Spike sighed slightly. He was at Sweet Apple Acres with his favorite hoofball jersey on, but his thoughts were far away somewhere else, thinking about his feelings for two different unicorns.
“Can you believe that Neighton Manning retired from the Equestrian Hoofball League?” Big Macintosh asked his dragon friend.
All Spike could muster up was “Nope.”
Big Mac raised an eyebrow. “Is that really all ya’ll gotta say about it?”
Without looking at the large stallion, Spike let out a simple “Yup.”
“..Well, do you wanna trade Hoofball cards?” Big Mac asked in an attempt to get Spike excited.
“Nope.”
Big Mac frowned. Every two weeks Spike and him would meet up to hang out and talk about all things related to hoofball; the players, the coaches, the trading cards, the stats, the fantasy leagues, the whole shebang. And Spike was always super excited, barely letting the large stallion get a single word in because he talked too much. But now, Spike was barely talking at all. And when he did it was unenthusiastic. Clearly, Big Mac deduced, something was occupying the young dragon’s mind. Something that was making him feel depressed.
“Is something bugging you Spike?” Big Mac asked his friend with concern.
Spike sighed once again. “…Nope.”
Big Mac frowned. “I know that’s about as true as apples growing underground. Stop talking like me and actually tell me what’s going on! How are you feeling?”
Spike faked a chuckle. “Me? Talk about my feelings? Don’t be ridiculous! Real men don’t talk about emotions! They talk about manly things, like hoofball!”
The large stallion sighed. “Spike, a real man doesn’t run away from anything, especially his problems. A real man faces his problems head on. Now tell me what’s bugging you so much.”
Spike looked down. Big Mac’s right, I can’t run away from my feelings. No matter how much I wish I could. Besides, Big Mac is a trust-worthy stallion. I don’t have to worry about him blabbing to others about my deep, dark secrets. Not that he’d blab about anything at all…
Spike looked back up. “Well several things are bugging me. For one, the pony who I was in love with for years turned me down, and didn’t even have the decency to tell me herself!”
Big Mac nodded. “I see. That sucks.”
Spike sighed. “Yup. But what’s even worse, is that I can only blame myself! Everything I did to try to make her like me only drove her away! Now things are gonna be mega awkward between me and her.”
Big Mac nodded. “Is that all?”
Spike sighed. “Nope. Sorry for sighing so much. Anyways, mere hours after I learned all that I told you, I started to develop feelings for another mare. Another mare I’ll never be with....”
“This mare told you that?” Big Mac asked him.”
Spike responded. “Well…no, she didn’t say that.”
“Then how do you know you’ll never be with her?”
Spike threw his arms out in exasperation. “Because I’m Spike! The pushover, the eternal butt monkey! I never get my way! Things always take a turn for the worst when I’m around! I can’t even interact with someone I love without creeping them out! And even if I could, why would she be interested in a loser like me?”
Big Macintosh frowned. “Loser? This coming from the dragon who wouldn’t shut up about how he saved an ancient Empire from being reconquered by an powerful and evil unicorn? The dragon who saved ponies from all of Equestria from death by giant icy cloud? The dragon who managed to become Lord of all Dragons just a few weeks ago?”
“Meh.” Spike said. “I was only Dragon Lord for like, thirty seconds.”
“That’s not the point!” Big Mac snapped. “Look, Spike. You’ve messed up in the past. Plenty of times in fact.”
“Wow, great speech.” Spike said, rolling his eyes. “Super uplifting.”
“Let me finish, you smart aleck.” Big Mac responded with a slight frown. “You’ve made mistakes, but you’re young. You’re gonna make plenty of mistakes. It’s a part of growing up. And in spite of that, your mistakes aren’t gonna define who you are as a pony…..I mean dragon. You feel like you’re destined to make the same mistakes you made when pursuing Rarity, but that doesn’t have to be the case!”
Spike looked up at his friend. “….Really?”
Big Mac nodded. “Ee-Yup. If you learn from your mistakes, I know you can get a marefriend. Or a dragonfriend. Or a griffonfriend; whoever you wanna be with. Just be sure to learn from your mistakes, and get advice from other ponies.”
Spike let a tiny smile visit his face. That’s a really good point. I’m now the expert in what not to do when seeking a mate, so I just have to not do what I did with Rarity. Plus, seeking advice sounds like….good advice. Maybe if I asked other ponies what to do to win Rarity over, I wouldn’t be in this mess. In fact…
“So, do you have any advice for relationships?” Spike asked the large Stallion.
“Stay away from love potions.” Big Mac replied instantly
Spike chuckled. “He he he! Good one!”
Big Mac responded with a slight frown. “I wasn’t joking Spike. Stay away from love potions! Outside of that, I don’t have advice that directly relates to romantic relationships.”
“Oh…” Spike said, failing to hide his disappointment.
“But I do have some general advice for you.” Big Mac continued. “Don’t hide your feelings from you friends and family. Always be honest about how you feel about whom. Otherwise, you’ll end up running a race in a dress and getting your sister disqualified!”
“But… I don’t have a sister.” Spike couldn’t help but point out.
Big Mac’s eyes widened. “Oh, right. Got caught up in telling you some of the crazier stuff I’ve done. But I wouldn’t have had to go through that if I told somepony how I felt I was drifting away from Apple Bloom or how Applejack’s accomplishments made me feel overshadowed.”
“Oh, I see.” Spike responded. “Thanks for the input!”
“No problem.” The large stallion responded. After that he glanced at the sun. “Well, I’ve enjoyed our time together but I gotta get back to bucking those apples.”
“Of course.” Spike said in response. If there was one thing he knew about the Apple family, it was you do not want to interrupt an Apple bucking apples. “See you in a few weeks?”
Big Macintosh smiled at his reptilian friend. “Eee-Yup!”
Spike walked back to Twilight’s castle with more of a spring in his step. Big Mac is right. I can’t be thinking so negatively! Things will work out.
Spike reached the stairs that led to the main doors of the castle. As long as I get advice and learn from my mistakes, everything will be fine.
“Hello Spike.”
The dragon turned around and saw Rarity right behind him. Crap! I forgot about that meeting!
The lovely mare smiled slightly nervously. “Are you looking forward to the Spring Fling Celebration?”
Spike chuckled nervously as he approached the door to the castle. “Yeah, it’s certainly a more fun event than Winter Wrap Up, so I’m glad that all of us are in charge of it this year.”
Spike started to open the door for Rarity like a true gentlecolt, but then he started thinking about what he was doing. Wait, if I open the door for Rarity, she’ll think I’m still interested in her and think I’m still chasing after her! I can’t let that happen!
Spike slammed the door, leaving the fashionista shut out. Shortly after that, a blue magical aura surrounded the door, opening to reveal a disappointed Rarity.
“Thank you for slamming the door in my face Spike.” Rarity hissed, walking past the young dragon.
Spiked facepalmed. I don’t think things will work out at all.
Spike entered the throne room and saw the rest of the Mane six, plus Starlight, planning for the Spring Fling. Although not as important as the Summer Sun Celebration, the Spring Fling was still a big event for Ponyville. It started off as a holiday immediately after Winter Wrap Up, intended to give ponies rest after all the hard work. However, thanks to Twilight’s organization skills, the last few Wrap Ups finished early, leaving Spring Fling as a random celebration several weeks later.
“Sugar Cube Corner can cater the event!” Pinkie Pie declared. “I talked to the Cakes about it, and they’d be happy to be the primary caterers!”
Twilight frowned ever so slightly. “Is that a good idea? Mayor Mare is trying to get Ponyville to eat healthier, so having that many sweets at a public event might not be a good idea. We can get some cakes, but let’s also get some healthier food options.”
Applejack nodded. “Sounds like a plan. I’d be willing to bring some apple dishes. Just as sweet as anything at Sugar Cube Corner, but better for ya!”
Twilight nodded. “That sounds good.”
Spike sat down at his throne. “So looks like we’ve got the food taken care of. What are the plans for performers? You can’t have the Spring Fling without live music!”
Rarity smiled. “I’m so glad you brought that up Spike, I was just talking with my dear friend Octavia, who would be more than willing to provide her musical virtuosity to this festival.”
Pinkie frowned. “Octavia? Please! We want music that you can dance to, not boring classical stuff on a giant violin!”
Rarity responded with sounds that are really hard to replicate in text format “Oh, pfft-kuu-teet! It’s called a Cello Miss Pie.”*
I love it when she does that beat box thing. Spike thought to himself. It’s so adorab-NO! I can’t fawn over Rarity! It’ll just make it harder to move on. You’ll never be with her Spike, so stop loving her.
“That’s not the point.” Pinkie said, in response to Rarity’s correction. “We need music with a sick beat. Music that everyone in town can enjoy; not just the classical music snobs.”
Rarity narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. “I may prefer the beautiful sounds of classical music over the soulless dreck that passes for music nowadays, but that doesn’t make me a snob! Also, Octavia mentioned that she would like to perform with her dear friend, Miss Scratch.”
“Wait, as in Vinyl Scratch?” Pinkie asked. “The one and only DJ Pon-3? Well then that actually sounds like a great choice for the festival!”
“Yeah!” Applejack agreed. “That DJ-Pon-3 makes music catchier than a fishing pole taped to a butterfly net!”
“Hmph!” Rarity said, flicking her mane out of her eyes with her hoof.
Wow, Spike couldn’t help thinking. Rarity’s mane is still a sight to behold. And there’s something graceful about the way she flicks… NO! Not gonna think about how ridiculously beautiful Rarity is!
In an attempt to stop thinking about Rarity, Spike asked. “What about games and other activities? Do we have set plans for that?”
Pinkie Pie shook her head. “Not yet. However….”
The pink party pony pulled out parchment from seemingly nowhere. “….I’ve got tons of great party game suggestions.”
Starlight was shocked at this. “Wait a minute!? How did…when did….how did you do that? ”
“You’ll get used to it darling.” Rarity responded. “It’s honestly more surprising when Pinkie isn’t breaking the laws of physics.”
Everyone in the room laughed at Rarity’s joke. Including Spike.
Hahaha! Rarity is so funny. And cleaver. And creative. And lovely….AUGH! Dang it Spike! Stop thinking about how amazing she is! Gotta start thinking about something else!
Spike scanned the room for something to take his mind off of Rarity. Eventually he noticed Starlight chatting with Fluttershy. Ahh, you’re not Rarity. You might be even better. You genuinely care about me. And you look awesome with that mane-cut, that first one didn’t look nearly as good. Your smile is still stunning as well and…wait, why aren’t you smiling now? And why are you looking right at me?
Spike blinked before violently turning his head to his left, to avoid eye contact with Starlight. Crap! She caught me staring at her like a little creep! You’re gonna drive her away like you did with Rarity!
Spike then realized that he was staring at Rarity, this time by accident. Nope not gonna look at you, and be reminded of my misery. Gotta find something else to focus on, like Starlight’s adorable laughter-NO! I can’t obsess over you either, even though I want to so bad!
“WHY MUST THE BOTH OF YOU BE SO AMAZING?!?”
The next thing Spike observed was everypony in the room staring at him suddenly. Spike’s eyes widened. Please tell me I didn’t say that last part out loud.
Twilight looked at the young dragon with concern. “Are you all right Spike?”
“Ummm, who is so amazing” Fluttershy asked?
“NACHOS! Yeah Nachos!” Spike interjected abruptly. “I’m super famished and I bet all of you want a snack so I’m gonna make tons of nachos!”
Spike zipped out of the throne room at a speed that even Rainbow Dash might have trouble keeping up with. Well, on a bad day for her.
“Umm, that didn’t answer my question.” Fluttershy said in response to the dragon who was already long gone.
Starlight got out of her seat. “I think something’s wrong with Spike. I’ll go check up on him.”
The pink unicorn left the throne room. She attempted to find the kitchen, and eventually succeeded.
“Ugh, I’m gonna start labeling the rooms in this castle if this keeps up.” Starlight said as she opened the door. Immediately she saw Spike grab a large bag containing small tan squares. “Spike, what are you doing?”
Spike turned to Starlight. “Oh, hi Starlight! I couldn’t find any corn chips in the pantry, so I’m gonna make nachos with pita chips instead. A bit weird, I know, but you gotta work with what you have.”
Starlight frowned ever so slightly. “No, I mean, why did you run all the way here? It’s obvious that something is bugging you, but instead of talking about it, you’re running away. Both figuratively and literally.”
Spike sighed. He remembered what Big Mac had told him about not running away from his problems.
“Talk to me. Does it have to do with Rarity?” Starlight asked.
Spike put down the bag of pita chips. “Yeah. It’s not working out! The giving up on Rarity thing. I mean, when she’s gone I can almost be OK with me and her not being together, but when I have to be in the same room as her?”
Spike sighed once again. “Sorry for sighing so much, but how can I move on and stop loving her when she’s so amazing?”
Starlight processed what Spike told her for a bit. A few seconds later, she responded. “Spike, there’s a difference between moving on and not loving her. You can move on, and accept that Rarity will never return your feeling, but you can’t stop loving her.”
Spike tilted his head slightly. “Huh?”
Starlight sighed. “Back when I was in charge of that village, I tried to suppress the romantic feelings of the villagers. I was in charge of arranging marriages, but that would cause problems when the villagers liked somepony other than the one I picked for them.”
Spike was a bit surprised. “You…tried to suppress romance?”
The former cult leader nodded. “I tried everything. From isolating ponies for weeks at a time to full on magical toture. No matter what I did, I couldn’t stop anypony from having romantic feelings for somepony else. Eventually, the other villagers complained about how only I could choose who got married, and so I stopped doing that so that the villagers wouldn’t turn on me.”
Spike look slightly unnerved. Starlight sighed. “Yeah, I know, it disturbs me how evil I used to be. But my point is Spike, you can’t stop your heart from feeling in love with Rarity. But you can also recognize in your heart that if you love Rarity, you’ll let her go and just be friends with her.”
Spike looked down and thought about Starlight’s advice. “Can I really do that? I’ve loved Rarity so much, what if I love the pony I end up with less?”
Starlight smiled and patted Spike on the head. “Don’t think like that. I know that one day you’ll be mature enough to have a girlfriend. Spike, you’re caring, hard-working, and a great friend. I know you’ll treat your special somepony right, and they’ll be lucky to have you as a stallion-friend. Er…dragon-friend.”
Spike hugged Starlight. “Thank you.”
I hope you’re right Starlight.