Spike liked to think he was a mature little dragon. Sure, he had some bouts of childishness; sure, he liked reading comic books; and yes, he did like doodling pictures of himself as a handsome dragon knight in the margins of centuries-old books.
But he could appreciate just how grown-up he could be when he was put into a situation like this.
"Oh, I do hope we don't wear the same dress – that would be just uncouth!"
Spike smiled indulgently as he helped Rarity fix her mane. His claws were useful for the more fiddly tasks, Rarity had discovered, and so there he was, helping the love of his life put on a gown.
"Hmm... Something old, something new..."
'Love of his life.' But that wasn't really true, was it?
"Could somebody please go fetch Rainbow Dash? One of her feathers would just look divine~ with this lace!"
After all, in the comics, the hero always got together with the love of his life. That was just how it was.
"Aha!" Spike stepped back as Rarity did a pirouette in her resplendent white dress. "Ta-da~! What do you think, Spikey-Wikey?"
"Yeah... Looks great," Spike mumbled.
It didn't seem fair, really. Spike knew that he shouldn't be thinking that, but he couldn't help it.
But really, how was he supposed to compare to a literal goddess?
Rarity looked at him with concern.
"Oh, Spike. What's wrong? You seem ever-so-sad."
Spike opened his mouth, prepared to say something, but the words died in his throat. "Nothin'."
Rarity pouted. "No, it is not 'nothing''. I daresay it is quite something indeed. Now please, a bit for your thoughts?"
Spike shifted on his paws uncomfortably. "Well... Aheh, funny story. I, uh, kinda have – had – a... crush on you?" Spike's smile faltered, and fell from his features. "But I guess that's kind of a lost cause, huh?" He sighed, and looked down. "Sorry. I shouldn't be bothering you with this. It's your special day, after all."
He heard a tut-tut sound, and a hoof tilted his chin up. His tears blurred Rarity's face somewhat, but he could make out the soft smile on her face.
"Oh, I knew, darling. I was just waiting for you to say it."
Spike blinked. "Huh?"
"I'm very flattered, you know. But do you really think this is the end for you? For us?"
Spike just looked at her in confusion and surprise.
Rarity sighed dramatically. "Oh, Spike, you silly old dragon, you! Love works in mysterious ways, after all. Yes, maybe I don't reciprocate your feelings, but that doesn't mean your heart won't find another. You're only just beginning your life, Spikey. And what a life it'll become."
"And remember: forever and always, we will be friends." And she kissed him on the forehead. "Now, what do you think of this dress?" Rarity asked again, with a smile.
Spike blinked. Then he wiped at his eyes and smiled brightly. "You look great, Rarity! Now get out there and go to her!"
Rarity squee'd, and pranced out of the dressing room and to the roaring crowd outside.
Spike watched her go.
Yes, maybe Spike was a child. But Spike looked out at the ceremony taking place in the centre of Ponyville, and he realised that, whatever may happen, he would always have his friends.
"We are gathered here today to share with Lady Rarity of Ponyville and Princess Celestia of Equestria as they exchange vows of their everlasting love..."