Right now...
Spike stood over the Princess' bed, staring at Twilight's sleeping figure in the moonlight.
"Twilight," he asked. "Did I ever tell you the real reason why I returned Peewee to his nest?"
Twilight had no answer. She continued sleeping peacefully.
Spike closed his eyes. He sighed.
"Sometimes..." He sniffled. "...the only way to truly love something is to make sure it never starts loving you back."
Twilight's left ear twitched... and then the right... and she was still again.
When Spike opened his eyes, they were brimming with tears. Nevertheless, he smiled. He could do no less when gazing at her. "I'll see you in the morning, Twilight. I'll help you get lots and lots of research done." He leaned in, nuzzling her like a horse would. "You can always count on me."
His scales were cold, and she stirred fitfully, but not for long. Soon, she was still again.
Spike returned to his bed on the floor like a good dragon. Morning took its sweet time.