It was Hearts and Hooves Day! And no one was more excited than Spike the Dragon, humming along, flowers in hand as he skipped towards Rarity’s boutique. This was finally going to be the day he confessed his feelings!
Along with a bouquet of roses he bought from Roseluck, Lily, and Daisy, he also had with him a big, shiny emerald he dug up himself. It took everything in his power not to eat it, but it was worth it to make the pony he loved happy!
He knocked on the door and rocked back and forth on his toes in excitement. A white unicorn answered, but it wasn't Rarity.
“Oh! Hi Spike!” Sweetie Belle greeted Spike happily with that adorable squeak in her voice.
“Hi, Sweetie Belle. Is Rarity home?” Spike asked, barely acknowledging the younger unicorn.
Sweetie Belle frowned. “Sorry, Spike. She’s on a date today!”
Spike’s eyes widened with shock and the bouquet he was holding burst into flames. “A date!? With who!?”
“Not sure!” Sweetie Belle shrugged. “But she seemed super happy!”
Spike’s expression fell. “Oh, okay. Thanks anyway.” He turned to walk away as tears filled his eyes.
Sweetie Belle called out. “Wait we can still-” but it was too late. Spike had already run away crying.
Sweetie Belle paced around her room, deep in thought. She hated seeing Spike so sad. He was always so helpful and nice to her sister. His adorable smile, the way his green eyes sparkled...she shook her head. She didn't have a crush on him, right? That was crazy! He was her sister’s friend’s brother...kinda. And Twilight was also occasionally like a mentor to her.
Still, she couldn't shake the feeling there was something about Spike that drew her to him. During lessons with Twilight, she’d notice him helping her by bringing books, snacks, anything she needed really. And even more frequently she often observed him assist her sister with almost zero hesitation.
She felt bad for him. Nopony seemed to appreciate just how caring he really was.
Sweetie Belle went over to her bed and lifted the blanket to reveal a purple dragon doll with a striking resemblance to Spike. She didn't mean anything when she got it but now she wondered if her subconscious was telling her she merging all along.
Part of her wished she was the one he would compliment and give nice gifts to. She'd certainly appreciate it a lot more than Rarity. Great, another reason to be jealous of her big sister.
Sweetie Belle sighed and went to bed, hugging the dragon doll tight.
At the same time, Spike made it back to Twilight’s castle. He slowly opened the door with his head hanging low and his tail dragging behind him. Twilight noticed and quickly flew over to him.
“Spike, what's wrong?” she asked.
Spike looked up at her, tears beginning to fill his eyes again until he hugged her and started sobbing into her chest.
“It's not fair!” he cried between sobs. “I've been in love with Rarity my whole life! I've been dropping hints that I love her ever since we first met and then some guy she just met swoops in and steals her from me!”
Twilight looks at him with concern. “Oh, Spike, is that was this is about?” she crouched down to meet his level, putting a wing around him.
“I know this must be hard for you, but the fact is that it was never going to work out, I thought you would've figured that out by now.”
“But I grew wings!” Spike protested. “I'm not a baby anymore!”
Twilight chuckled lightly. “You may not be a baby anymore, but you're still just a kid,” she said. “I know you think you love her but really, do you even have anything in common?”
“We have lots in common!” Spike protested. “We both like gems for example!”
Twilight rolled her eyes with a smile. “That’s not really enough to form a relationship around now is it?”
Spike lowered his head. “I guess not. I've just loved her for so long I feel like I’ll never find anyone else.”
Twilight embraced Spike closer. “You’re a very sweet and loveable dragon,” she said. “One day you will.”
The next day, Sweetie Belle went over to Twilight’s castle to check on Spike. She knocked on the door and was greeted by the princess. “Oh, hi Sweetie! Did we have lessons today? I didn’t-“ “Actually, I’m here to see Spike” Sweetie Belle interrupted. “He seemed upset yesterday and I’m a little worried.” Twilight’s eyes widened, putting the pieces together. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “I think he’s still upstairs in his room. Be sure to knock though, he might be asleep.” “Thank you, princess,” Sweetie replied, as she headed upstairs.
Sweetie Belle knocked on the door gently. “Spike? Are you there?” She was greeted with a muffled, sad-sounding “come in” from Spike. Sweetie Belle opened the door to find Spike, still curled up in his bed. “Spike, I’m sorry about yesterday,” Sweetie Belle said, sitting next to him. “I was being insensitive, I should’ve taken your feelings into account.” Spike slowly sat up and turned to face her. “No no, it’s okay Sweetie. Really, I feel a lot better after talking to Twilight.” He sighed. Sweetie Belle smiled softly. “Honestly Spike, I don't think my sister will ever find anyone that fits her high expectations,” she laughed. “But for what it's worth, I think you're pretty great,” she said before quickly giving Spike a small peck on the cheek. They turned to look at each other, eyes widened before Sweetie Belle’s face went red. “Um-“ she squeaked before quickly turning and rushing downstairs. “Hey Sweetie! Is everything o-“ Twilight started before the young unicorn hurried past her. “BYETWILIGHTGOTTAGO” she exclaimed. Twilight watched Sweetie Belle rush out, a look of bewilderment on her face. She turned to go upstairs and check on Spike. When she peeked through Spike’s door she just found him sitting there, his eyes wide and sparkly. “Of course…” he whispered, raising a claw to his cheek.
Spike rushed back to the boutique the next day but with a different goal in mind. He rang the doorbell and anxiously waited just as he did before.
Sweetie Belle opened the door. “Spike?” she answered.
“I’m sorry for running off so unexpectedly the other day,” Spike said. “I was wondering if you wanted to hang out?”
Sweetie Belle blushed slightly. “Oh! Uh, sure!“
They made their way to a field on a hill looking over Ponyville. Spike had brought a blanket and a picnic basket for them with cucumber sandwiches and apple slices.
“Hey, I wanted to give you this,” Spike said, revealing the emerald as Sweetie Belle’s eyes widened.
“It was for Rarity but, I think it was meant for you. It matches your eyes.”
Sweetie Belle blushed, taking the emerald and holding it close to her heart. “I don't know what to say! Thank you, Spike.”
The two stared at each other for a while until Spike started to lean in. Sweetie backed up slightly.
“Oh- sorry. Can I-” Spike stuttered.
Sweetie Belle nodded, and they leaned in for a gentle kiss.