//------------------------------//
// Well, I see... 
// Story: Sweetie Belle's Mirror 
// by RS-Belle14 
//------------------------------//

It was an early evening in Ponyville. The sun was beginning to set, and the stars were starting to shine in the clear blue sky. All of Ponyville's residents were enjoying this beautiful time of day. Among these residents was happy family awaiting for the arrival of their missing member.

"Family, I'm home!" Hondo Flanks shouted as he burst through his front door.

"Welcome back, Honey."

"Oh ho! Cookie Crumbles, the love of my life!" Hondo and Cookie greeted each other with a kiss. "Hey Cookie, what's cooking? It smells good!"

"Oh Hondo, that's always the first thing on your mind," Cookie giggled. "It's just some roast chicken and lasagna. Come on, everyone is waiting for you."

"You don't have to tell me twice," Hondo Flanks eagerly followed his wife into the dining room.

Once he entered, Hondo greeted everyone at the table as per his usual dinner custom. "Oh! Rarity, my angel!"

"Good evening, Father," Rarity welcomed.

"Ah! Sweetie Belle, my little angel!"

"Hi, Dad!" Sweetie smiled.

"And Spike, my...Yeah, there you are," Hondo's enthusiasm receded.

"Hehe," Spike awkwardly waved. "How do you do, Sir?"

"Good, thank you," Hondo pulled back a chair at the far end of the table.

After hearing Hondo's response, Spike leaned over to his side and whispered something to Sweetie Belle. "Hey, he actually greeted me."

"I know!" Sweetie replied. "I think you two are really starting to get somewhere!"

"So, Sweetie Belle," Hondo called out to his daughter. "You didn't mention that your boyfriend would be joining us today."

"Oh. Well, you see, Dad-"

"I let him in, Hondo," Cookie interjected. "You see, Spike here was nice enough to walk Sweetie Belle all the way home from school today, so I thought I'd invite him over for dinner as a thank you. You don't mind, do you?" Cookie teased.

"Hmph. He did that?" Hondo turned his attention back to Spike. "Thank you."

"D-Don't mention it, Sir. It was my pleasure."

"Okay," Hondo immediately obliged. "Rarity, would you please pass me the chicken?"

Rarity internally rolled her eyes at her father's apathetic attitude. "Of course, Father."

"So, Hondo," Cookie Crumbles took a seat next to her husband. "How was work today?"

"Oh, it was great, Honey!" Hondo happily replied. "You won't believe what happened today. You see..."

While Hondo Flanks happily continued to tell his wife about his day, Spike let down his chicken leg to scoot closer to Sweetie Belle. "Sorry I almost got you in trouble there."

Sweetie Belle smiled. "It's fine, Spike. Dad wasn't mad at me; He was just trying to be an 'authority figure' in front of us," Sweetie placed a hand on Spike's shoulder. "Don't worry about it. He's just protective of me when you're around."

"Ha. Yeah, I've noticed. I'm just glad your mom likes me."

"Yeah," Sweetie giggled. "She thinks you're sweet, but-"

"Oh, hold on," Spike grabbed a napkin. "You've got a little something here. I think it's the lasagna," Spike wiped off said deep dish from under Sweetie Belle's lower lip. "Got it."

"Thank you," Sweetie smiled.

"My pleasure. You were saying something?"

"Oh, right. I was saying Mom thinks you're sweet, but I'm sure Dad likes you, too."

"Really?" Spike turned his head to look at Hondo and raised his eyebrow. "Eh, I don't know. If he does, he's got a funny way of showing it."

"I'm sure he does, Spike. He's letting us be together, right? That has to mean something. Just...be patient with him for me, okay?" Sweetie Belle winked. "I'm sure he'll come around. I really want you two to get along."

"Hey, don't worry about it. I want us to get along, too."

"Promise?"

"Promise. I feel like it's something I have to do. After all," Spike reached under the table for Sweetie Belle's hand. "I wish to love you with that classic romance."

Sweetie Belle blushed. "Thank you, Spike."

"Oh, you two are just too adorable!" Rarity leaned in. "I mean just you and him, and you and her, I can't take it!" Rarity squeed. "Sweetie Bell, I hope you realize just how great of a gentlemen you have. Any girl would be lucky to have him."

That really perked up Spike's spirits. "You really think so, Rarity?!" Sweetie Belle gave Spike a good slap on the back of his head. "I mean, uh...Thank you so much for the compliment, Rarity."

Sweetie Belle crossed her arms at her boyfriend. "Mm-hmm," Sweetie turned back to her sister. "Of course I realize that, Rarity. My little Spikey-Wikey is quite the catch, even if he sometimes gets a little...excited over things that don't make me particularly happy."

Spike rubbed the back of his head and put his best smile on for his girlfriend. "Heh. Sorry."

"It's okay," Sweetie Belle began to rub the spot she slapped. "I know it's nothing new me."

Spike smiled. "Yeah."

"Buuuut," Sweetie Belle pulled Spike in closer to give him one of her deadly glares. "I would suggest you work on keeping your little bursts of enthusiasm under control. You wouldn't want to upset me, would you?"

Spike shivered. "O-Of course not, Sweetie. I'll work on it."

"Good," She let him go.

Rarity laughed at young lovers. Perhaps I sent the wrong message. "Well, regardless of how fortunate any girl would be to have Spike, I don't think I've ever seen a couple more perfectly matched than you two, Sweetie Belle."

"Thank you, Rarity," You'd better think that.

"Anytime."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sweetie Belle and Spike were outside on Sweetie's porch, lying on the hammock. Spike had his arms wrapped around Sweetie as she lied atop of him, staring at the stars. Neither of them said much. They were mostly just enjoying each other's company while admiring the night's blue sky.

"It sure is pretty tonight," Sweetie said.

"Sure is," Spike whispered. "Just look at that moon."

"Yeah. The moon's pretty, but I was looking more at the stars," Sweetie Belle snuggled up on Spike's chest. "I love stars. They're so bright and pretty, and they make the night look just so...beautiful."

"Yeah. They're definitely the second most beautiful thing out here tonight."

"Second? What's the first?"

Spike gently squeezed Sweetie a little tighter. "You."

Sweetie Belle turned her head and smiled. "That was really cheesy."

"Ha. It was, wasn't it?"

Sweetie Belle cuddled her head back down on Spike's chest. "I liked it."

"Glad you did," Spike smiled. "Hey, look. A shooting star."

"Where?!"

"Over there," Spike pointed at the moving light.

Sweetie Belle looked up and sighed. "That's a plane, Spike."

"Oh. I guess that explains why it's blinking."

"Yeah, Spike. Shooting stars don't tend to signal where they are."

"You sure about that? They're always drifting through space all bright and shiny. If you ask me, they want the attention."

Sweetie Belle elbowed her smart-mouthed boyfriend. "Funny guy."

Spike shrugged off the blow to his stomach. "I like to think so."

"Well, I would've liked to see a real shooting star."

"Ha. Hey, sorry. I don't know much about space. If you want some professional opinions on that subject, ask my sister."

"Maybe I should," Sweetie Belle teased. "At least I know Twilight won't confuse a plane for a star and get my hopes for a wish up for nothing."

"You have a wish?" Spike asked.

Sweetie Belle blushed. "Maybe."

"Well come on, tell me."

Sweetie Belle turned to her side and smiled. "No."

"Ah, got something hide, eh? Tell me."

"Nope."

"How about a hint?"

"Uh-uh."

"Pleeeeaaaase?"

"No. Sorry, Spike. Not happening."

"Hmph. So that's how it's gonna be, eh?" Spike raised his eyebrow. "Well, if you won't tell me, then maybe you'll tell a certain monster we both know."

Sweetie Belle gasped and looked up at Spike. "You. Wouldn't. Dare."

An evil smirk grew on Spike's face. "Try me," Spike's hand began to travel towards Sweetie's sides.

"Please, Spike," Sweetie Belle shivered. "Don't."

"Then tell me."

"I-I can't! It's too embarrassing!"

"Then you leave me no choice," Spike breathed out and shook his head. "I'm sorry it had to be this way, Sweetie."

"Please Spike, don't do it!"

"Prepare yourself, Sweetie, for now you will feel the wrath of the TICKLE MONSTER!"

Spike's fingers launched their attack on Sweetie Belle without mercy. Sweetie Belle squirmed and kicked as she bravely tried to resist the assault as best she could, but it was no use. Soon, teardrops engulfed Sweetie Belle's eyes while she uncontrollably laughed at her torture.

"SPIKE! HAHA-PL-PLEASE! HAHA-STOP IT! HAHAHA!"

"Then tell me what I want to know!"

"HAHA-NEVER! HAHAHA!"

"Give up, Sweetie! It's no use!"

"HA-I'LL-HAHA-NEVER G-GIVE UP! HAHA!"

"Then take this!"

Spike increased his output tenfold. Sweetie Belle had now completely lost control of her limbs; She kicked and punched as she tried to fight off Spike's hostile hands, but nothing was working. Spike was just too strong for Sweetie. Nothing was stopping him. Well, nothing except for gravity; Sweetie Belle's spastic movements were becoming too wild for the hammock to support, causing it latch off its hooks and fall.

"WOAH!"

"EEK!"

Thankfully, the hammock wasn't placed too high above the ground. Sweetie Belle and Spike landed with only a light thud.

"Ow," Spike rubbed the back of his head as he sat back up. "Maybe I should've thought that through a little more. You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. You softened my fall. What about you?"

"I think I'm okay. Ow!"

"What's wrong?!"

"My head. It touched it and it hurt."

"Let me see," Spike turned around so Sweetie Belle could inspect the damage. "You've got a bruise."

"Is it serious?"

"I don't know. Do you feel dizzy?"

"Um...I'm not sure. I guess I feel a little dizzy."

The front door opened, revealing Cookie Crumbles and Rarity. "What happened?" Cookie asked. "We thought we heard something."

"The hammock fell, and Spike hit his head," Sweetie Belle answered with a worried look. "He's got a bruise, Mom."

"Oh boy. Let me take a look," Cookie leaned in toward the direction her daughter pointed. 

While Cookie was checking Spike's head, Rarity walked over to see how the young man was doing. "How are you feeling, Spike? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Rarity," Spike reassured. "A little bump on the head can't keep me down."

Rarity giggled over the response. At least he's still himself. "Oh, Spike. Always with the bravado."

"Ha. What can I say? I'm just-OW!" Cookie had touched Spike's bruise. "Okay, that hurt."

"Oh, you poor thing," Rarity placed a hand on Spike's shoulder.

"Sorry about that," Cookie apologized.

"It's okay."

"Well, Spike," Cookie began. "It doesn't look too bad, but I don't think you should walk back home tonight to be safe. You think your family could come pick you up, or should I ask Hondo to drive you home?"

A bead of sweat trickled down Spike's neck at the thought of Hondo Flanks driving Spike home. Would I make it there alive?

"No, it's fine," Spike answered. "I can call Twilight. She told me to call her if anything happened."

"Okay. Do you want me to get you an ice pack or a cold drink or something?"

"No, thank you, Mrs. Cookie."

"You're sure, Spike?"

Spike smiled. "Yes, Ma'am. I'm fine. Thank you."

"All right, Spike," Cookie got up. "Don't be afraid to ask for anything if you change your mind. We'd be more than happy to help. You're practically family now," Cookie winked before reentering her home.

"She's right, Spike. We would just hate for anything to happen you," Rarity padded Spike's head before following her mother back inside, leaving Spike alone with Sweetie Belle again.

Spike stared at the door and laughed. "Haha. Those two sure know how to make a guy feel welcome."

"Yeah, I guess so."

That didn't sound very enthusiastic. "Hey," Spike softly said as he turned around. "What's wrong, Sweetie?"

Spike turned to see Sweetie Belle leaning over the porch, looking down. "It's nothing, Spike."

"Come on, don't be like that. You can tell me," Spike walked up behind Sweetie and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I don't like seeing you upset, Sweetie."

Silence. Sweetie Belle did not respond nor turn to face Spike. She just kept her head faced toward the ground, thinking. 

A few more moments had passed until she finally spoke up. "It's...nothing, Spike," Sweetie Belle turned around and gave him a little smile. "I was just a little worried. You sure, you're okay?"

Spike didn't completely believe what his girlfriend had said. "I'll be fine, Sweetie, but what about you?"

"I'm okay, Spike," Sweetie Belle hugged Spike and buried her face on his chest. "I'm okay."

"Please, tell me what's wrong," Spike hugged back. "I'm here for you."

"I know you are, Spike, but please, just..............Just hold me right now. Please."

Spike knew Sweetie Belle was not telling him something, but he also saw that holding her was the only thing Sweetie really wanted right then.

"Okay," Spike whispered.

"Thank you," Sweetie Belle smiled. Just hold me, Spike. Let me know your mine, not hers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sweetie Belle was up alone in her room, lying on her bed. Spike had left a while ago; Twilight came to pick him up after calling her. Sweetie Belle just lied there, remembering everything that happened to her today. Most of the memories made her smile, but there were a few certain ones that did the opposite. Sweetie Belle continued to reminisce until a knock on her door interrupted her thoughts.

"Sweetie Belle, may I come in?"

"Sure, Rarity," Sweetie Belle's sister walked in. "What's up?"

"Oh nothing, Sweetie," Rarity took a seat on the edge of Sweetie Belle's bed. "I was just walking up to my room and decided to stop by when I passed your door. How you are doing?"

"I'm okay, Rar-"

"Oh, who am kidding?! Tell me all about what happened between you and Spike today!" Rarity squinted her eyes. "Details, please."

Sweetie Belle thought back with a smile. "Well, it was fun. When Spike found out that Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were busy, he offered to walk me home after school because 'It was the gentlemen's thing to do,'" That was really sweet of him. "We talked all the way home and didn't really do much after that. Mom invited him to stay for dinner, and after that, all we really did was lie on the hammock until he left."

Rarity's mood suddenly became suspicious. "Yes, I've been wondering about that," Rarity raised an eyebrow at her little sister. "How exactly did the hammock fall, anyway?"

Sweetie Belle giggled with a blush. "He tickled me."

Rarity leaned in. "He tickled you?"

"Yup. You see, Spike confused an airplane for a shooting star, and that got me a little disappointed I wanted to make a wish, and you can't make a wish on an airplane. After that, he kept asking me what my wish was gonna be, but I didn't want to tell him because then it wouldn't come true and also because it's..." Sweetie Belle momentarily hid her face in her hands. "A little embarrassing. When I told him I wasn't going to tell him, he tried to tickle it out of me."

"Haha. He did?" Rarity's mood lightened up after hearing her sister's story. "That scoundrel."

"Ha. I know, right? But I didn't even let that break me; I stayed strong! It didn't matter how merciless his fingers were, I wasn't going to tell him no matter what!" Sweetie cleared her throat. "Buuuut unfortunately, all my wiggling kinda-sorta made the hammock lose its grip and fall," Sweetie Belle rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment. "Oops."

Rarity gave sister a little snicker. "Okay, I see. You were being attacked, and the hammock couldn't bare the weight and movement. Hehe. That's a relief. And here I was afraid you two might have been-" Rarity quickly slapped her hand on her mouth.

"What?" Sweetie Belle innocently asked. "What do you think we were doing?"

"Nothing! Nothing at all!" Now's not the time for that lesson, Sweetie. "So, what did you two do after the hammock fell?"

Sweetie Belle thought. "Well, we fell. I was okay, but Spike said his head was hurting. I was checking up on him when you and Mom showed up. Then..." The sisters' conversation had finally reached one of the memories Sweetie Belle was not fond of. Looking back at it made Sweetie's upbeat mood fade away. Sweetie Belle looked up at her sister. "Hey Rarity, c-can I ask you something?"

"Of course. Go ahead."

Sweetie Belle took a deep breath. "What do you think of Spike?"

Rarity shrugged. "He's a fine young man. Kind, generous, and quite handsome," Rarity smiled at her sister. "You're a very lucky girl, Sweetie."

Sweetie Belle gulped. "Would you date him?"

Rarity was taken by surprise with the question. "Sweetie Belle, where is this coming fro-"

"Would you date him?!" Sweetie Belle interrupted. 

"No! Of course, not!" Rarity placed a hand on Sweetie's shoulder. "Sweetie Belle, where is this coming from?"

Sweetie Belle sighed. "It's just...It's just Spike payed more attention to you than me tonight."

"What? That's preposterous, Sweetie."

"Is it? Think about it; You told Spike that any girl would be lucky to have him, and he practically started to drool. When you were talking to him after he bumped his head, his eyes were sparkling as much as the stars," A tear began to form in Sweetie Belle's eye. "And I know he used to have a crush on you."

"Sweetie Belle," Rarity wrapped her arm over her little sister. "You are looking much too into this. I assure you that there is nothing between Spike and me. Both of those moments you mentioned were merely casual interactions. I saw that Spike was hurt, and I just wanted to show him my support. There was no spark in his eyes; Just some tears that I imagine were caused by the pain he was experiencing, and when you tell any boy that they're a catch, their ego will soar," Rarity snuggled her sister under her arm. "And when I complimenting Spike on how he's a catch, I was really complimenting you; Any girl would love to have someone who cares about them as much as Spike cares about you."

That last comment made Sweetie Belle feel a little better, though there was still one thought lingering in her head. "What about his crush on you? He doesn't look at me the way he and a bunch of other boys looked at you."

Rarity held her sister closer. "Looks are only part of the equation, and feelings change over time, Sweetie. Spike may have had feelings for me at one point, but that was nothing more than a simple schoolyard crush on a friend. Those kinds of feelings come and go, but his feelings for you are much different," Rarity lifted her sister's chin so their eyes would meet. "I've seen the way he looks at you, Sweetie. The warmth in his eyes say he wouldn't want to be with anyone else."

Sweetie Belle just kept looking into Rarity's eyes before speaking. "Are you sure?"

"Positive," Rarity hugged her little sister. "Sweetie Belle, I promise I am no threat to you and Spike."

Sweetie Belle hugged back. "Thank you."

"You're absolutely welcome," Rarity broke away from their embrace. "Feeling better?"

Sweetie Belle nodded.

"Good," Rarity got up. "Well, I better get going. Sunset Shimmer needs her new dress next week, and I don't want to disappoint her," Rarity joked as she began to leave Sweetie Belle's room.

Just as Rarity was exiting through the doorway, a tiny plea stopped her in her tracks.

"Rarity!" Sweetie Belle called out.

Rarity turned to face her sister.

Sweetie Belle smiled. "I love you."

Rarity smiled back. "I love you too, darling," Rarity closed the door and left.

With her sister gone and now left alone, Sweetie Belle let gravity drop her head on her pillow. She spent a few moments just looking up at her ceiling, thinking of everything her sister had told her. After she had finished recalling, Sweetie Belle grabbed her little, purple dragon plushy from atop her dresser.

"You know Mr. Point, this relationship stuff can get pretty confusing sometimes. I actually thought Rarity would try to steal Spike, but I know she would never do that to me. Can you believe it? Why did I get so jealous?"

Mr. Point stayed silent as he stared back.

"Haha. Yeah, I know I can get a little carried away sometimes. No need to rub it in, Mr. Point," Sweetie Belle gave the doll a light punch on the shoulder. "I'm just glad Rarity decided to help me instead of getting mad at me. She's the best sister ever."

Sweetie Belle sat up. "But still, I've got to find a way to stop Spike from getting all excited around Rarity. You heard what she said, Mr. Point. 'Feelings come and go.' I have to find a way to stop Spike before his old feelings come back. I don't want to lose him," Sweetie Belle rested her chin on her free hand and began to think. "But how?"

Think, Sweetie Belle. Why do so many boys like Rarity? Sweetie Belle asked herself. Let's see. What makes her so interesting? She's nice...smart...fun...funny...generous...knows about fashion...good at making dresses...has nice hair...can make breakfast without burning it to a crisp...smells nice...can sing almost as good I can...talks in that fancy accent for no real reason...pretty...Pretty. Pretty.

"THAT'S IT!" Sweetie Belle jumped out of her bed and excitedly starting talking to her stuffed companion. "That's it, Mr. Point! Boys like Rarity because she's really pretty! If I'm going stop Spike from liking her again, all I have to do is be prettier than her!" Almost immediately after, Sweetie Belle fell back on her bed. "Aw, but how am I supposed to do that?! She's like the prettiest girl in town! Everyone is always complimenting her on how good she looks or how fabulous she is!" Sweetie looked up at Mr. Point. " They never say anything about me. You know Spike used to call her 'beautiful'? I wish he called me that."

As she slumped, Sweetie Belle looked to her side and noticed her reflection in her mirror. Sweetie looked at her face and hair and took notice on how both were in their natural, untouched state. As she looked closer, an idea slowly shaped into Sweetie Belle's mind.

"That's how," Sweetie whispered. "Makeup! It makes so much sense!" Sweetie Belle looked back at Mr. Point. "Spike finally asked me to be his girlfriend at my Cuteceñera when I was wearing makeup! He hardly payed any attention to Rarity that night! That must mean I was prettier than her!" Sweetie Belle hopped out of bed and ran toward her vanity. "I'll just start wearing makeup from now on, and Rarity will never be prettier than me again! It's perfect! What do you think, Mr. Point?"

..............

"Ah, what do you know? You're just a cute, little plushy."

Sweetie Belle sat down before her vanity, smiled at herself, and then looked down at a little makeup box that was given to her at her Cuteceñera. It was still new; Sweetie Belle never bothered to open it. She never saw a reason to. Until now. Sweetie Belle opened the makeup box and from it, pulled out a small, pink-colored roll of lipstick.

Sweetie Belle gazed deeply at the cosmetic before her. This is it. This is the beginning of a new, better me. From now on...I'll be beautiful. Sweetie unrolled the lipstick and slowly began to apply it on her lips. With a dabble here and a dip there, Sweetie's lips were soon sparkling a hot pink shade.

Sweetie Belle puckered her lips and gave herself a wink. "Perfect."

~The Next Day~

The afternoon sun shined brightly over Ponyville. Its warm light and the clear blue skies invited every citizen to come out of their homes and enjoy the beautiful day.

One small group of four elected to do just that. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Spike decided to spend this wonderful weather together at Ponyville Park. Their plan was simple; Meet up at Sweet Apple Acres, walk to the park together, and enjoy themselves. Maybe they'll get some ice cream there or go out to eat dinner later. Or maybe both. They didn't know exactly what they'd do after the park. That's the fun of not planning everything out. All four of the youngsters thought it was a fun way to spend the day. All they needed now was their missing fourth member, and the fun could begin.

"Wait, wait, wait," Apple Bloom stopped Spike. "So you're sayin' that you actually tickled Sweetie Belle while ya'll were on the hammock?"

"Yup," Spike nodded. "That's pretty much how I got the bruise."

Scootaloo looked at her redheaded friend and then back to Spike. "Did you really not see how that was going to end?"

"I didn't think it through," Spike awkwardly smiled. "It was a heat of the moment kind of thing."

Scootaloo shook her head. "You're just lucky Sweetie Belle didn't get hurt, Casanova. I think you would've suffered a lot more than just a bruise if that happened."

"Hehe," Spike rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah."

"Speakin' of which, what is takin' that gal so long?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I'm not sure," Spike answered. "I sent her a text offering to walk her, but Sweetie said that she'd just meet us here. She said she'd be a while for reasons," Apple Bloom and Scootaloo both gave Spike a curious look. Spike shrugged. "I don't know."

"Huh. Maybe her dad is lecturin' her about the dangers of being around you," Apple Bloom suggested.

Spike rolled his eyes. "Thank you so much for reinforcing that fear, Apple Bloom."

"Oops," Apple Bloom covered her mouth. "Hehe. Sorry."

"It's fine. So, what were you two up to yesterday?"

"Nothing, really," Scootaloo replied. "I just had practice after school, and Apple Bloom here had-"

"Sorry I'm late!" A familiar voice called out.

"Sweetie Belle!" Spike excitedly turned toward the source of the voice. "We were wondering where you...Whoa," Spike lost his train of thought the moment he laid eyes on his girlfriend.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had similar reactions.

"Huh?!"

"What the?!"

"Hi, guys," Sweetie waved. "I'm so sorry I'm late. Getting ready took longer than I thought it would."

Sweetie Belle's friends stood silent for a moment, staring at her. Sweetie's appearance was certainly surprising to them. Her outfit consisted of simple white sundress with a matching purse and sandals, and her hair looked like it always did, but her face was completely covered in makeup. She was by no means wearing an excessive amount of makeup. It was very presentable, but it was definitely more than what she had at her Cuteceñera; Sweetie Belle's lips were hot pink, her cheeks had been powdered with a light blush, her eyelashes were lined with mascara with eyeshadow hovering just above it.

"So, you guys ready to go to the park?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Uh, yeah!" Spike was first to answer. "Let's go."

"Hehe. Sure, I'm ready."

"Yeah, Ah am, too."

"Great!" Sweetie came up and held Spike's hand. "Let's go," She smiled.

"O-Okay," Spike blushed.

Scootaloo held Apple Bloom back, letting Spike and Sweetie Belle go off a little ahead. "What's up with Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo whispered. "She looks more ready for a sappy walk across a sunset beach than the park."

"Ah don't know. Maybe we should ask her."

"Right now?"

"No, later," Apple Bloom glanced at the couple ahead of them. "If Ah had to guess, this might have somethin' to do with her new relationship. We'll spend some time at the park, get her alone later, and then we'll talk."

Scootaloo nodded. "Got it."

"You two coming?" Spike called.

"Yeah, hold up," Scootaloo and Apple Bloom ran to catch up.

The four friends proceeded to walk together to Ponyville Park. Thankfully, it wasn't a very long journey from any of their homes, even by foot. The small group arrived at their destination in less than twenty minutes.

"Well, here we are," Sweetie Belle announced as they crossed the bridge over to the park.

"This place sure looks nice this time of year," Spike sniffed the air around him. "And it smells nice, too. Nothing like the scent of fresh, cut spring flowers."

"Hehe. I think that might be my perfume, Spike."

"You're wearing perfume?"

Sweetie Belle nodded. "What do you think?"

"You smell nice," Spike smiled.

Sweetie blushed. "Thank you," She squeaked. 

From behind, Scootaloo gave the couple an exasperated look. "Those two sure have gotten mushy ever since they hooked up," She told Apple Bloom.

"Aw, leave them alone. Ah think it's sweet."

"Whatever," Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "I'm just saying, if all they're gonna do is make goo-goo eyes at each other while we're here, I'm leaving early."

"Aw. But it would be so much less fun without you!" Sweetie Belle popped in front of her purple-haired friend.

Scootaloo jumped back. "Where'd you come from?!"

Sweetie shrugged. "Rarity said she'd explain it to me someday. But come on, you can't leave!" Sweetie elbowed her friend. "Spike and I won't get too mushy around you. Promise."

Spike raised his eyebrow at Sweetie Belle, stepped up, and began to talk in a very heavy, Spanish accent. "I do not know if I am capable keeping such a difficult promise while we are here, my sweet. After all," Spike wrapped his arm around Sweetie and began to roll his r's even more. "I will be in the presence of such a beautiful woman, whose very existence ignites my heart with such burning passion," Spike then dipped Sweetie Belle just a few feet over the ground. "With the face of an angel, a smile brighter than the sun, and those magnificent eyes that just burn me inside, I know that this is a woman! Oh!" Spike placed his free hand over his chest. "My heart! My corazón."

Sweetie Belle looked completely flustered. "Ay papi."

While Apple Bloom couldn't control her laughter at the demonstration of Spike's inner, Hispanic romantic, Scootaloo's reaction was much more...appalled.

Scootaloo covered her mouth with both hands. "I think I'm gonna hurl."

"Haha," Spike laughed as raised Sweetie Belle back up. That was fun. "Don't get it on us, Scoots."

"I won't aim for Sweetie, but you," Scootaloo smiled. "You're gonna get it."

"Hey, why me?!"

"Cause it's you're fault! You're were the one talking with that bad, French accent."

Spike cleared his throat. "It was Spanish."

"Whatever," Scootaloo slowly approached her prey. "You're still gonna get it."

Spike gulped. "Stay back."

Scootaloo pounced.

"AH!" Spike started to run away into the park.

"Get back here, Frenchy!" Scootaloo gave chase. "You can't escape me!"

Apple Bloom couldn't suppress her laughter. Seeing two of her best friends at it again just couldn't get old to her. "Hahaha! Those two just can't have just one day of peace. Ain't that right, Sweetie Belle?" There was no response. "Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom turned to see her friend was looking up at the sky as if she was in a trance.

It's working. Sweetie Belle thought to herself. It's actually working! Spike called me 'beautiful'! I'm beautiful!

"Sweetie Belle?"

"Huh?" Sweetie broke from her trance and turned to Apple Bloom. "Oh, sorry. What was that?"

"Ah said-"

"Oh! Hold on!" Sweetie Belle pulled out a compact mirror from her purse. "Sorry. I'm just checking to see if any of my makeup got smeared," Sweetie inspected herself and smiled at the results. "Looks good to me. Now, what were you saying?"

"Ah...never mind. There's somethin' else Ah want to talk to you about, Sweetie Belle."

"Um, okay. What is it?"

"Sweetie, Ah'm gettin' a little-"

"EW!" They heard Spike yelp from a distance.

"Uh oh. I think Scootaloo caught Spike."

"Wet willy!" Scootaloo shouted in victory.

"What are you, a kindergartner?!"

"That sounds serious. We better help him," Sweetie Belle headed off to help her beloved.

"Wait up!" Apple Bloom followed after Sweetie. This ain't over yet, Sweetie Belle.

~A Few Hours Later~

After Scootaloo's assault on Spike's ear, the four friends enjoyed their time together at Ponyville Park. They talked, greeted familiar faces, and played games together, such as passing a Frisbee, checkers, and pushing each other on the swing set (Well, except for Spike. He was stuck just pushing and didn't get to swing). It was certainly a good way to spend the afternoon.

There was, however, one big problem; Sweetie Belle. Sweetie did participate in each of the activities and had plenty of fun, but she would regularly pause to check on her makeup. When it was Sweetie's turn to pass the Frisbee, she wouldn't do it until after she applied more mascara. While the rest of the group were trying to fly Scootaloo's kite, Sweetie was busy adding more blush to her face. Feeding the ducks by the pond was going along just fine, but it almost ended in disaster when Sweetie confused her sponge for a slice of bread.

"Stupid duck," Scootaloo whined as Apple Bloom wrapped her slightly bleeding arm. "You'd think it would've showed me some more gratitude."

"It didn't understand the situation. All it saw was you divin' right at her ducklins," The young Apple joked. "Aaaand done."

"Thanks."

"How's it feel?" Spike asked.

Scootaloo tested her arm's mobility. "Good as new."

"That's relief."

"Eh, it felt more like a big pinch than a bite. I was only worried about the bleeding."

"Regardless, Ah think you owe Scootaloo an apology, Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom turned to face her friend, only to find Sweetie Belle applying more eyeliner. "Sweetie Belle!"

"Huh?" That momentarily brought Sweetie back to reality. "Oh. Right. Sorry, Scootaloo," Sweetie resumed to her activity.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked at each with concern. This is getting ridiculous.

"Hey, Sweetie Belle," Spike spoke up. "Come on. That wasn't very nice."

That got Sweetie's attention. Sweetie Belle returned her cosmetics back to her purse and walked up to the rest of the group. "You're right. I'm sorry, Scootaloo," Sweetie sincerely apologized. "And I'm sorry for you, too," Sweetie leaned her head on Spike's shoulder.

Spike smiled and wrapped his arm around his girlfriend. "I forgive you, Sweetie."

A bell ringed from the distance. "Ice cream!" Spike perked up. "You want anything, Sweetie?"

"Vanilla, please," Sweetie smiled.

"As you wish," Spike bowed. "I'll be right back," Spike walked off to get in line.

With their prime barrier gone, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo gave each other a nod and turned their attention to Sweetie Belle.

"Sweetie Belle, there's somethin' we need to talk you about."

"Hmm? What?"

"Your makeup," Scootaloo answered, taking Sweetie Belle aback. "You're really starting to get obsessed with it."

"I am not!"

"Sweetie Belle, you used to not really care 'bout that kinda stuff, but today, you haven't been able to go an hour with applyin' that goo on your face three times."

"That's not true!"

"Is it?" Apple Bloom questioned. "Think about it."

Sweetie Belle paused and thought back. I haven't done it THAT much. I only did it when we got here. And when we played Frisbee. And when we flew Scootaloo's kite...And when we were playing checkers...And when Spike was pushing me on the swing set...And...  

"Okay, so maybe I have been overdoing it a little. What's the problem?"

"Well, there's my arm," Scootaloo raised her bandaged arm. "But more importantly, it's just not like you."

"She's right," Apple Bloom added. "We're gettin' worried, Sweetie. What's wrong? Why is this stuff so important to you now?"

Sweetie Belle looked at her two friends, debating on whether or not to tell them. Maybe they're right. Sweetie sighed. "I just want to be beautiful."

Apple Bloom looked at her friend with sympathy. "Why?"

"I...I don't want to lose him. I just thought if could make myself more beautiful, he wouldn't forget about me."

"Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom walked up beside her friend. "Why would you think that boy would ever forget about you?"

"Yeah. Seriously," Scootaloo joined in. "You two have been so lovey-dovey ever since you got together. It still makes me want to throw up."

Sweetie Belle scowled at her purple-haired friend. "Thanks," When you find a significant other, I will mock you so.

Scootaloo wasn't phased by her friend's remark. "I'm just saying, I don't get why you think he might forget about you."

"Rarity."

Now Scootaloo was phased. Oh boy. "What happened?"

"Nothing. And as long as I'm the prettier sister, it will stay that way."

"What?" Apple Bloom questioned. "Sweetie Belle, Ah don't think Spike is datin' you just for your looks, and Ah don't think makeup is the solution to your problem."

"You're wrong!" Sweetie Belle's temper was beginning to rise. "It is! He's been extra sweet to me today because I'm beautiful!" Sweetie then noticed Spike walking back. "And I'll prove it," Sweetie Belle ran passed her friends, leaving them looking at each other with concern.

"Scootaloo...Ah'm worried."

"Me, too."

Sweetie Belle stopped when she reached her destination.

"Haha. Couldn't wait for your cone?" Spike joked. "Here you go."

"Thank you so much," Sweetie sweetly said.

"No problem," Spike began licking his own ice cream cone.

"Hey, Spike," Sweetie leaned in. "May I ask you something?"

"Sure. Go ahead."

Sweetie's eyes sparkled brightly. "How do I look today?"

Spike smiled. "You look nice."

Sweetie Belle looked stunned. "'Nice'?"

"Sure," Spike winked. "You always do."

Sweetie looked down at her cone. I always look nice? I'm not any prettier than I usually am? Sweetie Belle felt as if her heart had just dropped. None of this worked? Nothing's changed? I'm no different? I'm not beautiful? Teardrops began to form in the forlorn girl's eyes.

"Hey," Spike took notice of his girlfriend's tears. "What's wrong?"

Sweetie Belle dropped her ice cream cone. "*Sniff.* I'm going home!" Sweetie Belle cried as she ran away.

"What?! Hey, come back! Sweetie Belle!" Spike called out as Sweetie ran. She didn't come back.

"What did I say?" Spike whimpered to himself.

"Spike! Are you okay?" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo ran up to their friend. "What happened?"

"I don't know," Spike sadly shook his head. "She asked how I thought she looked, I told her 'nice',and then she just ran away," Spike looked as if he would cry. "I don't understand. Why?"

"Because she thinks you'll leave her," Scootaloo answered.

"What?" Spike looked up. "Why?"

"She's afraid that her looks aren't good enough to make you want to stay with her."

"I...I don't get it."

Now Apple Bloom stepped forward. "We're not too sure ourselves, but Sweetie Belle said somethin' 'bout wantin' to be more 'beautiful' than her sister. She thinks if she isn't, you'll leave her for Rarity."

"What? That's ridiculous!" Spike growled.

"Sorry," Apple Bloom apologized. "We don't get it either."

Spike shook his head in frustration. "That makes no sense! Why would Sweetie Belle think that I would EVER leave her for.......Rarity..." Realization struck Spike like an anvil.

"Oh my gosh," Spike facepalmed himself. "Now it makes sense."

"What is it?"

"When I was at Sweetie Belle's house last night, she was real upset after we fell from the hammock, after her mom andRarity came by to check on me," Spike began to remember more from the night before. "And Sweetie Belle also got upset during dinner when Rarity complimented me," Everything was starting to click in Spike's head. "I was just thanking Rarity both times, but Sweetie must have thought I was flirting with her-"

"Because you used to have on crush on Rarity!" Apple Bloom began to understand as well.

"Yeah, back when you kept calling her beautiful!" Scootaloo added.

"Ugh! I'm an idiot! How did I not see it?!" Spike angrily stomped his foot on the ground. "I've gotta go talk to her."

"We're going with you."

"Thanks, but no. I made this mess, so I have to clean it. But you like chocolate, right?" Spike handed Scootaloo his ice cream cone. "You can have this," Spike began to run out of the park.

Scootaloo looked down at the cone and then toward her friend. "Spike!-"

"I'll text you guys about it later!" He yelled.

"Good luck!" Apple Bloom called back.

And so, Spike ran as fast as he could and more. He was on a mission, and he had absolutely no intention on failing.

Hold on, Sweetie, I'm coming!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was almost sunset when Spike finally reached Sweetie Belle's house. By the time he made it to the front porch, Spike was almost completely out of breath. He had been running for fourteen straight minutes without once taking a break or looking back.

Made it. Finally! Spike began to catch his breath before walking up the steps. He approached the house's entrance and rang the doorbell.

The door soon opened, with the answerer being none other than Hondo Flanks.

Spike stared at his senior in disbelief. Man, this is NOT my day!

Hondo was surprised to see Spike at his door. He looked down at the young man and began to talk. "Spike, I don't know why-"

"Mr. Hondo, Sir, please! I know why Sweetie Belle is upset, and I know it's entirely my fault because I'm huge idiot who can't see what's in front of him! I promise, it was never my intention to hurt your daughter because I have nothing but the utmost respect for her, but I did, and I am sorry! If you would, through the kindness of your heart, please, just this one time, let me talk to her, I'll do my best to try this fix this stupid problem that only an idiot as stupid as me could make!" Spike looked up at Hondo. "What do you say?"

Hondo Flanks cleared his throat. "As I was saying, Spike, I don't know why, but my little girl just ran up to her room looking very upset, and she won't talk to any of us. Would you please go and try to cheer my little Belle up?"

Spike stared at Hondo in shock. Is he for real?! Is this a trap?! Am I dreaming?! Is Cookie Crumbles standing in a corner staring him down with a frying pan?

"Spike?"

"Yes," Spike's face suddenly beamed. "Yes! Thank you so much!"

"No problem. Come on in," Hondo stepped aside, and Spike immediately darted inside and up the staircase. As soon as Spike was gone, Hondo shook his head and chuckled to himself. The things I do for love.

Spike now stood in front of Sweetie Belle's door. He didn't immediately try to enter. After the past half hour of excitement, Spike needed a few minutes to collect himself and prepare for what he was about to face. With one final, deep breath, Spike lifted his hand and knocked.

*Knock.* *Knock.*

"I said I don't want to talk about it!"

"Please, Sweetie?"

"Spike?!" Spike heard footsteps running to door. The doorknob then clicked and turned, and the door soon cracked open. "Spike, it's you."

"Yeah, it's me," Spike nodded. "Can I come in?"

"Sure," Sweetie Belle opened her door.

Spike walked in and thanked Sweetie as she closed the door behind him. Spike looked at Sweetie and noticed her face's current state. Her makeup was still on, but her tears had definitely made their mark. They silently stared at each other for a moment before Sweetie Belle finally spoke up.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have ran away like that."

"Don't apologize. It's my fault."

"How? I'm the one who ruined everything by getting all obsessed with some stupid cosmetics."

"But I'm the reason you ever picked them up. There was a problem right in front of me, and I was stupid enough not to see it," Spike shook his head. "I did this to you."

"Spike..." Sweetie came a little closer. "Please, don't blame yourself. We both know it's my fault. I started all this because I got...concerned over something."

"You mean Rarity?"

"...You know?"

Spiked nodded. "Scootaloo and Apple Bloom told me."

"Hehe. Makes sense."

"Sweetie Belle, why would you ever think I would leave you for Rarity?"

"Because..." Sweetie walked away to her vanity. "She's smarter, she's funner, she prettier...She's the better sister. All the other boys prefer her over me, why wouldn't you? She's beautiful, and I'm not."

"Sweetie, don't say that."

"Why not? That's how it's always been. Everyone else believes it," Sweetie Belle sighed. "Even you did."

"That was a long time ago."

"And what's different now? Nothing's changed. She's still perfect, and I'm...I'm..." Sweetie Belle looked at herself in her mirror and began to cry. "Just look at me! I'm hideous!"

Spike felt as if his heart could break. "No, you're not."

"I know you're trying to make me feel better, but I know it's true! Look at me! I'm a mess!" Sweetie buried herself in her hands.

Spike walked up and placed his hands on Sweetie's shoulders. "Sweetie Belle, please look at yourself in the mirror for me. Please." 

"*Sniff* Okay," Sweetie Belle slowly lifted her head up and faced her reflection.

"Tell me, what do you see?"

Sweetie shook her head. "A sad girl with runny mascara, messed up hair, and bad lips."

"Well, I see something different," Spike grabbed a towel hanging over Sweetie's mirror. 

"What are you doing?"

"Hold still. You've got a little something here," Spike began to wipe the off the makeup from Sweetie's eyes, cheeks, and lips. "There, now look."

Sweetie Belle took another glimpse at herself. "It's just me."

"Exactly. It's just you," Spike grabbed both of Sweetie's hands, lifted her up, and looked into her big, green eyes. "Whether you're wearing makeup or not doesn't matter to me. I promise nothing like that will ever drift me away from you. It's your heart, who you are, that I love, and if I could change one thing about you, it would be nothing."

"Spike..."

"Every night before I sleep, I thank life that I even know you and your dear heart. No one is perfect, Sweetie, not me, not Rarity, nobody. But if you think that you're anything but precious, I'm apologizing to you right now for allowing you to believe that because you are just so beautiful to me."

Sweetie Belle was at a loss for words. "D-Do you really mean that, Spike?"

"Yes," Spike wrapped his arms around Sweetie. "With all the honesty in my heart, I'm telling you right now that I like everything about you. If making it as clear as water wasn't enough, than let me make it clearer; With or without makeup, ball gown or no ball gown, I think your beauty is incomparable. Even if I was given one wish, I wouldn't change a thing because I love everything about you; Your smile, your eyes, your precious face, and, most of all, just who you are. You're one of a kind both inside and out, and in my eyes, you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. Rarity, Fluttershy, Sunset, Starlight, anyone else, they don't matter to me as much as you do. Without a doubt, you're the only girl I want to be with. You're beautiful, Sweetie Belle. I love you, and nothing's gonna tear us apart."

Sweetie Belle was beginning to cry again, only this time she was smiling. "Oh Spike!" Sweetie buried herself in Spike's chest. "I love you, too!"

"I'm sorry, Sweetie. For everything."

"I'm sorry, too. I'm sorry, too," Sweetie snuggled her head off to look directly at her boyfriend. "And I think I know how to make it up to you."

"You don't have make up anything for me, Sweetie."

"But I want to," Sweetie made her puppy-eyes. "Please?"

Spike shook his head. "Ha. Okay, what is it?"

Sweetie Belle leaned in a little closer. "Well, remember my wish?" She whispered.

Spike smiled. "Yeeaah?"

"Weeeell," Sweetie blushed. "I was gonna wish that you would be my first kiss."

Now it was Spike's turn to turn red. "Uh, y-yeah. I-I guess we could make that wish come true."

Sweetie Belle pulled Spike's head closer to her as Spike used his arms to gently hold her. With only a few inches between their faces, Sweetie and Spike closed their eyes, leaned in, puckered their lips, and-

*BANG!* Sweetie Belle's door opened to reveal Hondo Flanks, crossing his arms and giving the two young lovers a look. "Not. Yet."

End