Another day till Hearts and Hooves Day, and Spike couldn't help but feel like this was the time of year that he should really show Rarity how he felt. As he was returning from a simple chore of ordering more quills for Twilight, he accidentally bumped into a new signpost which had not impeded his path on the way to Quill's and Sofa's. He looked over the sign and it read,
“Find your one and only,
very special somepony.
At the Flim Flam Brothers
Automated Dating Parlor.”
'Yeah right, those two couldn't run a cider stand. What makes them think they can run a dating service the day before Heart's and Hooves Day.' Thought Spike. It was a moment later that Rarity came from the direction of the Ponyville Day Spa, and went into the red and white tent. Before Spike even realized he was doing it he followed her inside.
On the inside the tent seemed to have a large partition behind a front desk with a very strange looking sign above the desk. Rarity had already been paired or taken to a waiting area when Spike had come through and as he looked around the Two unicorns at the table said, “Step right up young lad, Love for even the young and old can be found here. Just put your hoof on the red button here.”
“ Alright, but how much is this?” Spike said cautiously as he stepped closer.
“Cost, No cost for a national hero.” said Flim with a slight grin.
“If you're satisfied you'll give us a good recommendation though won't you.”said an equally grinning Flam.
“Yeah fine.” said Spike as he put his claw onto the button the sign above him lit up with a small purple and green image on one side while the other side was spinning like a slot machine. The other side finally started to slow and as it neared the end one of the images he noticed was a white unicorn with purple mane. As the spinning wound down it looked like it might end up on Rarity when it slid one place further and showed white unicorn with a short curly purple and pink mane. With the results finalized the pair of unicorns at the table lifted Spike up with their magic sending him through the partition putting him at a table with his chosen date who ended up being Sweetie Belle.
As he looked around the room he could see several of the pairs of ponies some nervous, some trying to get the other to like them, some just deciding to at least enjoy the meal. Then Sweetie Belle spoke, “ Oh, hey Spike. I didn't know you'd be my perfect match. I guess I'm just luckier than my sister.”
Spike heard Sweetie's voice but didn't quite register her words as he had found the object of his desires sitting across from Thunderlane. He couldn't believe it, he had saved her that one time, but she had already been on several dates with him and was starting to get fed up with his arrogant attitude. “Yeah, hey, Sweetie Belle. I still think this whole thing is a sham.”
“Oh come on Spike, They're better now.”Sweetie said as she slowly started to have some of the sandwich which had been provided for both parties.
“Sweetie, Twilight used to tell me a story about a leopard being unable to change his spots. Basically I don't think they're doing this out of the kindness of their hearts.” Spike said this and could see sweetie on the verge of tears and then said, “I'm glad I get to spend a lunch with a friend. But my heart lies elsewhere right now Sweetie.”
Rarity had since stood up and kicked the flimsy table into Thunderlane's face. At which moment Spike stood up from Sweetie's table and moved over to her offering to take Rarity out of this place. Which she gladly accepted and as they moved towards the exit together. Spike said, “ Rarity, will you accompany me to Pinkie's Heart's and Hooves Day party tomorrow?”
“Of course Spike, Pick me up at four.” Rarity said this and rubbed his head gently slowly stroking over his back spikes.
The pair of them left the tent behind while not having found their love at first sight they knew they might have found it in the end.
Sweetie bell looked around like she had been forgotten and just as she was about to cry again a feathered wing came down on her shoulder, “You know any pony who doesn't want to be with you is just crazy Sweetie bell.” She turned her head and found Featherweight standing behind her and she just gave him a great big hug.