Spike's dreams of Rarity are shattered, and at the worst possible time, for his friends will need him to make it through their greatest crisis.

Inspired by the United Kingdom entry to the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, "Love Will Set You Free" by Engelbert Humperdinck. From the second chapter onward, different songs serve as the inspiration, so check the comments for the links.

Title image by Jade (tehjadeh.deviantart.com).

Every year, when it comes down to a few days before Rainbow Dash's birthday, the speedster pegasus hides out in her cloud home away from her friends. What keeps up her there, none of them know. During a friendly get together at Sugarcube Corner, one thing leads to another and the conversation ends up on the situation. About half way through the small talk, Fluttershy sneaks out without notice and makes her way to the cloud home, to try and find the answer.

EDIT: Now has a dramatic reading - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGfF9PRo7VY&list=FL0F-1rjcXl7IUbEIXDdOceQ&index=3&feature=plpp_video

Spike orders a How-To guide book to win Rarity's heart. Will Spike be able to follow all the steps like a true gentlecolt? Will any of the steps actually work? And just what is Rarity looking for in her friendship with Spike, anyway?

Image by VanilleCream at DeviantArt (used by permission).

Totally awesome fanart by Multiversecafe found here: http://multiversecafe.deviantart.com/art/How-to-Woo-your-Lady-in-9-Easy-Steps-285329019