//------------------------------//
// Part 2 
// Story: Awareness and acceptance 
// by SV_Dragon 
//------------------------------//

Spike rubbed his eyes, slowly regaining consciousness. The first thing he felt was the sensation of hot water – he was reclining on the side of the tub. The dragon stirred, rising. He didn't remember how he got here. Turning his head towards the entrance, he saw the reason for his presence here. Twilight was sitting in front of the tub, leaning her head on her hooves, which were lying on the side of the tub. She smiled at him gently.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"I'm fine," he rubbed his face, finally coming to his senses.
Memories of past events rushed through his mind in a confused way, gradually lining up in chronological order. He remembered what had happened to him except for one event.
"How did I end up here?"
Twilight smiled.
"It was already late. I went looking for you when the rain was just about to start. I reached the Carousel Boutique and asked Rarity if you were with her. But you weren't there anymore. She said you left a few minutes ago. I ran back, trying to find you before the storm started. I had to comb through all the nearby streets that ran along the shortest path from the Boutique to the house. I found you near the library. You were in a semi-conscious state from fear and covered in dirt. That's it."
Spike sighed.
"Do you want to know what we talked about?"
"Yes, we have to deal with this now; I don't want you to continue moping and walking around in despondency. It will be better for you." Twilight replied.
"You're right. You were also right about what you told me earlier about Rarity."
"I'm glad you understand that."
Yes, I should have realized that earlier. I was wishful thinking.
The whole of their previous conversation flashed through his mind. The dragon was silent, pondering the pictures presented in his mind. Twilight didn't rush him.
"Only now do I realize that she didn't mean to hurt or offend me, and her words "I don't know if a dragon can be with a pony, I doubt it" no longer sounded insulting and cutting to me. She made it clear that this is only her opinion, and she did not impose it on me."
Spike stopped briefly.
"She called me a friend and left hope in my future. She tried to gently convey what I should have understood, but I was too upset. She was serious about it, and the words "your cute, romantic-like games will definitely turn into advantages" sound like words of kindness." The Dragon sighed. "You were right to call it a childhood crush, it was insulting to me, but I couldn't accept this truth, now it just seems ridiculous to me."
"You shouldn't call it that, Spike. It was an invaluable experience, and I think it was useful for you," Twilight summed up.
"But her words about the essence of true love were wrong. She can't know how soon I will be able to experience this to anyone. You always said I was growing faster than a ordinary ponies."
"You're right, Spike."
"But she used me."
"Maybe she wasn't ready to say that. Maybe she thought you weren't ready to hear it. She didn't want to hurt you and hoped that you would understand everything yourself. I think she could have brought you to this realization herself, hoping that you would understand," Twilight concluded.
"Perhaps," the dragon replied, "but she overdid it. She should have done it earlier."
"But now you can immediately identify the use of labor."
"Right"
"Have you had enough rest?"
"I think so." 
Twilight lifted him up with magic, dried him with a towel, drained the bath water and carried the dragon into the bedroom.
"Do you want to sleep together tonight?" The unicorn asked solicitously before releasing Spike from the magical grip.
The dragon nodded.
She put him in her bed. Spike felt much better. A pleasant evening became a useful and beneficial outcome for him.