>Anonymous's log, stardate quigglewiggletrutanung 696969
>Day 1843 in Equestria.
>You are lying on a bed in the middle of night.
>The comfiness of the bed is lost on you; much of your body is racked with aches and pains.
>Your back has not recuperated from the nights spent on the sofa.
>Your face is still pretty swollen from your trip to Sugarcube Corner, too.
>With hindsight, you know that you deserve it. Some of the things you said to Mr. Cake could be interpreted as offensive.
>The months of isolation appear to have had more of an effect than first assumed; you are now shit at talking to people.
>You certainly will not be trying to secure a job anytime soon. At least, until the swelling has receded.
>A shift underneath the covers causes you to wince and desperately will your spasming back muscles to chill the fuck out.
>The bed is courtesy of Twilight finally getting off her purple butt and finding you a decent place to sleep.
>In fact, she went much further and found you a room within the Library to have as your own. One of the old storage rooms on the ground floor.
>In fact in fact, there are a bunch of rooms on the ground floor, accessible just under the stairs. Strange how you had never noticed them before.
>Tonight is your first night in your new room. And you are too bruised and battered to enjoy it.
>You fling the covers off and sit up.
>This is going to be a sleepless night. Whoopee.
>And as everyone knows, sleepless nights are more bearable on a full stomach.
>A good thing that Twilight remembered to stock up on more food yesterday, then.
>You make a quick scoot to your new bedroom door and creep out, moving down the short corridor, and into the Reading Area.
>To the kitchen you go, taking care to avoid the waist-high piles of books in your path.
>The book piles seem to be growing in both number and height. This time you know it is not down to Spike's laziness, but his infatuation.
>The lovesick dragon has been dogging your footsteps for the past couple of days.
>It began with puppy eyes from across the room. Easily handled by refusing to look at him.
>Then came the small gifts. The rock drawing was just the start. Then came the cupcakes, the roses, the small poems.
>You threw most of them away. Except the cupcakes. Who can resist fresh cupcakes?
>Sooner or later you are going to have to tell him to back off. But how to go about it?
>Firmly you kick these thoughts out of your mind. You are not going to spend all night worrying over the lizard. It seems to be all you do lately and boy is it wearing thin.
>You open the fridge door, enjoying the feeling of cool air that hits you.
>Let's see. Lettuce, bread, cucumber, cherries, cabbage...aha.
>Nothing like a chilled milkshake to take the troubles away. Complete with bendy straw too.
>As you walk back into the Reading Area slurping your snack, you notice something.
>There is a light from the upper floor Living Area. Judging from the continual flicker, you reason it to be the desk candle.
>You dismiss it. It's probably Twilight's doing, she is always leaving the damn thing burning after some late night studying.
>A slow creak causes you to pause.
>That is not the sound of a pony's hoof pressing down on a creaky floorboard.
>That is the sound of a heavy dragon's foot pressing down on a creaky floorboard.
>Spike is awake.
>A second creak confirms your next thought. He is coming downstairs.
>Adrenaline hits your system and you almost choke on the bendy straw.
>It is bad enough you occassionally think about Spike. You do NOT want to deal with him in person in the middle of the night whilst you are in your pyjamas.
>Attempting to avoid him for the past days has worked well enough.
>You need to avoid him. Now.
>Another creak from upstairs, and your pulse is now audible in your ears.
>Your eyes clap upon the door underneath the stairs. Beyond is your bedroom. If you make it out of sight, you should be safe.
>As stealthily as you can, you make for the door.
>You do not pay attention to where your feet go, focusing on angling your body in between the book piles.
>Halfway to the door, your foot comes down on uneven ground. Sharply uneven. Spherically uneven.
>Your foot is on your rubber ball.
>You are given a brief moment of reprieve before you begin your tumble.
>Huh, so that's where the little shit went.
>You tumble backwards.
>On the way down, several key events occur.
>You knock your head against one of the piles of books. Hello concussion.
>You flail your arms uselessly and send your milkshake flying. Goodbye snack.
>Your back hits the floor quite hard, causing your lumbar muscles to resume their spasms. Nice to see you again, pain.
>From the floor, your blurry vision gives you a nice view of the stack of books you hit on the way down. It wobbles precariously, and topples towards you.
"Shi-"
>slam bam thank you ma'am
>A very large and dusty tome now resides upon your face. Several of its friends litter your chest and arms.
>It hurts. A lot.
>You groan in pain and frustration.
>The footsteps draw closer.
>You are busted.
>"Uh, Anon?"
"Spike."
>Somehow you manage to sound completely nonchalant from underneath the books.
>"Why are you on the floor covered in books?"
"I'm building a book fort."
>"Really? Wow, I used to make them too, back in Canterlo-"
"Sarcasm."
>"Oh."
>There is a short pause as you struggle out from underneath the books.
>Spike is standing over you, a lit candlestick held in his claw. You wonder how he is able to hold it, then you remember he's a fire-breathing dragon. Durr.
>You stand and brush yourself down, noting how much your nose hurts and feels blocked. Cupping a hand, you confirm a nosebleed.
>You sidle past the dragon to grab a tissue, lodging it up your nose.
>He is still eyeing you, probably expecting you to make conversation. Might as well humour him.
"What's got you up at this time of night, then?"
>He furrows his brows.
>"Shouldn't I be the one asking the questions here?"
"Okay then. Shoot."
>"Oh." He appears surprised that you capitulated so soon. "Uh, Why were you on the floor covered in books?"
>You reach down and pick up the rubber ball, waving it at him.
"I slipped on this."
>He nods. An awkward silence follows.
>"Um...why are you up this time of night?"
"Getting a snack. I can't sleep."
>"Oh."
>More silence.
"So again, why are you up at this time of night?"
>"I, er..." the dragon starts swaying on his toes, suddenly embarassed. It is slightly endearing.
"Spill it already."
>"Well, I heard noises, so I assumed you were awake and I...I wanted to check up on you." He ducks his head a little.
>You give him the most dead look you can muster.
"Really."
>"Y-yeah man! I heard you moving about so I thought I would, you know, come see how you are."
>His innocent green eyes appear larger in the candlelight. You sigh.
"Well, whatever, I need to head back to bed."
>"W-Wait! You're going back to sleep?"
"No, I'm going to lie down and pretend that I did not slip, my nose is not bleeding, and that this never happened.".
>"Would you like some company?" He blurts, "Now that I'm awake, I don't think I can get back to sleep either, so maybe we could just...talk?"
>You are pretty sure talk is the last thing on his mind right now.
"Spike, the last thing I want right now is-"
>He is cocking his head slightly at you.
>Of all the moves. Of all the fucking moves. It is a cruel game he plays.
>Additionally, you remember you should be trying to patch things up with the guy. You managed to settle his homosexual anxiety, so it should be time to bring him back to bro status.
"Fine."
>Clearly delighted, he grins stupidly, his fangs peeking from underneath his top lip.
>A small flare of heat draws your attention.
"Spike, your claw is on fire."
>He turns his head to stare blankly at the melted wax and flames that cover his claw. A second passes, then he yelps and runs to the kitchen. You hear running water for a few seconds before he returns fire-free.
"I didn't think that would hurt you."
>"It doesn't. But would you like sticky wax all over your hand?"
>Fair point.
>You and Spike make your way to the bedroom.
>The very thought fills you with sudden anxiety.
>You and Spike. Going to the bedroom.
>Whatever deity is watching over you, she's flat on her back in peals of laughter at your situation.
>Fuck that deity.
>If Spike does try the moves on you, you can just say no. He will listen. Right?
>Inside your bedroom, you sit on the bed and stare out of the window at the night sky. The full moon gives the room enough light.
>The mattress tilts slightly as the dragon settles next to you.
>"So."
"So."
>So.
>In what you presume is a daring move for him, he lays a claw over your hand.
>"How are you feeling?"
>Such a simple caring question, one that you can truly expect from a bro. The quick retort you planned to say dies in your throat, and you decide to be honest.
"Not too good. Face hurts. Back hurts. Pride bruised."
>"Yeah, I heard about what happened at Sugarcube Corner."
>He leaves this hanging in the air, obviously wishing for you to give an explanation. You might as well.
"I was trying for a job. I figured I could just walk in, pull some charm, and land it. Guess I'm a little rusty. Some of the things I said were, well..."
>"Pinkie told me."
"Oh. How much did she tell you?"
>"Well, she told me to tell you that her cooter is not a source of contest."
>You groan and bury your face in your hands. Spike snorts in amusement and pat your hand.
>"Don't worry, I think she's still on your side man. Maybe when Mr. Cake calms down, you can try again."
"Yeah, maybe I can insinuate he's fucking that pet alligator instead."
>As Spike guffaws, you cannot help but smile.
>"B-but hey, seriously" Spike says, managing to calm himself, "If you're looking for a job, you can always help me with my gem-hunting."
"Say what now?"
>"Well, remember how me and Rarity used to go digging up gems for her dresses? Turns out a lot of other ponies need gems too, and they don't want to dirty their hooves scavenging for them. So, I sort of go out onto the plains, dig up some gems, then sell them on. I get a fair amount of bits for them."
>You are more interested in the fact that Spike said Rarity's name without a hitch. Still, you concentrate on what he says.
"Wait, how do you even find the gems? The plains near Ponyville are quite big."
>"I can just smell them." He taps a claw against his snout. "Found out I could months ago. No diamond is safe from my nose."
>This begs the question that you now phrase.
"What does a diamond smell like?"
>Somewhat surprised, Spike tilts his head in thought. As usual, it is a move that strikes you as cute.
>You pinch the inside of your leg as punishment for even considering him cute.
>"It's like, uh, that smell just after rainfall? Something like that. And rubies smell spicy and sit heavy in the air. Oh, and sapphires are like-"
"I get it, I get it. So, if I take this job, what would I have to do?"
>He shrugs. "I dunno. You could help me dig the gems up, and then carry them back here."
>Elation runs through you as you imagine how cushy carrying gems can be.
"And my pay?"
>He thinks for a second.
>"Ten percent."
>You narrow your eyes.
"Fifty."
>His narrow in turn.
>"Twenty."
"Fourty."
>"Twenty-five."
"Thirty."
>"Twenty-five."
"Get out."
>"No you."
"I'll be your best friend."
>"Okay okay, thirty."
>You clasp his claw in your hand and shake it.
"Thanks Spiky. You're the best bro I could ever ask for."
>A pink tinge colors the dragon's cheeks as he ducks his head bashfully, eyes focusing on your hand holding his.
>You cannot help but roll your eyes.
>Now is as good a time as ever to tell him you're not interested, right? The night is young, you are both alone.
"Listen, Spike."
>As you say his name and let go of his claw, he looks up at you. A hint of a frown touches his face at the tone in your voice.
"I know that, over the past week or so, you've been...putting the moves on me."
>A tilt of the head and arch of an eyebrow is his response.
"You know, with the gifts, the doey eye-making, the sighing, the breathing my name hoping I don't hear."
>He gives a small nod. "You're right, I guess I have been kinda...you know."
"Yeah."
>"Yeah."
"I'm surprised Twilight hasn't cottoned on to them yet."
>"Pfft, you know Twilight. If it's not in a book, she's oblivious to it."
>Both of you smile at this, but you muster your serious face and press on.
"Well anyway, I understand that you are into boys and all, but you have to stop trying to court me."
>A twinge of hurt passes over his face and you rush on.
"It's not that I don't appreciate all these gestures. You're my bro. It's cool. It's just that, well..."
>"You don't like boys?" The dragon finishes.
>You were going to say he was being really fucking annoying, but that will suffice.
"Yes. That."
>There is a small pause.
>"I don't believe you."
"Excuse me?"
>"I don't believe you." He repeats with emphasis. His jaw has set into a hard edge.
"I'm not following"
>"You like me."
"Don't be ridiculous."
>Your neck feels sweaty again.
>"You do. You might not believe it, but you do."
"Spike, don't make this harder than it already is."
>He grins stupidly. You lightly punch his shoulder.
"I mean it!"
>He folds his arms. "Well then, if you don't like me, then why did you not tell me to stop on day one?"
>You turn from him and open your mouth to respond, but no words come out. Your brain is shrugging and shuffling papers in an attempt to look busy.
>It is a good question, after all. Why didn't you tell Spike to cut it out at the start?
>Because you didn't want to hurt his feelings, of course. Lovesick puppy or not, he's still your bro. Right?
"I didn't-"
>Spike continues on regardless. "Why accept all the gifts? The drawings, the poems, the flowers, the cupcakes?"
>"But I threw-"
>You ate the cupcakes, but did you really throw all the gifts away?
>No, the rock drawing. You kept it. It's sitting right there, on the window ledge. You are looking at it right now.
>There's a single rose behind it too.
>But why did you keep them? He's just your bro, right? Who doesn't like presents from their bro?
>Fuck, all this angst is making you sweaty.
>A huff of breath near your cheek causes you to look. Spike's face is inches from yours, his eyes impossibly big in the semi-dark room.
>"Why did you let me kiss you a second time?"
"I..."
>Why did you let him kiss you?
>Because-
>No you don't.
>Yes. You do.
>This is the crux of your predicament. You let him get to you. You let him show affection to you. And underneath all the denial and sidestepping, you want to show affection to him.
>He may be just your bro, but you let him do things that go way beyond bro status.
>Because you want-
>Nope nope nope stop this madness.
>Get it together. Tell him you're straight. Tell him you like girls. Boobs. The big vajayjay.
"I like girls."
>Because you said it so lamely, you quickly follow it up.
"I do, I just, you caught me off guard. It's your fault. I didn't want to kiss you."
>"But you let me."
"No I didn't! I don't like boys!"
>You try and stand up, but a flash of pain along your back makes you stop. Instead you grit your teeth and attempt to scoot away from him.
"I don't like-"
>Spike grips your arm.
>Instantly you freeze as you feel the sharp points against your skin.
>Despite you both being roughtly the same height, he towers over you on the bed.
>Meeting his eyes, you see the impatience soften, and his grip relaxes.
>"Anon, please."
>His eyes look so wide in the dark. He feels so close to you.
>"Will you let me kiss you a third time?" He whispers.
>Oh god oh crap oh god oh crap oh god oh crap
"I...don't..."
>He kisses you.
>Your brain throws papers into the air and storms off in disgust.
>Instantly your eyes close as you are lost in the sensation. His lips are soft, their pressing and teasing almost burning your nerves.
>Whatever battle raged in your mind is now wiped.
>You let him kiss you. And you liked it.
>"A-anon..." You hear him breathe against your lips.
>Slowly you open your eyes to see his. Brilliant green in the moonlight.
>You kiss him back.
>Because you feel you might be out of the game, you try and copy his movements, rubbing your own lips against his.  
>A deep growl escapes his throat, signalling you are on the right track.
>A sudden pressure on your side informs you of Spike's claw gripping your pyjama top. In response you hook a hand onto his shoulder, dragging him closer.
>Both of you are now gasping for air in between locking lips.
>A thrill moves through you. You want this. You want him.
>You deepen the kisses, going so far as to tug gently at Spike's bottom lip with yours.
>In response, he slides his claw further up your side. Even through the pyjamas you feel the sharp claws.
>Daring, you flick your tongue against his lips. A hiss escapes his breath and-
>A long slimy object enters your mouth.
>What the shit
>You jolt backwards in time to see the thing retreat back into Spike's mouth.
"What the fuck was that?"
>"Sorry, sorry!" Spike attempts to cover his mouth in embarassment. "I uh, forgot to mention my tongue..."
>That was his tongue? You had never seen it before.
"Show me. Please."
>Even though an obvious blush creeps across his face, the dragon slowly slowers his arms and opens his mouth. The long pink tongue slowly extends.
>You note how long yet strong it looks, and the way the end is forked. And how it seems to just keep extending. Further, and further, and further.
>Somehow managing to laugh even with an open mouth, Spike pokes your cheek with his tongue. You cannot help but laugh too.
"That's a pretty neat trick."
>The tongue retracts in a blur, leaving your eyes locked on his smile. "Yeah well, comes with the package."
>Boy oh boy, do you want this package.
"Come here you."
>Spike complies, cuddling against you. As you sneak a kiss against his snout, you feel his claws begin exploring up your back.
>The awkward moment passed, you begin to feel the rush again as you find his lips. This time you only murmur as his tongue enters your mouth, amazed at how it twines around your own tongue.
>Then his claw grazes one of your back muscles, waking it up.
>You yelp and shift away, Spike's tongue still in your mouth.
>"Swowy, swowy!" He mumbles, quickly unwinding it from your own tongue and moving further away.
"It's alright. I guess I'm too black and blue to be up for anything tonight."
>He rubs his spines. "Yeah. I-I better go then. Twilight will be suspicious if I'm out of bed when she wakes up."
>Before he can move, you quickly cross the bed to him and peck his snout.
"See you tomorrow, Spiky."
>He grins at you and returns the kiss.
>"Goodnight my Anon."
>After you watch him leave, you lie back on the bed and stare at the rock drawing.
>Spike likes you. And you like him.
>The thought is not as scary as it used to be.