Hearts and Hooves Day. It's a holiday that's both exciting and dreadful.
It's exciting in that it's dedicated to ponies that have others important in their lives. However, the ponies who care about this particular day put the emphasis on significant others. Those who have that special somepony would normally be elated and excited for this. Those who are without usually take this in one of two ways. They decide to just appreciate themselves and the others who care about them and not be worried, or they might be looking toward this day with scorn while feeling caught up in the reality that they don't have somepony special and feel the pressure.
Spike had been dreading Hearts and Hooves day ever since she came into his life. When it came to this particular mare, he just can't figure her out. It's clear to him that she cares for him as a friend, protects him from danger, and feeds him gems to eat whenever he visits her (Twilight's permission provided). However, why does she go around and chasing stallions who clearly only care about fattening their bank accounts and polishing their public image? She even looks to him for comfort and solace whenever she goes around getting her heartbroken.
Rarity is certainly mysterious to him. He wondered if mares are usually this quirky and unpredictable.
The night before Hearts and Hooves day, Spike took a very long time to go to sleep. He couldn't think about anything but that gorgeous, beautiful mare. He woke up early in the morning, still feeling anxious and uneasy. Spike decided that it's time for him to do something about their current relationship; turn the cogs, write the next chapter in their lives together. He decided that it's time to get some closure on this lingering doubt and find out exactly what Rarity thinks of him.
He stared up and out the window of his room in the Golden Oak Library, watching the sunrise.
"Spike! You awake?" Twilight Sparkle called out for him.
Startled, Spike quickly jumped away from the window and into the centre of the main living room on the upper level. He saw Twilight Sparkle approaching him while levitating something that seemed to be a present wrapped in purple and stringed together nicely with a cute little ribbon to top.
"H-Hey, Twilight. Morning!" Spike said, trying to sound as natural as possible. "So, uh, what's going on?"
"What's going on?" Twilight repeated with a tone of confusion. "I think you know what's going on! It's Hearts and Hooves Day!"
"Oh! Ah..." Spike laughed sheepishly.
One of Twilight's eyebrows raised at his behaviour. "Spike? What's going on?"
"U-Uh... Nothing's wrong, Twilight. J-Just couldn't sleep last night." Spike stuttered a few times while answering her.
Twilight knew that he was faking something. "Here, maybe what I got for you will cheer you up a bit."
With her magic, she moved the present into Spike's hands. Once she let go of it, Spike felt the weight of the present in his hands. He felt slightly surprised at how heavy it was but he steadily put it down and started to unwrap what Twilight Sparkle had for him. He looked up at Twilight a few times while unwrapping to see her looking eagerly at him with a sense of anticipation.
Once he got a clear look of what was inside, his eyes slightly widened. It was the ultra-rare bundle comic book collection that costed a fortune. He had been pining away to get himself this but thought he'd never have it. Yet, here it was, in front of him.
"How did you get this, Twilight?" Spike asked while looking closely at the collection.
Twilight Sparkle smirked as she explained, "Well, it wasn't easy. Saved up those bits starting from when you went ballistic seeing the promotional posters for it at the bookstore last year. They were just released the other day, right? Well, I have been saving up since day one that you saw that, and now look! What you always wanted is now in your hands!" She stuck out a smile at him when she was finished.
"...Thanks, Twilight..." Spike said flatly as he put the collection down on the floor.
Twilight's mouth gaped out of shock. "Spike? Okay, now I know something is wrong. Spike, I want you to tell me what's been happening. This is not like you. I know you, and I know when you're feeling yourself."
Spike scowled slightly at her. She was right. She's too clever to be facetious around, especially when you lived with that bookworm of a pony for a long time. "Only if you promise not to laugh at me."
"Of course I won't laugh at you!" she said reassuringly at him.
"Right..." Spike took a deep breath before he lets it out. "It's...about Rarity."
No surprise to Twilight. She knew about his crush on Rarity. In fact, he blatantly told her and Pinkie Pie about it. She never forgotten about that moment despite her being generally disinterested in his interest in Rarity. "Alright? Go ahead..."
Spike swallowed his saliva before spilling the beans. "I know that love isn't really your thing, Twilight so I'm really hoping you don't just brush this off. I'm actually being very serious here. I've been thinking about Rarity since the night before and the times that we've been friends together. I had a crush on her for a long time. However, now that I think back to some of the times that I was trying to win her over and do her favours, it just feels like she's..." Spike couldn't finish his own sentence.
Twilight's face slowly turned into a frown. "...Using you to her advantage...?"
Spike sighed sadly as he sat down and looked downward at the floor. "Yeah...but there are also other times when she protected me and spent her time with me. She looked like she was genuinely having fun. Then, I see her trying to get together with some stallion that she barely even knows who later tosses her aside and I'm wondering...why? I care about her, I really do. Why can't she see that if she's looking for a date, I'm her best shot?"
Twilight Sparkle blinked a few times. "Uh...um...it's a bit complicated to explain. First of all...you know you're practically still a kid in Dragon years, right?"
This wasn't good. This was something that even books couldn't give the answer to. This was indeed something serious. She never worried about finding somepony special, so she couldn't exactly know what to tell him from what lack of experience she possessed in something like this.
"I know I'm a kid, Twilight! I just sometimes wish that you all would see me more as an adult than a kid! I feel as though Rarity and you don't take me seriously." Spike said defensively towards her.
Twilight Sparkle was quiet for a moment at Spike but then she tried to reason with him. "Spike...I am serious about you. I've been serious about you ever since you hatched from that egg. I raised you, remember? And look, I got you what you always wanted since last year. Doesn't that show you that I'm taking you seriously?"
Spike turned to his left and looked up to see the window again. "Sorry, Twilight, but I have been thinking about having someone who I know that'll be there for me. I feel like I can't just sit around being a kid forever, you know."
"But you are a kid, Spike. Don't you enjoy being a kid? Aren't I here for you, Spike? Why do you feel as though you need to find somepony special and grow up so fast when you're not even at that age yet?!" Twilight asked Spike sternly, slightly feeling hurt.
Spike looked down from the window once more and then at Twilight Sparkle. "It's...it's because I feel lonely! Okay!?" Spike shouted at Twilight, feeling frustration boiling over.
Twilight's mouth gaped in shock again as she put a hoof to her mouth. "L-Lonely?!"
"N-No, it's just..." Having enough, he could only say... "I have to get out of here! I wanna get some air!"
With that, Spike took Twiilght Sparkle by surprise and gave her a shove that caused her to fall on her back, briefly stunned. "Spike!"
The Dragon sprinted down the stairs as fast as he could and with both his hands, he quickly shot himself out the door before Twilight could catch up to him. Twilight, knowing she's too late to say any more to him, slowly made her way to the door that was ajar and looked outside with tears rising to the surface. She decided that the best course of action was to wait for him to come around. He's a good Dragon; he'll know when to come home when he's ready.
"Oh, Spike... Please don't get yourself hurt...please...
Thirty minutes later...
After running through Ponyville on mostly adrenaline, he felt out of breath. He slowed down his pace to a walk and took a moment to look around town. Everywhere, he could see many couples and other groups of ponies getting along together with those red, white, and pink colours wrapped around numerous different buildings in celebration of Hearts and Hooves Day. He needed an answer, and he felt as though one pony can provide him what he's looking for: Rarity.
Spike memorised the location of her Boutique. He was determined to get something from out of her. Even if she was out, he'd wait all day for her so that they could have a talk.
He arrived at the Boutique feeling his heart racing and his blood pumping. He knocked a few times on the door. "Rarity? Are you there?"
A few seconds later, there was someone who greeted him at the door, but it wasn't Rarity, it was Sweetie Belle. "Oh, hey there, Spike! You're not with Twilight?"
"N-No," he replied sheepishly. "I came here to talk with Rarity. Is she there? Can you get her for me? It's very important..."
Sweetie Belle stared at him for a moment with a blank face before saying to him, "Okay. I understand. Wait right here." She closed the door on him, leaving him outside so that she could get her older sister.
He had many questions for Rarity that he didn't even know where to start. He felt as though setting things straight and clear with Rarity could give him a strong sense of relief one way or another. Even if the truth was that she did not feel the same way toward him as he did to her, he thought that he could just be content with being her best friend. But then he remembered the pressure he was feeling on finding his special one and it quickly rose back to the surface, nagging away at his head.
Thankfully, the sound of the door opening interrupted, and Spike looked at the opened door to see his mare, Rarity. She looked beautiful as she always did, no matter which day of the week it was. "H-Hi, Rarity..." Spike said to her as he fidgeted his fingers. Then, he felt himself being grabbed into a bear hug from Rarity.
"Oh, my Spikey-Wikey! I was just thinking about seeing you today! When Sweetie Belle told me you were coming, I couldn't come to the door fast enough!" Rarity said with glee as she smothered Spike in the arms of her front hooves.
Spike felt constricted. "C-Can't...breathe...Rarity!"
"Oops! Sorry, darling. I was just happy to see you. Let's get you comfortable, shall we?"
Spike was sitting down on the large, luxurious couch that made him feel smaller than he actually is. It was quite comfortable, though, so he didn't complain about it. He looked over at Rarity who was preparing tea for him while humming a tune to herself.
Spike wanted to break the silence. "So, uh, Rarity... Um... You were thinking of seeing me today on Hearts and Hooves Day?"
Rarity gently moved the saucer holding a filled teacup to Spike with her magic. He took it delicately into his hands and started drinking as Rarity spoke to him. "Yes, because what other day to celebrate how much we mean to each other than this one?"
Spike slowly put the saucer down on his lap once he finished taking a few sips. "...How much we mean to each other, huh...?"
"Yes! I could be out there searching for some stallion as elegant as me to take out but I decided to be content with simply spending time with you today." Rarity said with a smile to him. "But, I was surprised when I heard from dearest Sweetie Belle that you were at my door! Also, I noticed that you look so melancholy. Whatever is the matter, dear? I'm sure it's nothing that good old Rarity can fix!"
Spike stared at the tea for a moment before looking up at Rarity's eyes. "Yeah, uh, Rarity... I wanted to talk about things between us."
"Oh, so you were thinking about the same thing?" Rarity asked while tilting her head slightly to her right.
"N-Not exactly, it's just..." Spike told himself to just say what's on his mind and not worry about what Rarity might think. "...Rarity, I want to know something. Why...why are we just friends?"
Rarity blinked twice before saying, "Come again?"
Spike put the tea aside from his lap, then continued. "Rarity, why do you keep going after some stallion that you barely even know? And a rich-looking one at that? Also, looking back on it, feels like you were using my feelings for you to your advantage by doing favours for you that you could easily do yourself. You also have to know by now how I feel about you, Rarity. Why? Why are you going out and chasing them when I'm right here? We've been close friends for how long? Why can't we just...at least take a chance?"
Rarity felt silent and then, she slowly hung her head while breathing a heavy sigh. "...You're right about a few things, Spike. I am aware about your feelings for me, Spike and that they do exist and still exist, but it's usually you who offers your assistance to me, and I let you do what you'd like. It's very sweet if you, if I may add. "
"Then why haven't we taken a chance, yet?" Spike asked.
"Because..." Rarity paused. "Because...it wouldn't look good for both of us if we did try. Spike, you're a good kid and I'm one-hundred percent certain that you'd never deliberately do anything to hurt me. However, the fact of the matter is that...you're still a kid and I am a proper lady. Do you think it would look good to the public if we announce that our relationship extends to more than just friends?"
Spike's forehead started to get wrinkles as he felt his anger starting to rise to a boil. "Oh, I see what's going down here. I'm 'too good' for you? Is that what you're saying?!"
Rarity took a few hoofsteps back while raising her front-hooves in a "calm down" posture. "N-No! Of course not! Oh, how do I explain this to you, dear...?"
Spike didn't feel like listening to what potential excuse he thought that Rarity was going to conjure up. "No. I don't think you need to explain to me any more stuff, Rarity. It all makes sense to me now. All the affection you give me was just to keep me under your hoof. I may be a kid, Rarity, but even someone like me knows when something is wrong after a while!"
Rarity felt herself going into a panic. "Darling! Please listen to me! It isn't like that, I promise! I promise!"
Spike felt his mouth started to run on pure emotions at this point. "You know what? I don't need your sweet-talk, your gems, OR your kisses on my cheek now that I know that I'm basically just a tool for your goals and that all you care about is your own self and being filthy rich! You're no Element of Generosity!"
Rarity gasped and felt tears coming to her eyes. She felt her chest tighten. Spike's words hurt like actual spikes impaling her body. For it to be coming from Spike, the feeling was double for her. "D-Darling! P-Please calm down. Let me explain. You're getting ahead of yourself... Please let me talk to you." she said as she felt her throat quiver.
Spike stood up from the couch and started stomping his way out of the room and out of the Boutique. "Forget it, Rarity! Go keep chasing those rich stallions! I'm sure one of them is willing to fall for you and be used like another disposable box of tissues! I tried everything to get you to look at me and see me for what I am, but in the end...it's all about the looks and cash, isn't it?"
Tears started to roll down Rarity's face. "P-Please, Spike... Th-This is too much... Don't leave me like this..."
Spike stopped at the door with his back turned to Rarity with his claws clenched. "Exactly my point. You need me. However, your problem is that I don't need you. Not anymore."
The little Dragon then, ran down the stairs and made his way out of the Boutique, leaving a devastated Rarity alone in her room to ponder in her thoughts. She laid herself down on the floor, and sobbed audibly.
Two hours later...
Spike had no idea how he had wandered into the Everfree Forest. He spent so much time trying to find his way in his head that he somehow ended up smack in the labyrinth that is this forest. Now, he was actually lost for real in addition to in his mind. Throughout what has happened for him today and what words were said, it felt as though there just wasn't a light at the end of the tunnel.
The little Dragon sighed. Everything felt so heavy for him.
"I had thought Trixie heard a voice around here somewhere..."
"Huh?!" Spike whipped his head in the direction of where he heard that voice to see a mare with a magician's outfit looking down on him with contempt. He instantly recognised her as Trixie Lulamoon, the mare who practically bullied Twilight. He glared at her. "What do you want?"
Trixie casually averted her gaze from Spike's leer. "Oh, just happened to be practicing my magic until Trixie thought she heard a peeper catching a sneak performance. This place is perfect so that Trixie's surprises remain a surprise. Wouldn't want ponies to be spoiled now, would we?"
Spike scoffed at her. "There is no 'we'. Also, who cares about your shabby performances? I remember what you did to Twilight."
Trixie felt a something snap in her head. "The Great and Powerful Trixie will not be trifled with by a baby Dragon who clearly does not know his place, seeing as how he's without his protector!" In an instant, Trixie felt a realisation come. "Actually, what are you doing here without her, uh, Spike, was it? Trixie can't remember the names of impudent specs, so please pardon her."
Spike growled at her. "Why does that matter to you? It's not like I matter to anypony, anyway."
Trixie paused and softened up her gaze on him, starting to feel genuine concern. "Trixie senses that something must have happened that made you come here alone."
"Just leave me alone, Trixie! I don't need you being a big fat jerk to me!" Spike snarled at her.
Trixie crossed her front hooves at her chest. "Oh? Then what will you do? Continue to wander around this forest alone? Trixie doubts that you don't know your tail from a hole in the ground here. In fact, Trixie thinks you don't realise where you even are. Is Trixie right?"
Spike sighed in defeat. He knew she was right. "Yeah, I'm lost. So what?"
Trixie started to talk in a more sincere manner. "Talk to the Great and Powerful Trixie, young one. She might be able to help you using her wisdom that extends even beyond magic. In fact, she'll even give you a ride on her back."
Spike still wasn't going to buy it from her. "Why are you being nice to me, Trixie? You're usually so mean."
She chuckled. "That's a question that Trixie sometimes asks herself, too. Perhaps that it's because in light of her checkered past with Twilight Sparkle she wanted to seek redemption for herself... Now then, get on Trixie's back, tell her what is happening and she shall counsel wisdom for you."
Spike thought about it for a moment. It's true that Trixie did some terrible deeds to Twilight and Ponyville in the past but since she hasn't done anything bad since, he thought that maybe Twilight would give her a chance to prove herself. So he decided to give Trixie that opportunity. "...Okay, Trixie."
"Most wise." Trixie said with a smirk.
Spike was mounted on Trixie's back as she moved slowly through the forest. He told her everything. He told Trixie about his struggles with his feelings for Rarity, the struggle with Twilight, and how he doesn't want to be a kid anymore and wants to be treated like an adult. He finished by telling her how he lashed out at Rarity and how he wandered in here by accident and not really watching where he was going. Trixie let Spike get everything out, never talking until he asked for her opinion.
"...So, that's what happened and here I am, Trixie."
"Hmm...I see..." Trixie said in an intrigued tone. "Well, then. You know what Trixie thinks?"
"Yeah? What?"
Trixie turned her head back briefly at Spike to say, "Trixie thinks that you want to grow up too fast and that you don't realise exactly how good you have things right now. In fact, it's better for you than you think."
"R-Really?"
"Yes. What's the reason why you wanted to have someone significant at your side for Hearts and Hooves Day?"
Spike sighed impatiently at her. "It's because I feel lonely, Trixie."
"And what about your other friends than just Twilight and that pale-skinned pony? How can you say that you're alone?"
Spike felt anger rising to the surface upon hearing Rarity being described as "pale-skinned". "Don't talk about Rarity that way!"
Trixie smirked while glancing backwards at Spike. "Oh? Didn't you just say that you called her selfish, money-grabbing, and an egomaniac not too long ago?"
Just like that, Spike's anger subsided and the feeling of sadness reemerged. "That was... Never mind that! The fact of the matter is that I want to be loved! Friends just aren't the same thing! I wanna do those kinds of stuff that grown-ups do when they're in love!"
"And then what?" Trixie said right after Spike finished his sentence. "Will you forget about the fact that you had Twilight and Rarity to rely on at one point and just focus on pleasing that girl throughout your entire life? What about you? You have yourself to take care of, after all! Do you even think you're old enough to do that without the help of Twilight or Rarity? If you can't see what greatness and potential there is inside of you first, how do you expect to get others to see just how great you are?! What about Twilight? She worked so hard to save up for something you always wanted, and you practically threw her gift back in her face! And as for Rarity, you didn't even give her an adequate chance to explain herself in earnest, even if your doubt is not uncommon! Ergo! You are still just a kid and you're not old enough or mature enough to handle yourself, yet!"
Spike was completely silent. He didn't know what was with her words but something about them rang true to his ears. He thought again about how Spike usually was without Twilight. He felt insecure, feckless, and indecisive without being given directions. As for Rarity, she gave him an affection that most would love to have. Spike started to cry again. "What have I done? I made a terrible mistake..."
Trixie didn't take any sympathy to Spike's weeping. "Hey, you can weep as long as you don't get your tears all over me. Anyway, don't worry about it. It's normal for kids growing up."
"R-Really?"
"Yes. Why do you think parents exist? Kids know absolutely nothing about themselves or what's right and wrong without the guidance of an adult! It's why they exist! Although, Trixie can't say that every parent or parental figure is good to have. There is good and bad in nearly everything in this world, but that's not the point. The point is, Spike, that you are one of the luckiest kids around."
Spike tilted his head as he relaxed on Trixie's back. "What? Why?"
Trixie huffed. "Trixie grew up asking herself a simple question as a little filly: To be Princess or a magician to amaze all? You have no idea how hard it was for me to make such a decision! It was difficult!"
He felt confused. "You mean, you chose to be a magician over being a Princess? Why?"
"Because..." Trixie smirked again. "It would help Trixie's goal be realised much earlier and on her own terms, no less."
"W-Well, what exactly is that goal?" Spike asked hesitant but curious.
Trixie chuckled as she stopped walking to look up at the setting sun in the skies. "...When Trixie first arrived in Ponyville, her goal was only to be the best in all of Equestria! Meeting Twilight Sparkle was the start of the change in Trixie's ambitions. Ever since Trixie's brief transition to the Great and Apologetic Trixie, she took some time to think about what has happened since meeting her, and then she made a decision." she waited for a brief pause for Spike to say something. When he didn't, she continued. "She decided that her new goal was to make magic shows that aspire to inspire."
"That sounds like a tongue twister..." Spike complained.
Trixie scowled while glancing back with her eyes at Spike. "Are you even listening? My new goal is to inspire ponies to be the best they can be through a teaching only Trixie knows. Trixe wants to dare ponies to prove Trixie wrong, to dare them into being better than they were before."
Spike rolled his eyes and thought in his mind, "That shouldn't be too hard..."
"Peace? Trixie hates it. It's boring. Trixie wants to create tension and conflict that'll help ponies realise who they really are and what they truly wish to be. Peace does nothing to inspire but keep ponies in stasis, never moving."
Spike scratched the back of his head before asking Trixie, "What does any of that have to do with me?"
Trixie gave an insidious giggle. "Spike, you seek out to be an adult, correct? But you're forgetting one thing, and it's that you can't skip days to be great. You think the Great and Powerful Trixie became who she is overnight? No. She practised, practised, and practised some more! However, none can be like Trixie and more importantly, none can be like you, Spike. You have the right idea on wanting to be better and a useful individual to your friends, but being a kid is actually a great time for you. As a kid, it was fun for Trixie to play with her toys while wondering if being Princess or a magician would be better than the other. Trixie went through something similar but Trixie learned that days come and go. So why be in any rush to grow up when good times are still to be had? Spike, you're fine, and you have nothing to worry about for the time being. Your concerns are not unfounded but they will keep you from really growing if you let it cloud your mind. You have to learn to have confidence in yourself and only then will you have the ability to be useful to your friends! As for finding a special somepony, Trixie doesn't have one but she's not worried one bit!"
Spike felt pretty startled at Trixie for everything that she said. He then started to think that maybe she's right. "Wow, how did you learn all this?"
"Every Colt and Filly growing up into adolescence goes through it one way or another. It's normal." Trixie then cleared her throat. "Anyway, take a good look around you."
Spike looked over Trixie's head to see that Ponyville was actually in sight! He had been so distracted by the conversation that he didn't realise that Trixie was really walking him out of the Everfree Forest. "Wow..."
She smirked again at Spike. Kids were fun to handle for her since they can be so easily impressionable. "Consider it your reward for listening to one of the Great and Wise Trixie's lectures."
"How many different variations of your name do you have, Trixie?" Spike asked as he felt annoyed at the sudden name change.
Trixie gave a hearty laugh and then said, "That is one of Trixie's things to know and for you to find out! Anyway, Trixie has said all that she needed to. What you do now is up to you."
Spike looked ahead to Ponyville and smiled. "I already know what I have to do," he said with a rather snide grin.
"Oh yeah," Trixie said as she turned around to go back into the Everfree Forest. "Tell none that you met Trixie here. She has a reputation to maintain with the masses and it would be quite damaging if ponies found out that she's softening up."
Spike gave a chuckle at her. "No problem, Trixie. It's the least I can do for you for being so nice to me."
Trixie scoffed at the little Dragon. "Trixie does not do this to just about anypony. You were lucky. Now then, practise awaits! Fare thee well, little one!"
Poof! Trixie deployed one of her smokescreens to perform her disappearing act. Spike coughed at the smoke. Once it cleared up, she was gone. Spike still felt a bit skeptical about the things she said and her being so nice, but in the end, he could not deny that somehow, her words helped him feel better.
There was no time for idleness. The sun has almost completely set and Twilight and Rarity would surely be worried for him by now. He decided he should return to the Golden Oak Library first.
Back in the Golden Oak Library, Twilight and Rarity were pacing the floor frantically after a failed search for the little dragon from all around Ponyville. He wasn't in Applejack's barn, wasn't in Cloudsdale, not in Sugarcube Corner, not in Fluttershy's Cottage, or even Vanhoover! Where could he have possibly gone?
Rarity made a whining noise as she stomped once with her front-hooves. "Ooh! I feel absolutely horrible! I couldn't find the right things to say to him when it's obvious he's more attached to me than just friends!"
Twilight sighed. "Actually, I felt as though me not paying much attention to how Spike was feeling and his frustration with his own feelings bottling up got us into this situation. I should have been more careful..."
Rarity let out an even deeper sigh. "I guess both of us messed up somewhere along the line, darling..."
A knock sounded from the front door of the library.
"Who is it?" Twilight called out.
"I-It's me, Twilight!" Spike's voice called out from behind the door.
"Spike?!" They both exclaimed.
Twilight Sparkle opened the door to see that Spike was standing there, waving while smiling. Immediately, Twilight snatched Spike and squeezed him into a tight hug.
"C-Can't...breathe...!" Spike said, feeling the air constrict in his lungs.
"Oh, Spike! I was so worried! We looked everywhere for you!" Twilight said as she squeezed the little dragon in the arms of her hooves.
"Oh yes, dear!" Rarity agreed. "We were desperate in finding you when you dashed off like that!"
Spike looked at both Twilight and Rarity one at a time and then said, "You mean...you two are not angry at me that I ran away?"
Rarity shook her head. "N-No! We weren't mad! In fact, we both feel like we haven't been exactly competent role models to you, Spike."
Hearing that made Spike hang his head. "Actually, I wasn't really the most appreciative kid to realise how lucky I am to have you two."
Both Rarity and Twilight Sparkle looked at each other confused for a moment. Then Twilight asked, "What exactly do you mean by that, Spike?"
"I...I..." Spike remembered his agreement with Trixie. "...I can't say much due to certain circumstances but...I got taught an important lesson about growing up and just being a kid."
"What?!" They both exclaimed.
Spike did his best to keep Trixie's name out of it while explaining everything to the two mares. He told them about how he ended up lost in the Everfree Forest but met someone nice enough to show him out. He told them about the pony who taught that being a kid is a good time for him and that he shouldn't rush into being an adult and just take his time growing up and learning lessons as they come. He also disclosed to the two of them how he learned that he was lucky to have Twilight, Rarity, and the other four ponies as his friends. He said all this in a big summary that lasted for a few minutes.
When Spike was finished, the two mares were only surprised, standing their with their mouths gaped wide open.
"This pony seems to be a great teacher or something... I'd say you're even luckier to have met this pony since everything they told you was true, Spike..." Twilight Sparkle said with her voice barely audible.
"Is it true what that pony said to me?" Spiked asked.
"Yes!" Both mares said.
Rarity continued, "Why, being a blank flank when I was younger certainly filled me with the clouds of uncertainty! I consider myself very fortunate to have my own Cutie Mark!"
"And, uh, there's something I'd like to say to you both..." Spike said while averting his gaze from them while fidgeting with his fingers.
"Oh, please go ahead. We're listening, dear." Rarity encouraged.
Spike sniffed for a moment. "I-I hope you can forgive this bratty dragon for the pain he caused today!"
Both Rarity and Twilight gasped at his outburst and then hugged him on both sides while feeling their own tears roll down their faces.
"Oh, Spike-Wikey! Of course we forgive you!" Rarity shouted at him.
Spike hesitantly looked Rarity in the eye. "Rarity, I didn't mean the things I said. This whole thing was my fault! I was a big jerk to you!'
"No, no, no, darling... I have my share of the blame, as well..." Rarity said, not wanting Spike to beat himself up. "I just...didn't know how to approach you about this particular subject since feelings are such a delicate thing."
Spike started fidgeting with his fingers again while averting his gaze from Rarity. "L-Listen, Rarity...about what I said before...about you...not being the Element of Generosity-Oof!"
Rarity smiled at him as she covered his mouth with her left hoof. "Darling, don't even worry about it... Although I am supposed be the Element of Generosity, I am in no way perfect. What matters most is that deep down and in the most critical times, we show why we are the Elements of Harmony. Spike, if you are calmed...I'd like to tell you what I couldn't say before..."
"Actually, I'd like that very much, Rarity..." Spike said, recalling Trixie's comment of him not allowing her a chance.
Rarity took a deep breath before starting to explain herself. "Spike, I am honestly flattered and happy that your feelings for me are passionate and strong. However, the simple fact is that you are still just a kid and the differences between us are just too great. Your doubts about me before were not unfounded, but the reason why it seemed like I was avoiding this matter was because..." she sighed. "I didn't exactly know how to approach this subject and I feared destroying our friendship by doing so if I said the wrong thing, dear. Also, Spike, don't think you have to find the right one to come along right away. You are still very young, you have plenty of time, my dear. I'm sure that one day, you will find the dame that will feel lucky to have a fellow like you at her side. However, I guarantee you that it's probably not going to be me..."
Spike raised an eyebrow at her. "Th-Then why do you often chase those stallions that look rich and stuff, Rarity?"
Rarity couldn't deny in her mind that is a valid question. "Well, that's because I feel a fair share of pressure, myself. I want my name to be out there and to do that, I need to get the attention of as many stallions and mares as possible. It honestly isn't about being the richest, darling. It's about avoiding going unnoticed and being off the grid. I'm...honestly afraid that what I do won't be liked by many ponies out there..."
Spike smiled at her and decided that it was his turn to give advice. "Rarity, I think you still have plenty of time to show them what you're made of. Uh, what I like about your work is that you make it Rarity's way and not like anyone else's. Your work is distinct! I think that the stallions you chase aren't the right ponies to get attention, from Rarity. I also think that if you keep working hard, the right ponies will notice your work and will come asking you all sorts of questions about what you do! Don't chase them, Rarity. Make them chase you!"
Rarity and Twilight Sparkle both looked at each other and then giggled.
"Oh, Spike-Wikey!" Rarity said amorously as she hugged him close. "I should call you 'Spikey-Wisey' from now on!"
Spike chuckled in embarrassment. "Heh. Uh, I think maybe the old one is what you should stick with, Rarity. So, um, now that I know about how you feel personally, does that mean things have to be different between us?"
"It doesn't have to be unless you want it to be, dear." Rarity said as she batted her eyelashes towards him.
Blushing, Spike then said, "Well, good. Because I like things just the way they are between us, Rarity."
"I think the same way as you, Spike." Rarity said gently as she softly let go of the hug between them. "I think I should go, now. Twilight wants to talk to you, too." Rarity winked as she took her leave of the Golden Oak Library.
Once the door was shut, Spike turned around from the door to look at her and then said, "So, what would you like to say to me, Twilight?"
Twilight lowered herself to Spike's level then she started to talk to him tenderly while looking straight into his eyes, "Spike, I've been thinking about what you said this morning."
Spike slightly bit his lip. "Um, I mostly said that because I was confused, Twilight..."
"And that's what I wanted to talk to you about, Spike." Twilight added. "I'm really sorry if you really feel like you couldn't talk to me about how you've been feeling. Spike, growing up isn't easy. I know that first hoof how it feels. When I was separated from my brother because of Princess Celestia's mandating for me to come to Ponyville to make new friends, I felt virtually blind. I thought that books and my big brother were the only things I could ever need in my life. Then I met those five and my life was changed forever. In time, something will happen and you'll meet those who will change your view on things. And I'm sure you're tired of hearing this but for now, just enjoy being a kid, Spike. Being a kid is just as important as any phase in life that there is. Sometimes I wish I was just a little filly again for a few more days. I'm honestly happy you're enthusiastic about becoming an adult but really, you only have a little time left for just being a kid. You're not going to be a kid forever, like you said before, right?"
The little dragon nodded his head slowly while having an attentive expression. "Yeah...I guess I did."
"But just know that from this point forward, you can tell me anything you might be struggling with inside, Spike. If you tell me that it's about something like you were feeling today, I promise that if I can, I will drop what I'm doing immediately and listen to you, and I will support you."
After she finished, Twilight patted Spike on the head with one hoof.
Spike's lips slowly curved in a smile. "Thanks, Twilight."
For a few seconds, Spike pondered of how he could let Twilight know how thankful he is to have her as a practical motherly figure as well as the closest friend he ever had. Then, he got an idea. Spike walked up to Twilight, used both his hands to grab her face...
"S-Spike?!"
...And then kissed her on the cheek.
"Thanks for the gift this morning, Twilight... I love you." Spike said sheepishly as he laughed nervously.
Twilight returned the nervous laughter. "Y-You're welcome, Spike. I love you, too. And where did you get an idea to do that?"
Spike shrugged his shoulders. "I guess Rarity rubbed off on me."
The two shared a few seconds of laughter together before embracing once again in a warm hug. And in that hug, Spike truly felt happy and content with his life. With Twilight's, Rarity's, and even Trixie's words, he felt a newly found sense of confidence of taking on the pressures of growing up. He felt like he didn't need to find a girl anymore since he knows he has himself and his immediate family to worry about first. And he felt that perhaps...that was the right thing for him to do...for now.