It’s funny how much a year can change things. Foals grow a lot in a year. Equestria goes through four seasons. And I guess baby dragons can grow up.
Twilight gave me this journal a year ago. She said I would like looking back through it and seeing how much I’ve grown. Really, though, I don’t need this. I haven’t changed much physically—sure, I’ve grown a couple inches and my wings are coming in, but that isn’t what I’m talking about.
Last Heart’s and Hooves Eve, I was doing my best to find a way to make Rarity love me. I had the perfect date planned out. I never got the courage to actually ask her, though. I knew I would be the knight in shining armor, flying in to save her. Eventually.
That time never came, though. Rarity is more than capable of taking care of herself. Instead, she saved me a couple times. Slowly, I let go of the idea that she needed saving. I stopped planning out ways to make her like me. And then it was Heart’s and Hooves Eve again.
Rarity came to the library today to talk to me. She sat me down at the kitchen table. It was all very quiet, but I didn’t mind. I know she needs to collect her thoughts and gather the right phrasings. After she had drank about half of her tea, she sighed.
“Spike, darling, I have some very…important news I wish to talk to you about. I want you to understand that…” She bit her lip, looking really worried about what she was trying to say. I’d never known a time when words would fail her, so I reached across the table to take her hoof in my claw.
Her hoof jerked back and she looked up, almost startled. “Spike. I have a coltfriend, dear. I wanted to tell you, to talk to you about it. I know you’ve had…feelings for me for the last couple of years. I don’t want you to think that I don’t love you, I do. You’ll always be my Spikey-Wikey. But that is just it. That is who you will always be for me. I could never see you as a lover.” Her cheeks tinged pink at the last word and she looked into her tea. “I’m sorry.”
I had expected to feel crushed or hurt. I was prepared for that. What I wasn’t prepared for was the lack of any kind of feeling about the news. “That’s great. I’m happy for you."She looked up again, her expression guarded. "I mean it. I…” I chuckled a little. “I’ve actually don’t have a crush on you anymore.” The words seemed foreigner coming out of my mouth, but the instant I said them, I knew they were true. I used to think I was in love with Rarity. I was angry whenever Twilight called it a crush. And yet…there I was, actually happy that Rarity had a special somepony that wasn’t me.
“Oh, well then, I suppose this is just awkward then. I am sorry, Spike.” She stood to leave, but I stopped her.
“Rarity, wait. I…I appreciate you coming to tell me. For thinking about my feelings like that.”
“Of course. You are a very special friend to me, Spike.” She leaned down and kissed my cheek.
For once, my heart didn’t melt.
It’s funny how much a year can change things. Foals grow a lot in a year. Equestira goes through four seasons. And I guess baby dragons can grow up.