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// 193. Crush by Jonesly 
// Story: The Sun and the Stars: A Twilestia Prompt Collab 
// by Fuzzyfurvert 
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by Jonesly


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“A crush? Why are you  worried about that?” Twilight asked.  The purple unicorn had been reading on the balcony of her library late in the afternoon when her number one assistant had come up with an interesting question.

“Well, I went over to Sugarcube Corner, to see if I could maybe get a present for Rarity. Pinkie Pie was there and she laughed at me and told me that I was so cute with my 'Itty bitty widdle crush.'” Spike looked mildly annoyed. “I don't know what she meant, so Twilight, what exactly is a crush?”

Twilight beckoned Spike over to her cushion, patting the space next to her. He moved over and settled into a comfortable cuddle with her. “Well Spike, the first thing to know is that a crush is not love. It can lead to love and is often called puppy love. It's an attraction or infatuation with someone that often does not reciprocate the attraction.”

“It often starts with physical attraction. One day you'll see her and realize that she is gorgeous. Maybe you didn't notice before, maybe you were too young to care, but you'll see her and it will hit you. That mare is beautiful. This type of crush is light and superficial, it will often pass with distance and time.” Twilight looked over at Spike, “But sometimes... it deepens.”

“You may begin to look beyond her exterior. To see her talent, shining as she demonstrates her craft. See her mind, constantly working out problems and solutions. Feel her presence, the calm warmth of her smile and bask in her approval,” Twilight smiled as she looked out over the forest; the sun was beginning to set.

“You find yourself making excuses to talk to her, just to be around her. Going out of your way to enjoy what she does for you. Taking time you normally wouldn't to savor her work. Find appreciation for things you used to just let pass.  You'll watch her, and forget what you were talking about because you'll just lose yourself in her eyes. When you find yourself caring less about what you want, and more about her, when all you want is to do make her smile that knowing smile. When her happiness matters more to you then yours....you are crushing hard.” Twilight hadn't taken her eyes off of the sunset as she talked.

“And Spike, the worst part is, and this is why they call it a crush, when you just know that putting your heart in their hands will only end in them crushing it. You'll hear those words, 'Twilight I just don't think of you that way,' things may become overly awkward and you may lose your best friend.” Twilight sighed wistfully, “So you take your crush and you hide it in a safe spot to protect your heart. Because when they are so wonderful, and you are so plain, it's for the best if you can just let it go.”

Spike looked at her, “What happens then? What happens if you let it go?”

Twilight leaned back and closed her eyes, “I don't know. I wish I did.”