggling.

"Hey, I've had fourteen years to think about what I'd do when this finally happens, just following the book."

As the new couple took their seats at the bakery, Pinkie seemingly shot out of nowhere, terrifying Spike, but only amusing Scootaloo. Seeing Spike attempting to regain his composure caused Pinkie to feel a little regretful of her entrance.

"Oh, sorry, Spikey. Just assumed you would've gotten used to that by now."

Spike threw out a claw while trying to hide his embarrassed expression. "Huh? What are you talking about Pinkie? You didn't scare me," he lied.

Pinkie made an "oh" expression before winking to Spike.

"So, what can I get you two love birds?"

Scootaloo and Spike took a moment to register what Pinkie had said, before a simultaneous screech of "What!?" filled the bakery, several other customers looked around to see what the commotion was about.

Pinkie Pie giggled. "Oh you two don't know how Pinkie senses work at all. I had a twitchy hoof about four times an hour ago and scrunchy nose four times fifteen minutes ago. Then I added the two, divided that by Pi then multiplied that by seven point four eight and deduced that you two must be dating since the letter S was the result. It's really simple once you understand it."

Scootaloo and Spike just stared blankly at each other.

Spike quickly pushed Pinkie's formula out of his head before his brain had a meltdown. "Um, yeah... I'll have a hot chocolate with a cherry, what about you Scoots?"

Scootaloo, who was still at a loss, simply stated "Uh... yeah, that."

"Coming right up!" chirped the pink ball of energy, before she bounced off into the kitchen.

Once she had left, Scootaloo was about to unleash a barrage of question before she was stopped by Spike raising his claw. "It's better if you don't try to understand it."

Scootaloo giggled. "Yeah, I need to remember that it's Pinkie Pie after all."

Spike joined in on the laugh. "So, now that we're together, when do you plan on telling the rest of the CMC? No doubt they'll have a field day when word gets out."

She smiled just thinking about some of the possible reactions her friends could have. "Yeah, you can say that again, but until then, let's keep this on the down low."

Spike nodded. "Yeah, who knows what the town would do if they found out about us?"

Just then Pinkie returned with a platter of two steaming whip cream covered beverages balanced atop her head. As she laid the platter before them, the couple each took one and was just beginning to take their first sips, when they heard the familiar ding of someone entering the bakery. The two looked up to see Sweetie Belle and Applebloom staring at them with a confused expression. Instantly, Spike and Scootaloo began to blush.

Applebloom was the first to speak. "Uh, hey what are you two doing here?"

"Alone, together, without us, together," added Sweetie Belle.

Applebloom smirked. "I mean, if I didn't know any better I'd say you two were on a…" Suddenly, both Sweetie Belle and Applebloom's expressions went blank. Then, it was quickly followed by the loudest "D'awwww!" ever heard.

"You have to tell us more!" squealed Sweetie Belle as she slid into the booth next to Spike.

"Yeah!" chirped Applebloom as she slid in with Scootaloo.

"How long have you been dating!?"

"Have you kissed yet!?"

"Oh my gosh, this is adorable!"

"You guys have got to tell us everything!"

Never in either Scootaloo or Spike's life had they wished to be somewhere else more, than in that moment. They both shot each other a look of "help me!"

Unknown to any of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Spike, and even, the seemingly psychic, Pinkie Pie, was the fact that moments before Sweetie Belle and Applebloom arrived, two young fillies stood before the window of Sugar Cube Corner, beaming with hate. The grey one, who was holding a camera, quickly snapped a few pictures. As each came out of the camera, the pink filly snatched them up and grinned as she examined each.

"Oh yes, these will do nicely. That little dragon prick has no idea who he just messed with. "

Silver Spoon smiled at her friend's approval. "You know, I hear dragons are most protective of their treasure; among those are usually the ones they care for."

Diamond tiara nodded, a malicious grin painted across her face. "Let's see how good he is at protecting them from all of Ponyville!"