//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: The Preparation // Story: A Simple Crusader Crush // by FNAFBRONY //------------------------------// Hearts and Hooves Day. It was finally here. The holiday that ponies everywhere seem to enjoy. All of the love filled the air. It was quite the beautiful sight to see everypony in a loving state. Well, almost everypony. ------------ Sweetie Belle trotted down the streets of Ponyville, looking at the surroundings. Loving couples filled the town, showing their affection to each other. This made Sweetie sigh heavily. She wished that a certain dragon would notice her love. Just this once. She wanted that so much, she couldn't think about anything else. Because of that however, she didn't get that much sleep that night before. She almost dropped to the ground while walking through town. Eventually, she did reach her destination. It was the Ponyville marketplace. She had been there all day yesterday with her best friends, trying to find the right gift for her love, only to no avail. Now, she was both determined and worried to find the right gift in time. When she entered, she looked around, trying to find her friends. Soon, she found them in the back, chatting among themselves. A small smile was put on Sweetie Belle’s face as she got closer to them. “Hi girls.” She said to Applebloom and Scootaloo. Her friends looked over to see the filly walking towards them. “Hi Sweetie Belle,” Applebloom said. “How you doing this morning?” “Not so good,” Sweetie answered through a yawn. “Looks like you didn't get much sleep last night.” said Scootaloo. “No. I didn't get any sleep,” Sweetie Belle replied, looking at the ground with a gloomy face. “I kept thinking about what might happen when Spike finds out I like him.” “Oh Sweetie Belle,” Applebloom said, placing a hoof on her friend’s back. “Everything is going to be alright. We helped you out from the start.” “Yeah,” Scootaloo added. “And we don't want to see you like this. If there is anything about your crush that is bothering you, come tell us.” “Thanks girls,” Sweetie said as she reached out to hug her friends. They joined in, hugging her back. When they broke apart, Sweetie spoke again. “I could need some more help with this. Last night, I also told Rarity about my crush.” “Really? How did she respond” Scootaloo asked. “She took it alright, and she is also going to help me out.” “How?” Applebloom asked. “Not sure. I just hope she gets what she needs to be done.” “Speaking of which,” Scootaloo added. “We should go out and find a gem in time. The shops do close early on Hearts and Hooves Day.” “Oh yeah! I completely forgot.” said Applebloom. “Me too,” Sweetie added. “Let's find one before the shops close.” ------------ They say time flies when you're having fun. Well it also flies when you're in love. That's what a certain purple dragon felt for the entirety of Hearts and Hooves Day. He couldn't wait to go on a “picnic” with his crush, Rarity. But, as the sun began to set, he started to pack up the picnic basket. “Let's see,” he said to himself. “Blanket, flowers, chocolates,” He stopped when he realized that of his items, the pure golden necklace, was not in the basket. “Hey! Where's my necklace?” “Over here Spike.” a voice said from behind the dragon. He turned to see his owner, Twilight Sparkle, standing there, with the necklace in her hoof. “Oh, thanks Twilight,” Spike said, taking the necklace from her and putting it in the basket. “That should be everything.” “Now remember Spike,” Twilight started. “If Rarity says no, just keep calm and move on. Begging her to be your Special Somepony will get you nowhere.” “I know, I know,” said Spike. “It's just, I can't think of anypony that has a crush on me. Because of that, Rarity is my only thing that I love. And I hope to keep it that way.” “Ok Spike,” Twilight said, reaching over and giving Spike a hug. “Have a great time.” “Thanks Twilight.” Spike replied, breaking free from the alicorn’s arms. He grabbed the basket at headed straight for the door. Once he was outside, he took a deep breath. “Tonight Rarity,” he said to himself. “Tonight.”