//------------------------------//
// Of Unwanted Want 
// Story: Odds 'n' Ends 
// by TheAncientPolitzanian 
//------------------------------//

"I… can't accept this, Twilight."

Twilight winced. She'd anticipated Spike's reaction, but its frankness stung regardless. "Spike, that's not—"

"You and I both remember what happened last time." Longingly, the wyrmling brushed the wrapping paper. "I want to open this, but… If I do, I'll keep wanting. And wanting. And wanting. And then…"

Memories bombarded both their minds: a feral Spike, grown to gargantuan heights by his draconic greed, rampaging through the streets of Ponyville…

"There's nothing inherently wrong with wanting, Spike," Twilight offered. "You just have to know when enough's enough."

"…What if I can't? What if I get so wrapped up in wanting that I forget who I really am again?"

"Then you'll have six friends more than happy to remind you."

On that note, Spike feel silent, contemplating the package before him.

After some time passed, he took his sharp claws and tore the birthday present open.