It took another five days for Spike to recover sufficiently for him to leave the hospital, and even then he was unable to walk very far on his own without going into a relapse. Rarity stayed by his side while his strength slowly returned, and even allowed him to stay at her boutique until he had been nursed back to full health, an offer that Spike was only too delighted to accept.
After only a few more days, Spike had been fully revitalised and was able to carry on as normal. Having seen to a few chores at the library, he was now packing a basket with sandwiches, cupcakes, lemon squash and a few small gems. Rarity had expressed to him how sorry she was that he had to return to the library after she had taken such good care of him, to which Spike had reminded her that while that little episode was over, their relationship certainly wasn't, and invited her out for a picnic in the Whitetail Woods. Rarity had never looked so overjoyed in all her life!
As Spike prepared for their first date, Rarity sat at the writing desk taking down a letter to Princess Celestia;
“Dear Princess Celestia,
Over the last month, I learned a very special lesson not just in friendship, but also, more importantly, love.
Sometimes in life, one can feel more than a little insecure about one's feelings for a certain stallion, mare, filly, colt, or even dragon, particularly when it comes to what others may think of such a relationship. But as I myself have found out, you should never let such fears cloud your judgement or prevent you from pursuing the one you truly love, otherwise it will only lead to heartbreak.
In fact, my good friend and confidante Fancypants summed it up with what he told me before I returned home; 'by the end of the day, it isn't the age, physique, species, social standing or even your own reputation that matters – it's how you feel about that someone.'
Your honoured subject,
Rarity.”
Once she had finished, she rolled up the parchment and tied it up carefully with a length of ribbon. Having packed everything they needed for their picnic, Spike picked up the scroll and blew on it with his fire-breath, reducing it to ashes that drifted softly out of the window towards Canterlot Castle, where they would re-materialise in Princess Celestia's study.
“Right then, Spike,” said Rarity, “shall we away?”
“Yes, let's,” replied Spike with a smile, and walked towards the door.
At that same moment, Twilight came into the room. “You off then, Rarity?” she asked.
“Yes, Twilight; I've just finished that letter, and I believe Spike has the picnic all ready?”
“All present and accounted for,” affirmed Spike. He then opened the door and stepped aside, extending an arm; “After you, Lady Rarity.”
The white unicorn beamed affectionately as she approached the doorway. “Thank you so much, my knight in shining scales. You've always been so kind to me,” and she kissed Spike's cheek gratefully.
“See you later, Spike, Rarity,” called Twilight as they left. “I hope you enjoy yourselves.”
“Oh, we will, Twilight,” smiled Rarity. “I know I will, now that I've finally found my Prince Charming.”
“So long, Twilight,” added Spike, and closed the door behind him before walking alongside Rarity in the direction of the woods.
While the two of them were walking away from the library, Twilight gazed out of the window and smiled, a small tear in her eye. She had always seen Spike as being like her own little brother, and to see that at last he had found love brought joy to her heart. And how ironic it was that she had all too often doubted that it would actually be in the form of Rarity, when after all this time she had gradually come to love him back despite not always showing it.
“Oh, Spike,” she thought fondly, “you've no idea how happy I am for you.”