Sweet Apple Acres, 7 p.m., 10th August, six years after the Doubt incident
"I got it!"
Even three hours after the fact, Apple Bloom was beside herself with joy for catching the bride's bouquet, and slowly but surely Spike was getting a little annoyed with it. "Yes, AB, you've mentioned that once or twice."
The sarcasm seemed to be lost on her. "Oh, come on. Isn't this the best wedding you've ever been to?"
Spike had to admit that his marefriend had a point. While the official part at the Town Hall had been rather stiff and formal - possibly as a nod to the bridegroom, which just goes to show how little they know about him, Spike thought -, the reception at Sweet Apple Acres was fantastic. Pinkie had pulled out all the stops for this party, as had Applejack for the food, Rainbow Dash for the flight show, Fluttershy for the music and Twilight for the magic show.
Then again, that was to be expected. It wasn't every day one of your circle of best friends got married, after all.
Spike cast a look around from the bench he had plopped down on - never attending anything again where I can't sit or lie down for hours, he swore to himself -, and his gaze fell on the happy couple. Fancy Pants had proven once and for all that he deserved his name with a truly marvellous dark blue suit, but compared to his bride, he was so much background noise.
The dress looked rather simple at first glance, but in motion, a thousand little patterns among the gemstones and different types of cloth were revealed - a little ripple there, a counter-movement there, and the overall effect was nothing short of stunning. But the dress paled in comparison to the mare wearing it. Rarity had never looked this radiant - for once, all her high-class attitude, both real and affected, was gone, replaced with the most infectious and gorgeous smile imaginable. The stale saying about 'the happiest day in her life' had never seemed this fitting.
Spike's mouth curled up into a smile, and Apple Bloom seemed to notice. She followed his gaze and smiled as well. "Aren't they beautiful?"
"Yeah," Spike said absent-mindedly.
"Hey!" Apple Bloom punched him lightly in the side. "Hello? Equestria to Spike!"
"Huh?" Spike turned to her. "Sorry, must have zoned out for a moment."
"I noticed." For a second, he detected an old, familiar undercurrent of jealousy in her voice.
He took her hoof in both hands. "AB, look at me." She did, still with uncertainty in her eyes. "How long have we been together now?"
"Almost six years," Apple Bloom answered mechanically. "With that one-month break three and a half years ago."
"Have I ever said or done anything in all that time to show that I still wasn't over Rarity?" When no answer came, Spike looked Apple Bloom straight in the eyes. "Come on, I've done some pretty stupid things over those six years. Has that ever been an issue?"
"No." It came out almost unwillingly. "Except that one time, when you went crying to her."
He sighed. This again? "AB, we've been over this. You had broken up with me, and I felt like the world had ended." The dragon's lips twisted into a half-smile. "I don't think I ever told you this, but seeing Rarity and Fancy kissing wasn't even half as painful as thinking you didn't love me anymore."
Apple Bloom's breath seemed to catch in her throat. "Seriously?"
"I don't know where I'd be today if I hadn't had Twi and Rarity to help me through this, and eventually clear up the whole affair." He hugged her. "You promised me never to let anypony's opinion come between us again, even if that pony was your sister."
"Yeah, I did. But ..." Apple Bloom looked at Rarity again. "I guess I just can't believe my luck." She snuggled up to him. "Why would anypony give me a second look while she was around?"
Spike laughed. "What, you call yourself lucky? I'm a dragon among ponies, AB. I'm the lucky one here, because I found you." He turned serious again. "And anypony who doesn't look at you is just stupid. You're as beautiful as she is."
"Stop it," Apple Bloom said, though she couldn't hide a smile. "You may be better at lying than I am, but not by that much."
"I mean every word I said." He slowly blinked his nictitating membranes. "I don't care what anypony else thinks. To me, you're the most beautiful mare in the world, and that's final."
Apple Bloom blushed, and Spike smiled inwardly. He rarely let his sappier - or more romantic - side show, and she was always caught unprepared when he did.
She looked up to him. "And you're the most beautiful dragon I've ever met."
"I'm the only..."
The rest of his protest was cut short as she pressed her lips to his.
***
The old weathervane atop the main house at Sweet Apple Acres had seen better days. It was so rusty now that it usually hardly moved even in stormy weather.
Tonight was anything but a usual night, however.
The weathervane screeched as it started to turn, and a whisper echoed across the farm, unheard by almost all.
Four have been revealed and tested.
Four remain hidden, yet to show their mettle.
Eight will need to stand at the Dawn of the Seventh.