thunder.

it was loud. it cracked across the skies. rain fell heavily. for one it was relaxing, to a pre-teen dragon it was only a reminder of the love one lost. it happen a month ago, twilight, his friend, caretaker was taken by an angry storm. she was out that day when the hurricane began, she never made it out. the next few days they discovered her body. he was in mouring. no one took him in, not twilight's parents, not shining armor or his wife, not even rarity. but out of the darkness a golden hair angel came forth and took him in.

Applejack.

she willingly took him in, and since then he slowly, ever so slowly became apart of the family. he did the chores like everyone else. he help with the cooking. on his free time he read his comics, drew, and with the bits earn, he bought his power pony action figures. but when it rain like this, he spirled into a depression. one applejack knew all to well. she walked in to his new room. he laid in bed with a single light of a lamp. she came and set a glass of applejuice and a banana peanut butter sandwhich.

"ya alright there spike?"

spike looked at her and offered her a smile. giving a nod he took the sandwhich and bein to eat. he enjoyed this, buttered grilled toasty goodness filled his mouth aj sat down and placed a hand on his cheek. smiling her hand caressed his cheek. ever since she became his caretaker, she became motherly towards him. spike fell into that as a way to cope with the loss.

"i'll be okay."

she stroke his ear-fins, as she smiled warmly. it was sad how things turned out. and while she wasn't one to show emotions openly. she did with spike. which was rare. he was hurting, so was she. they lost someone near and dear to them. in away, it was bringing them closer. but nights like this was when she came to see him. when he was on that verge of depression.

"alright. i done gotcha somethin' ta eat"

spike muttered a thanks. curling up. her hand raked over his spines. tilt her head and leaning she kissed his forehead. he sighed and shut his eyes. tears warm, seep from his eyes. he swallowed hard and gasped.

"why did she had to go?"

he whimpered. and like clock work as he lifted his head and laid it on his lap. and rubbed his neck and back. up and down smoothly. he sobbed hard. he got like this...alot. more so than she could count. even applebloom got irritated with that. and while it did get old she understood it wasn't something to get over very easily. the pain will dull over the years. but right now? fresh wounds.

"shhh' shhh' shhh' sugah cube. don't you fret now, c'mon. twi' wouldn't wantcha ta' be crying over her. chin up, it'll get brighter."

spike nodded and nuzzled her belly. her fingers scratched his neck gently. after a while he calm down, and relaxed. the sounds of the rain hitting the glass window, the thunder rolling from a distance, Aj looked to the window and saw the dark silhouette of the apple trees, lightening lit the land for a second. then a thunderous boom.

"...can i sleep with you tonight?"

aj's ears perked, twitched. he really shouldn't... people might get ideaers. sometimes she allowed it, but mac gave her a look once during breakfest, due to the fact he saw him in bed with her. he drilled her with questions. getting offended that he thought they were foolin' around pissed her off butt good! and she turned on him like a cat ready to claw his testicles off. he fucked off after that.

"sure"

he rose from his bed then slide off the bed to follow. she walked him into the hallway, then to the left leading to her room. once inside, he walked to her bed and climb on she shut the light off and followed to join him. spike got nice and comfy on her plush bed and thick covers, she laid in as he curled next to her. she sighed as she grown used to him being cuddily with her. it irked her for a few times but got used to it. and to be honest? it felt nice sleeping next to someone.

"night aj."

he said with a smile.

"g'night sugar."

she said. and laid on her back. his arms wrap around her arm and laid his head on the puffy pillow. for a while she listen to his breathing. a light sniffle. and the sounds of the rain. she stared at the ceiling and was in deep in thought. she understood spike more than anypony. the loss of twilight was very much like how she lost her mother and father. in a way, spike and applejack were kindred spirits. two lost souls that god brought together in their time of trouble. she turned her head and stared at spike who was in peaceful slumber. a small smile on his dragon lips.

and she thought how poor this kid was, how life struck him down, how life was suddenly changed for him in such a tragic way. she sighed deeply and looked away and stared at the ceiling once more. no one, not even celestia herself gave him shelter, or even thought of taking care of him. ...maybe they did. maybe she jumped at the chance the moment it was mentioned. either way, she was gonna be spike's godmother. twilight and applejack talked months prior about spike's well being for the future, and if something happen to twi' aj was her go-too-mare.

guess there was an irony somewhere in there. but it didn't matter, spike lived at the farm, he learn the apple way of life. and he was a good kid. he'll adjust to it all. her eyes closed. maybe she could give him a break, take the day off...maybe they all should. hearts warming season was next month. and at that time everything's gathered for the festive time.

she smiled. this would be his first hearthwarming with the apples. and she was damn sure he'll have a hell of a time. yes-sir-eee! with that. she turn to her side to face him, and hugged him close. the warmth radiating kept him from the cold. she gace his forehead one last kiss before she too slept wonderfully under the warmth of the covers, and the body heat.

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TO BE CONTINUED