//------------------------------// // But The Heart Mends // Story: Love Hurts // by Starlight Fan //------------------------------// Starlight had to admit, it was kinda nice to have the castle to herself for a change. Twilight was currently at a royal meeting with Celestia, discussing certain things that Starlight figured she shouldn’t get involved in while Spike was out collecting gems with Rarity. Starlight’s mouth felt like bile the moment she thought about Spike and Rarity. She honestly felt really bad for Spike. The poor dragon had no idea that Rarity could never return those romantic feelings he desperately had for the unicorn. It was one of her many guilts that she never told Spike about this. Twilight told her not to as she didn’t want to break Spike’s heart but Starlight sometimes always felt this nagging feeling in her gut that she should be telling him this. She should tell him that his fantasy romance would never happen. Starlight however, did try to tell Rarity of Spike’s crush on him. All she got in return was hysterical laughter from Rarity and claims of how she and her “Spikey-Wikey” were just friends and Spike did not harbor any silly crush on her. Starlight grunted in annoyance at that memory, she had long since given up on trying to make Rarity see that her little dragon friend harbored feelings for her. It was pointless. Starlight took a breath, she cast those thoughts aside, Spike had never tried to ask our Rarity before, why would now be any different? Hopefully as Spike got older he would just get over the crush he had on his friend. That was the best case scenario and it seemed to be leading towards that. Soon the door to the map room opened and Spike walked in, with a shaky smile on his face. Ever since Starlight’s little village thing, she’s been more observant when it came to phony smiles. “Spike? You okay?” Starlight asked curiously. “W-Why wouldn’t I be?” Spike asked, clearly trying to keep the smile in place. “Spike, I know a fake smile when I see one.” Starlight said with a suspicious glance. “N-No you don’t.” Spike said defensively, “You wouldn’t know anything about fake smiles, you ARE Ms. Equality after all.” He scoffed angrily. Starlight looked agape at this, while Spike wasn’t exactly immune to throwing snide remarks about her past, and she didn’t exactly mind it for as much as she hated it, since Spike did have to experience her at her worst and it didn’t feel ignorant like Trixie or intentionally rude like Discord. However, this one was a lot more targeted than his other remarks. Starlight breathed in and out, she brushed the remark aside. Spike was clearly in an emotional state, he didn’t mean anything by what he just said. “Look Spike. I know you’re upset and I want to help you.” Starlight told Spike as she walked over and placed a hoof around his shoulder, “You know you can talk to me.” “I-I don’t want to talk about it.” Spike said with a unsure frown. Starlight raised an eyebrow before speaking, “Did something happen with Rarity?” Hearing that name caused Spike to tear up, which he quickly wiped away, “No… nothing happened.” He lied with a whimper. Starlight immediately made Spike look her in the eyes, “Spike. I see your tears. You’re crying.” “L-Leave me alone Starlight. Stop trying to pry into my life.” Spike pushed the mare aside and tried to walk off before Starlight gripped his shoulders, “I can’t leave you alone when you’re clearly upset. You don’t have to put on a brave face. Just talk to me, you’ll feel better.” Spike finally let his tears flow freely as he embraced Starlight, “I-I asked out Rarity.” Starlight sighed, she had expected this the moment Spike came inside with tears. “Sh-She wasn’t mean about it, but she said she didn’t feel the same way and how she never could because I was too young of a dragon to date her.” Spike’s lip quivered. Starlight patted Spike’s head and spoke up, “I hate to say it but that’s the truth.” “Why does this hurt so much Starlight?” Spike asked sadly. Starlight soon softly hugged the dragon and then said, “Because you felt something for Rarity and it was really strong. The rejection may not have been brutal but it still hurts because you care about Rarity, it may not be love but clearly she means a lot to you. Things will get better over time, trust me. I’m living proof of that.” Spike just continued to softly cry as Starlight held him. As Starlight continued to embrace Spike, he slowly was starting to feel less heartbroken. He felt comforted in Starlight’s hold, she was no Twilight but she made him feel safe nonetheless. “Thank you Starlight.” Spike softly smiled as he drifted to sleep, Starlight just smiled back, seeing that Spike was starting to heal despite the rejection. “You’re welcome Spike.” Starlight smiled back. Rarity was a bit nervous as she knocked the castle doors, any combination of seeing Twilight, Starlight, or Spike would probably be awkward, but knew she needed to see how Spike was doing. Soon the door opened and soon Starlight was seen staring coldly at Rarity. “I know, I know.” Rarity sighed, “I should have listened to you.” Starlight just rolled her eyes, “I tried to warn you, but you brushed me off.” “How is Spike doing?” Rarity asked in concern, despite how annoyed Starlight seemed to be, she needed to know how her friend was doing. “He cried himself to sleep.” Starlight glared at Rarity, “I managed to get a smile out of him, so I feel things will be okay.” “Starlight, I’m so sorry this happened. I should have taken your word sooner and called the whole thing off.” Rarity said sadly. Starlight’s gaze softened as she spoke, “I know you never meant to hurt him but for now, it’s best you stay away from him for a bit. Spike needs to move on from this.” “Of course darling.” Rarity nodded solemnly as she walked off, Starlight watched sympathetically, despite the fact she ignored Starlight’s advice, she still felt bad for Rarity. Soon Starlight teleported to Spike’s room to check up on him and looked as he yawned and woke up. “Hey buddy.” Starlight said with a soft smile, “How are you feeling?” “Still a bit upset.” Spike admits with a sigh before smiling, “But I think I’ll be okay. I honestly thought this rejection would destroy me, but while I may not have my dream girl but at least I have friends like you. That’s all I really need right now.” Starlight and Spike shared a hug as Spike rose up, they didn’t know what would happen with this new development but they felt they would be able to get through it together.