> A Simple Crusader Crush > by FNAFBRONY > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: The Secret Out > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hearts and Hooves Day. The holiday of love. It showed thought out Ponyville that they were ready for the holiday that was in a few days. It seemed like everypony had a special somepony. However, that wasn't the case. Several ponies, old and young, male and female, have yet to find true love. ------------------------------------------ Across town, three fillies were sitting in their clubhouse on the patch of land, known as Sweet Apple Acres. They began to talk about what has been going on at their school, but over time, they started talking about the holiday that was in few days. “So,” Applebloom, one of the three started. “You two ready for Hearts and Hooves Day?” “Yeah” the other two, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, answered in unison. They sat for a while longer, before one of them asked a question that made them feel quite uncomfortable; “You two like anypony?” Scootaloo turned out to be the one who asked the question. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at her with confused looks, wondering why she would ask that. “No.” Applebloom answered, blushing slightly. “Do you Scootaloo?” “Nope. Not now, not ever.” She replied, full of confidence. “You're gonna need to find a special somepony one day Scoot.” said Applebloom. “Whatever.” Scootaloo said, waving her hoof. “What about you Sweetie Belle? Do you like anypony?” For the longest while, Sweetie Belle hadn't said a word. But when Scootaloo asked her that question, she started to look down and started to blush. After a long pause, she finally let out an answer. “Maybe.” The two other Crusaders stared at her with shocked looks, but that soon turned into happiness. They were not expecting somepony like her to have a crush. “Wow! I had no idea you had a crush on somepony” Scootaloo said walking up to her. “Who's the lucky colt?” Sweetie Belle continued to stare at the ground, even when Scootaloo walking up to her. She didn't know what to do in a time like this. But, she tried to keep calm, and say the truth about the one she had feelings for. “Well…” She started. “That's the problem. He…” She began to trail off, as she began more embarrassed. “Is… not really… a colt.” This made Applebloom and Scootaloo even more shocked to find out. But, in order to help their best friend, they needed to know. “Then what is he?” Applebloom asked. As soon as those words left her friend’ mouth, Sweetie Belle’s blood went cold and her face became more red. “He… he…” She started to trail off again. This caused her friends to get a bit annoyed. “Spit it out Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo shouted at her friend. She wanted to know so bad, she began to lose her temper. “Scootaloo!” Applebloom argued. “Don't yell at Sweetie Belle. She's just embarrassed to have a crush, that's all.” She looked back at the shivering filly and gave her a pat on the back with her hoof. “It's okay, Sweetie Belle. You can tell us anything. We won't make fun of you.” She turned her head to the other filly. “Right Scootaloo?” She said in an annoyed voice. “Yeah, I know.” She said, also walking up to friend. “We just want to know who you have feelings for, so we can help you out.” Sweetie Belle looked up at her friends. “You promise not to say anything?” She asked. “We promise.” The two said in unison. Sweetie Belle, now more thankful that her friends were with her,was still feeling embarrassed to say the creature shy liked. But, with as much determination she she could muster, finally let out the truth. “My crush…” She spoke. “Is… a… dragon.” Even though she said it as quietly as possible, the two other members of the CMC knew exactly what she said, and who she was talking about. “Sweetie Belle?” Applebloom asked her friend. “Are you saying you have feeling for…” She trailed off a bit before she could say his name. “Spike?” Sweetie Belle shivered as she nodded her head. She had said the truth, and was waiting for her friends to laugh at her for having feelings for a dragon. But that didn't happen. Sweetie Belle looked up to see Applebloom and Scootaloo smiling at her. “I had no idea that you had feelings for Spike!” Scootaloo exclaimed. “How long did you have feeling for him?” Sweetie Belle started to remember the day she officially started to have a crush on the purple dragon. Since Spike always is helping out her sister, Sweetie Belle gets to see him a lot. When Spike isn't helping out Rarity, he is talking to Sweetie Belle about what's been going on for him. Ever since The Cutie Mark Crusaders got their cutie marks, they have had a lot more to talk about. Until one day, Sweetie Belle got an idea to make Spike her special somepony/dragon. However, she realized that Spike has had a crush on her sister, Rarity, for more than 2 years. After all, that's the reason why Spike has time to talk to Sweetie Belle in the first place. “I’ve never been able to tell him the truth, because of that.” Sweetie Belle concluded. She never told anypony about her crush. Not her parents. Not her sister. And especially not Spike. The clubhouse went quiet, as all three Crusaders sat there, waiting for somepony to break the ice. “Oh Sweetie Belle.” said Applebloom, as she began to pat Sweetie’s back with her hoof. “We are so sorry you can't get Spike to be your Special Somepony.” “There’s gotta be a way to make it right.” said Scootaloo, rubbing her chin in a ‘I’m thinking!’ kind of way. So, the CMC sat there, thinking. Thinking of a way to help their best friend, Sweetie Belle, finally get the chance to get her crush. However, what they don’t know, is the fact that somepony- er, dragon, was about to think about things in a whole new way. > Chapter 2: The Gift > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The marketplace in Ponyville was very busy on Hearts and Hooves Day weekend. Ponies always buying that one gift that will make their Special-Somepony’s day. Some would buy flowers, while others bought chocolate. But, the one thing hardly anypony thought of buying was a golden necklace, made for pure perfection. The reason why nopony bought it was simple; it was to pricey. That didn't stop one dragon from getting a chance to get one though. Spike the dragon walked up to the stand that held different kinds of jewelry. In his hand was a huge brown bag. “Hi,” he said the the owner of the stand. “I, uh, would like to purchase that gold necklace, please.” “Well,” the owner thought, scratching the back of her head with her hoof. “That's gonna be 100 bits please.” Spike put the bag in his claw on the counter. The owner opened up the bag, revealing a ton of bits. She dumped them out of the bag and began to count them, one by one. When she was finished, she turned around to get the golden necklace. “Here you go,” she said with small smile. “Have a nice Hearts and Hooves Day!” “You too,” Spike replied, taking the necklace from the mare. “This is perfect!” He thought to himself. “It may have taken forever to get all the money, but it's the right give to my ‘soon to be’ Special Somepony!” Spike walked out of the marketplace and over to Twilight Sparkle’s castle. When he entered, he was greeted by Twilight herself, reading a small book. “Hey Twilight,” Spike said to the unicorn. “Oh, Spike, you back!” said Twilight, looking up from her book. “What did you spend your money on?” “This!” Spike answered, holding up the necklace so she could see. Twilight’s eyes went wide as she stared at the object made out of gold. “Oh my gosh,” she finally let out. “It's beautiful! Are you going to keep it?” Spike looked surprised by this. “What? No! I gonna give this to Rarity! It will be the perfect gift ever!” Twilight rolled her eyes at this. “Alright Spike. If that’s what you want to do with the necklace, then go ahead.” “I'm gonna give it to her Tomorrow, on Hearts and Hooves Day,” said Spike. “I’ll set up a picnic for her, chat a bit, give her the present, and there you go. A Special Somepony.” Twilight was a little impressed by Spike’s plan. However, his chances of getting Rarity to be his Special Somepony were still low. “Ok Spike, try your best. It might work for all I know,” She walked up to him and gave him a hug. “But, if it doesn't, just keep calm and remember, love is hard to handle.” Spike joined in the hug, hoping that what Twilight said is not true. Rarity is the only pony he likes in a romantic way. Having him be dumped by her is something that will shatter his heart. And even if he had the courage to keep calm, I'll probably never find a pony as sweet and as beautiful as her. “Thanks Twilight. I'll keep that in mind.” Spike released himself from the embrace, before he began to walk out the door of the castle. “Where are you going?” Twilight asked. “To tell Rarity about the picnic tomorrow. Better tell her now instead of later.” Spike said as he ran out the door. > Chapter 3: The Chat > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike began to walk down the streets of Ponyville, constantly reminding himself of what to do. "Just go ask Rarity If she could join the picnic for her. If she says yes, then I should hopefully get a Special Somepony! A great one at that! If not,” he stopped. “What am I saying! She'll never say no to me.” As Spike continued to think, he could see the Carousel Boutique, just around the corner. As he looked at the building, he felt his heart pounding, as if it was his last moments in life. He wanted to get there. It was all he cared about. That is, until he he a a small, white figure, trotting toward the boutique, her head staring at the ground. He recognized to pony right away as his good friend, Sweetie Belle. “Hey! Sweetie Belle!” Spike called out to her. Sweetie Belle looked up to see the dragon, getting a little happier than before. “Hi Spike. How are you?” She asked, trying her best to sound like her joyful personality. “Pretty good,” Spike replied. “I was just about to go and see Rarity. I have something very important to ask her.” “Oh,” said Sweetie, a bit surprised by what he said. “What are you going to ask her?” Spike quickly looked around to see if anypony was watching. Thankfully, nopony was in sight. Taking a deep breath, he answered. “I'm going to ask her on a date.” Sweetie Belle gasped, thankful that it wasn't to loud for Spike to hear. Several thoughts went through her head, as she began to blush. It would only be a matter of time before he noticed. “Wow, are you really going to do it?” She asked, still blushing. “Yes,” he said. “It's the perfect time to. Have you seen how many couples get together on Hearts and Hooves Day? And tomorrow, me and Rarity will hopefully join them.” Sweetie Belle just sighed and put her hoof on his shoulder, saying, “Well, good luck, I guess.” “Thanks Sweetie Belle.” Spike said. With that he entered the boutique, complete with a huge grin on his face. When Spike was in the building, Sweetie Belle let out a sigh of relief, thankful he didn't notice her blushing. As she did, she could hear sounds of muffled giggling behind her. She turned around to see her friends, Applebloom and Scootaloo, trying to hold in their laughter. “What's so funny?” Sweetie Belle called out to them. This caused the two other crusaders to break out giggling like crazy. This in return, makes Sweetie Belle mad. “What’s so funny?” She asked them again, more annoyed than before. “Just the fact that you lost your chance!” Scootaloo said through giggles. Sweetie Belle was about to ask what she was talking about, until she realized she was right. She had a lot of time to say what's on her mind and to stop Spike from going on the date. But, instead, she just let it happen, and may never get the chance to make Spike her Special Somepony. “Oh, right,” she said, defeated. “I guess I did. It went straight past me.” “Don't worry Sweetie Belle,” Applebloom spoke up, tired from all the giggles. “I got the perfect plan.” Sweetie raised an eyebrow, confused. “You're sure this is absolutely certain. Because if I remember from a hour ago, neither of you could think of any kind of plan.” “We know,” Applebloom replied. “But I think you will think this plan is pure genius.” “Maybe not pure genius. Just, you know, genius.” Scootaloo added. “Alright Alright! What's the plan? Sweetie Belle asked. “The plan is simple,” Applebloom explained. “We get Rarity to bring you along for the picnic. After a while, she will leave, leaving the two of you alone. After a while, you confess that you like Spike, and he should say yes. That's it. You got him.” “That's not a bad plan at all, Applebloom.” Scootaloo said. “Scootaloo’s right,” Sweetie Belle added. “It could work. There's only one problem.” “And what's that?” Applebloom asked. “I pretty sure Spike won’t say yes to being my Special Somepony. He’s had his eyes on Rarity for almost two years. Just some small talk won't win him over to being with me.” The two other crusaders thought for a moment, thinking of a way to fix this. After a while, Applebloom spoke up. “Why don't you give him something special? Like a gift?” “Perfect!” Sweetie Belle replied. “But what should I get him?” “Maybe a gem.” Scootaloo suggested. “Spike loves gems. So, it makes sense for you to get him that.” “Good thinking Scootaloo.” said Applebloom. “Come on girls! Let's go find the perfect gem to win Spike’s heart.” “Alright!” The two said at the same time. They ran into the marketplace of Ponyville, looking from stand to stand, trying to find the best gift ever. > Chapter 4: The Question > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Spike opened the door to the boutique, he called out to the owner, hoping that she was there. “Rarity! Are you here?” “I'm upstairs Spike,” a voice called back. Spike recognized the voice right away as his crush. He quickly began to run upstairs to see her. When Spike reached her room, he slowly opened it, seeing if Rarity was there. And sure enough, she was, putting the finishing touches on a dress. Rarity noticed Spike in door and waved to him. “You may come in Spike.” Spike opened the door and walked in the room. “Hi Rarity.” he said to the mare. “Good morning Spike,” said Rarity. “How are you today?” “Pretty good,” he answered. “It's been pretty busy it town this morning.” “Oh really,” Rarity replied, a little surprised. “I guess that makes sense, since it’s Hearts and Hooves Day weekend.” Spike gulped as she mentioned the tradition. But, keeping calm, he finally spoke again. “Rarity, there's something I would like to ask.” “Oh, whatever is it Spike?” Rarity said, turning to look at the dragon. “Uhh,” he mumbled. “Would... you... like… to…” “Like to what?” Rarity asked. “Like to have… a picnic… with me… tomorrow night?” He got everything out, and was very thankful for it. However, he still had to deal with what Rarity thinks. Would she say yes? No? He had to know. “Oh, a picnic. How charming,” Rarity happily said. “I guess I could go with you tomorrow.” Spike’s heart began to pound out of his chest. His crush had pretty much just said she would go on a date with him. Well, it wasn't really a date. But to him, he knew what it was. “Great,” he said, completely happy inside. “I'll pick you up around sunset. That ok?” “It's alright darling,” Rarity said. “Ok. I'll see you then. Bye Rarity!” Spike said as he began to leave to room. “So long Spike,” Rarity replied, waving at the dragon. When he was out of the room, she turned back to her dress, and continued to her work. > Chapter 5: The Reveal > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Find anything yet?” Sweetie Belle called out to her friends. They were still looking for the perfect type of gem. One that Spike will care for, and not eat on the spot. It was hard, but it was for a good cause. If they don't find the right gift, then Sweetie Belle may never get the dragon of her dreams “Nothing yet,” Applebloom called back. “But we'll find something.” “We want you to be happy,” Scootaloo yelled. “It's never fun if you're depressed about a rejection. This has to be right.” “Thanks,” Sweetie said. “It's just… really hard to find a gem perfect for him.” “We'll find one eventually.” Applebloom replied. ------------ The sun began to set, and most of the ponies had left, heading for their houses. All the stands in the marketplace were closed, leaving only three fillies. “There were no gems the entire time!” Scootaloo shouted, anger in her tone. “Calm down Scootaloo,” said Applebloom. “It's not like it's the end of the world. We can try again tomorrow morning. Right Sweetie Belle?” “Yeah, yeah,” Sweetie Belle said through a yawn. “I need to get some sleep. Then I can think straight.” “Alright,” Scootaloo said. “Good night Sweetie Belle.” “See ya in the morning” Applebloom added. As the two other members of the CMC walked away into the darkness, Sweetie Belle looked around, all on her own. “Tomorrow Spike,” she said to herself, a little sad. “Tomorrow.” ------------ As Rarity continued to work on her dress, she heard a door open from downstairs. She waited for the pony to speak up, letting her know who was there. To her surprise, nopony said a thing. “Hello,” she called. “Is anypony there?” “It's just me Rarity.” the voice said back. Rarity recognized the voice as Sweetie Belle’s, her little sister. However, it was not like her at all. She was always full of happiness. But here, she said it full of, was sounded like sadness. Sweetie Belle walked up the stairs of the boutique, both tired and depressed. As Sweetie walked into her room, Rarity just stared into space, thinking. “Why is Sweetie Belle so sorrow,” she thought. "Maybe something happened today that made her feel this way. I'm going to talk to her.” Rarity stood up and began to walk down the hall, going as slow as possible, until she reached Sweetie’s room. She took a deep breath and quietly knocked on the door. Silence rose, as Rarity waited for her sister to respond. After a few seconds of waiting, Rarity got impatient and opened the door. She saw Sweetie Belle, lying in her bed, blankets covering her entire body. “Sweetie Belle,” Rarity spoke. “How was your day? Did you have fun?” Sweetie Belle let out a small sigh before replying. “Yeah. It was okay. How was yours?” “Oh, it was exhausting,” Rarity answered. “I had some dresses to fix up, had to grab a few things in town, and I have to get ready for tomorrow night. I have--” “--A picnic date with... Spike?” Sweetie Belle interrupted, finishing her sentence. This made Rarity a little confused. “How do you know about that?” she asked her sister. “Spike told me... a few minutes before... you found out.” Sweetie Belle said, heart pounding and sweat dripping from her forehead. “We were… right outside... the boutique.” Rarity looked at her sweating sister with a suspicious look. Something was wrong, and she had to know. She pulled up the blanket to look at her. “Sweetie Belle,” she said. “Is there something wrong? You're sweating.” “No,” Sweetie replied. “Nothing is… wrong. I'm perfectly... fine.” Sweetie was now sweating even more, and her cheeks was turning a light pink colour. “Sweetie Belle, I can tell something is wrong,” Rarity said. “Please tell me so I can help.” “Promise you… won't tell… anypony?” Sweetie Belle asked her. “I promise, with all my heart,” she replied. “I would never give away a secret that'll make you sad.” Silence rose between the two, as Sweetie began to have several thoughts through her mind. Would Rarity be mad for liking Spike? Would she help her out with her problem? She took a deep breath, turned her head to her sister, and spoke. “I have… a crush… on… Spike.” she said it so quietly, it was almost hard to hear. But, Rarity heard it, and a shocked look went straight on her face. Sweetie Belle looked like she was about to cry. She tried to hold back tears, but couldn't find the urge to do so. She broke down and started to sob. “Oh, Sweetie Belle,” she said, placing her hoof on Sweetie’s head. “It's alright if you like him. You should go out and tell him.” “But he likes you,” Sweetie said through sniffles. “I can't tell him now. He’s the reason why you're going on the picnic.” Sweetie Belle was right. Spike had liked Rarity since the day they met. As Spike’s feelings got bigger, Rarity hadn't thought of actually being his Special Somepony. She knew about his crush on her, but she didn't care for it. As a result, Rarity only thought of Spike as a friend, and nothing else. “Oh,” was all Rarity could let out. “That's right. Well, there has to be a way to him to like you.” “And if you find one,” Sweetie Belle let out. “Come tell me.” Rarity stared at Sweetie, who turned away from her and continued to cry. Rarity began to walk out of Sweetie’s room, feeling guilty for her. When she was out of the room, she closed the door, and began to trot down to her own room. “Tomorrow is Hearts and Hooves Day.” She said to herself. “And almost everypony is going to have a beautiful day.” She sighed. “Almost everypony.” When she finally reached her room, she opened the door, turned off the shining light, and got into bed. As she started at the empty void in her mind, trying to think of a way to have Spike and Sweetie together. “There has to be a way,” she said. “There has to.” > Chapter 6: The Preparation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.” > Chapter 7: The Plan > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity sat in her bedroom, thinking. Thinking of what to do. She only had a few minutes before Spike comes over to take her out for a picnic. Yet, she wanted to help out Sweetie Belle with her crush on him. She just needed some more time. Her thoughts were interrupted by the door downstairs opening and a voice calling to her. “Rarity, I'm back.” It was Sweetie Belle. Rarity smiled a bit at the sound of her sister’s voice. “Hello Sweetie Belle,” she called back. “Come into my room. I have something to tell you.” This made Sweetie run as fast as she could to her sister’s room. When she got there, she saw Rarity, sitting on the side of her bed. “Sweetie Belle,” she spoke. “Sit next to me please.” Sweetie did as she was told. She sat on the bed and looked at her sister to see what was going to happen next. “So,” Rarity said. “Did you find anything for him?” “No,” Sweetie answered. “Almost all the shops were closed. And the ones that were open didn't sell gems.” Rarity looked at her sister, before using her hoof to pull her close. “Well,” she said. “I think I may have a plan on getting you to be Spike’s Special Somepony.” This made Sweetie Belle grin happily. “Tell me, tell me!” “Okay, okay,” Rarity said. “The plan is simple. I'll go with Spike to the park, and begin to start a conversation. After a while, I'll say that I forgot something at the boutique, and run back here. Soon, you will go over to him, chat for a bit, give him the gift I bought, and finally reveal your feelings for him. It's perfect darling!” “Wait, you got me a gift to give him?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Well,” her sister started, “I thought I would get something just in case you couldn't.” “Oh, thanks Rarity,” Sweetie said, going over to give her sister a hug. Rarity hugged her back, pulling her in close. “Where is the gift?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Oh, it’s right over--” Rarity began, before getting cut off by a sound of a doorbell. “Oh no,” Rarity panicked. “Spike’s here! I gotta go Sweetie Belle. The gift is on the table, the one in the bag. Try to head out in a few minutes.” “I'll try Rarity.” Sweetie replied. And with that, Rarity ran down the steps to the front door. She took a deep breath and opened the door with her hoof. “Hi Rarity,” said the dragon in front of her. “Ready to go on the picnic?” Spike wasn't wearing anything special. Just red bow tie around his neck and a black top hat on his head. In his left claw, he was holding a picnic basket. “Yes,” Rarity answered. “Let's get going, shall we?” The walked out of the building in complete silence. When they were gone, all that was left in the boutique was Sweetie Belle, who looked at the bag on table in front of her. She was about to pick it up, when something began to ring in her ears. It was the doorbell again, this time a lot more rapidly ringing. Sweetie ran down the steps towards the door and opened it. She was a little shocked to see Applebloom and Scootaloo standing at the front step. But, then again, she was always thankful to see her best friends, especially with what's been going on. “Hi girls,” Sweetie said. “What are you two doing here? I'm leaving in a few minutes.” “Yeah, we know,” Applebloom started. “We just wanted to see you before you do.” “And to help you out the best we can.” Scootaloo added. Sweetie Belle sighed. “I'm pretty sure that I'll be perfectly fine girls.” “”Alright, whatever you say,” Scootaloo said. “Just remember when you don't get Spike to like you, don't come crying to us and beg us to help get him back, cause we aren't gonna do that!” Applebloom lightly punched Scootaloo in the side, giving a somewhat mad face. She turned her head to face Sweetie Belle. “What Scootaloo meant to say was to try get through this on your own,” she said. “Because this is something we never experienced before.” “Thanks for the help Applebloom,” Sweetie said back. “I'll try.” “Well, we gotta get going,” Scootaloo told her. “Hope you get him.” “Yeah. Bye Sweetie Belle.” Applebloom said. “Bye girls. I'll tell you how it went tomorrow.” Sweetie Belle called as they walked off, leaving the unicorn on her own. “I hope she's right,” she said to herself. “I just hope.” > Chapter 8: The Date > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Does this seem like a good place?” Spike asked the mare beside her. In front of them was a large field of grass, the right size of somepony to set up anything, including a picnic. “I guess it will do.” Rarity answered. The two sat in the field, as the sun began to set, letting the moon rise into the sky. It was a beautiful night. Spike started to open the picnic basket, pulling out red and white checkered patterned blanket for them to sit on. “Oh my, it sure is nice out tonight, isn't it?” Rarity asked the dragon. Spike nodded in agreement as he pulled out a bouquet of flowers, and handed them to the mare. “For you.” he said. Rarity slightly blushed at this. Though she didn't like Spike in a romantic way, she still found him as a great friend. Besides, his attempts at being romantic were charming to her in a way. “Why, thank you Spike,” she replied before taking a bite out of the flowers. Spike stared at the mare, looking deeply into her beauty. It was one of his favourite sights in Equestria. After she finished, Rarity looked back over at the dragon. As they stared at each other, something popped into the mare’s head. “Oh, I completely forgot!” She said. “You forgot what?” Spike asked. “I forget something at the boutique,” she answered. “Spike, would you mind if go back over there and get it?” “No, I don't mind at all,” he replied. “Just don't take long.” “I won't.” Rarity said before getting up at beginning to walk out of the park. Spike sighed. He wanted her to come back as soon as possible. He needed her. All he could do is wait. Wait for his Special Somepony to return. It's been around 15 minutes now, and Rarity hasn't came back. Spike kept on waiting. All the waiting made him think. Think about what she was doing. What was she getting? Why is it taking her so long? As he continued to think, Spike looked around, trying to find somepony else around. Somepony to talk to. In the distance, Spike could barely see a pony near the entrance of the park. At first, he thought it was Rarity. But as he continued staring, he realized it looked more like a filly. Finally, he was able to recognize who it was. It was Sweetie Belle. > Chapter 9: The Truth > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Hey Sweetie Belle!” Spike shouted. “Over here!” Sweetie looked over and saw the dragon sitting on the checkered patterned blanket, waving at her. She blushed, knowing that the conversation she will have with him will either end with success or failure. As the filly began to walk over to to him, Spike noticed that she was hovering something around with her magic. It was a small, pink bag. “Hey Spike,” Sweetie Belle said quietly. “What are you doing out here?” “I’m just waiting for your sister to come back.” he answered. “She said she needed to get something.” “Oh, okay,” Sweetie replied. “Do you mind if I sit here with you while you wait?” “Oh course not.” As Sweetie sat down, Spike stared at the bag she had with her. “What's with the bag?” he asked. “Oh, it's just a present,” the unicorn answered. “A present for somepony special.” Spike looked up at her. “I had no idea you had a Special Somepony.” “Yeah, well there's a lot you don't know about me. Sweetie Belle said, causing them both to let out a small chuckle. “So can you me what's in the bag anyway?” Spike asked. “You r-really want to s-see?” Sweetie replied. “Yes, can you show me your present?” Spike answered, almost shouting at the unicorn. “Ok,” she said. “I'll show you.” Sweetie Belle opened the bag, reached into it with her front hooves, and began to pull something out. It was a light pink gem in the shape of a heart. Attached to it was a small card, folded up in order to not see inside. “Wow, that's quite the gift alright,” Spike joked. “It looks great. Who's it for?” Sweetie Belle gulped before answering. “Why d-don't you read the c-card with it?” Spike took the folded piece of paper that was attached to the gem, opened it up, and read what it said out loud. “Spike, will you be my Special Somepony?” The dragon’s eyes went wide as he looked up at the unicorn, whose face was completely red. She tilted her head away in order to not look at him. “Sweetie Belle,” Spike started. “Is it true that you have a crush on me?” Sweetie nodded her head. “Y-yes, I really do like you.” “Why didn't you tell me earlier?” Spike asked. Sweetie Belle took a deep breath before answering. “Because I know as fact you'll say no, since you have had a liking for my sister for almost two years now. There's no way I can get with you.” Tears began to form in Sweetie Belle’s eyes as she continued to look away from the dragon. Spike waddled over to her and put a claw on her back. “It's okay Sweetie,” he said in a soothing voice, trying to calm her down. “I'll help you out.” “You can help me out by answering this question,” Sweetie Belle said quietly through sobs. “Do you like me in a romantic way?” Spike was about to open his mouth to answer, but stopped as he didn't know what to say. Like Sweetie said, he’s had a crush on Rarity for a long time, and having to choose between his crush and another pony who liked him wasn't an easy thing to decide on. “I don't know how to answer that question Sweetie Belle,” the dragon said. “I need a bit of time to make a final decision. Are you okay with that?” Sweetie looked up at him, tears in her eyes, face completely red, heart pounding out of her chest. She nodded to answer Spike’s question. “Alright.” “Tell Rarity the rest of our date is off. I need some time to think.” Spike said as he stood up on his feet, picked up everything on the ground, put it back in the picnic basket, and left the unicorn without another word. > Chapter 10: The Stress > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rarity sat on the large couch, waiting for a specific filly to return back to her home. She wanted to know the plan had succeeded. After a while, the door opened and Sweetie Belle walked through. Rarity mouth curled into a huge smile as she dove into her sister and pulled her into a tight hug. “So, tell me all about it,” she said as fast as she could. “Did you manage to get him to be your Special Somepony?” As Rarity embraced her sister, she could very clearly hear what sounded like crying. She tilted her head down to look at the filly, who had tears slowly producing from her eyes. Rarity let out a deep sigh, let go of her sister, put her hooves on her shoulders, and stared into her light green eyes. “It didn't work, did it?” Rarity asked. “Not exactly,” Sweetie Belle answered. “He said he need to think about what the answer will me. He probably still has a crush on you.” Rarity sighed. “Well, I guess that makes sense. Still, we will have to ask him in the morning who's the pony he loves.” “I hope he can decide,” Sweetie said. “I can't decide!” Spike yelled to himself. “I don't know who to choose!” Spike sat on the edge of his bed, keeping a claw to his chin. He had been thinking for what felt like an eternity, trying to choose between two ponies he loved. “Why does this have to be so difficult?” The dragon shouted again, getting the attention of a certain alicorn. “What's so difficult Spike?” Twilight asked as she entered the room. Spike let out a sigh as he looked at her, now with small tears forming due to all the stress put upon him. “Last night, when I went on that date with Rarity, Sweetie Belle came up to me and said she liked me in romantic way. She asked me if I would like to be her Special Somepony, to which I didn't know how to answer. I mean, I didn't want to hurt her feelings if I said no, but I didn't know if I could choose her over Rarity. It's just so hard!” Spike shouted those last words as loud as he could before bursting into tears. Twilight put a hoof on the dragon’s shoulder as she pulled him into a tight hug, letting him cry as hard as he can. She felt bad for him. Choosing between two ponies is hard, especially if the ponies are related. “Spike, it's going to be okay.” Twilight said in a calm, soothing voice. “It's not the end of the world.” “Can you help me out Twilight?” Spike asked through sobs. “Who should I choose?” Twilight looked back down at the dragon, her hoof running through the scales on his head. “Spike, there are things in life that certain ponies have to, scratch that, need to do on their own. This, unfortunately, is one of those times. It's your decision on who you love.” The alicorn let go of the dragon before getting back her hooves, and heading for the door. As she exited, she looked back at the dragon and simply said. “Just go with your heart.” The door to the boutique knocked as the sun shined the next day. Rarity quickly ran over to it, all the while saying to whoever was on the other side, “Coming!” As she opened the door, she was both happy and shocked to see Spike standing there. The dragon slowly sweating as he tried his best to keep a smile on his face. In his left claw was a picnic basket, the same one from last night. “Oh, hello there Spike,” Rarity said with a smile. “What can I do for you?” Spike took a deep breath before answering the mars in front of her. “Can I please talk to you?” > Chapter 11: The Final Decision > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Spike sat next to Rarity on the large couch, the picnic basket on the ground in front of her. The two looked away from each other, neither of them saying a word. Eventually, Spike broke the silence. “So, Rarity.” He said. “I need to tell you something very important. It's something I've been holding inside myself for a long time.” “Rarity, wh--.” Spike was cut of by Rarity placing her hoof on his mouth. “I know Spike,” Rarity said in a soothing voice. “I know you have had a crush on me for that last few years. I've known for quite a while now. I didn't say anything because I didn't know how you would react.” At first, Spike sat there in shock. The Pony he has had a crush on for the last few years has known all along? It left him completely speechless. However, once he had snapped out of his trance, he looked back over at Rarity, who was still holding her hoof on his mouth. Spike moved it away so he could speak once again. “It's okay, that's not what I wanted to ask you.” This left Rarity shocked. “Oh, well what is it then?” Spike’s face started to turn a deep shade of red as he answered. “What would you think about me and Sweetie Belle dating?” Rarity’s eyes widen as she heard the dragon’s answer. Then she remembered what Sweetie had told her, that it's his decision to choose between the two of them. Besides, even if he choose Rarity, she would probably reject him on the spot, so there wasn't any other option to choose. “Go ahead Spike,” the unicorn said. “I think it would great to be with her. You should go tell her.” Spike let out a sigh of relief as he went to hug Rarity, holding her tightly. “Thanks Rarity. Where is she?” “She's just in her room,” Rarity answered. “I’ll be down here.” “Okay thanks.” Spike said as he let go of the mare, got off of the couch and began to walk upstairs to his lover’s room with the picnic basket in his hand. Sweetie Belle lay in her room, curled up underneath the covers of her bed. She had her eyes closed, but she wasn't sleeping. She was thinking. Thinking hard about who her crush will choose. Her thoughts were interrupted when the door to her room slowly began to open, making a long creaking sound. “Sweetie Belle?” A familiar voice called out to her. A voice she recognized right away. Sweetie Belle’s head turned to look at Spike, who was standing in the doorway with the same basket he had last night. “Hey Sweetie Belle,” the dragon said to her. “How are you feeling?” Sweetie Belle didn't answer at first. She was trying to hold in the happiness she had inside her. Has her crush actually chose her over her sister? “F-fine.” the filly answered. Spike then went over to the edge of Sweetie’s bed, standing a few inches away from her. He could now see more of her eyes, the big, beautiful, green eyes that shined more than anything he had ever seen. “D-did you finally decide on who y-you choose?” Sweetie Belle asked, with sweat now starting to fall on her back. Spike let out a long sigh. “Yes, I have.” A small grin soon appeared on Sweetie Belle’s face as she began to sweat even more. “W-well who is it, me or R-rarity?” “You have to close your eyes get the answer.” Spike simply said. Sweetie shrugged and did exactly what he said. She closed her eyes as tight as she could and began to think once again. What was he doing? Why did he want her to close her eyes? And why does she now feel something around her neck? “Okay, you can open your eyes now.” Spike eventually said. Sweetie Belle opened her eyes as fast as she could, seeing what he did. As soon as she did, she saw what looked like some kind of golden necklace around her neck. “W-w-what is this?” Sweetie asked in shock. “What does it look like?” Spike replied. “It's a necklace, and it's for you to have.” Tears slowly began to fall from Sweetie Belle’s eyes. But not ones of sadness. Ones of happiness. She had never been given a gift like this ever in her life, and it came from the only creature she wanted it to be from. “I d-d-d know what to s-say.” Sweetie Belle said as best as she could. “Then don't say a thing.” Spike replied. He then went up to her and quickly kissed her on the cheek. Sweetie’s eyes went wide as she began to blush a shade of pink. Her crush, the dragon she loved with all her heart, had kissed her. “Happy Hearts and Hooves Day Sweetie Belle.” Spike said, his face now completely red. Then, a thought came to Sweetie Belle’s head, as she knew there was only one way to repay him. “Happy Hearts and Hooves Day to you too Spike.” Sweetie Belle replied as she turned her head towards the dragon, wrapped her hooves around his neck, and pulled him into a deep kiss. > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ever since that day, Spike and Sweetie Belle have been as happy as can be. They loved each other with all their heart. They hardly ever fought, they were almost always together, and they have had support of their relationship ever since day one. Rarity has helped them improve their love by giving dating tips for her younger sister, which Sweetie used surprisingly well. While Twilight helped give Spike dating tips, which also did very well. But, the most supportive ponies to help the two out were Applebloom and Scootaloo. They have helped the couple out in the best way possible. If it wasn't for them, Sweetie Belle might not have been able to asked Spike out. They were the first to hear about Sweetie’s crush. Actually thinking about it, this whole thing started with a crush. Spike’s massive crush on Rarity had been going on for so long that he now knew that had to accept fate and to just let it go. He knew he had to choose somepony else who could actually love him back. And there was only one other pony that would love him as much. And he chose her, the filly that just had a crush on him. No, not just any crush. A Simple Crusader Crush. By FNAFBRONY