New loves and old wounds

Chapters

New chance from broken hope
Uncertain paths
Shattered dreams and new paths

New chance from broken hope

In side of Twilight Sparkle's library, she is doing her usual work of organizing and shelving books with Spike tirelessly keeping track of it all.

"and the encyclopedia of arcane items goes here, and.....done. You get that Spike?"

"Yep!"

Twilight's assistant, Spike, quickly checks off an item from a comically long list and Twilight smiled.

"That takes care of the last new volumes to add to the library. "

Spike looked excited hearing this.

"So are we all done for the day?"

Twilight looked at Spike bouncing hopefully, feeling slightly worried for her assistant,
knowing exactly what he intended to do with free time and sighed.

"Yes Spike, we're done."

With that, Spike quickly dashed up stairs and quickly went to work preparing himself for a fine night out.
He had put on a sharp looking tuxedo complete with hat and cane and happily skipped down the stairs
and presented himself before Twilight.

"So whadda ya think? Not too bad if I say so myself."

Twilight had to admit Spike had put himself together quite nicely.

"You look wonderful spike, but don't you think you should give it a rest for a bit?"

Spike simply put on a cocky stance

"Hey, you always told me perseverance is a virtue. Besides...

He couldn't help have a dreamy look and puts on a goofy smile.

"Any amount of work and waiting'll be worth it."

Spike looked smitten while Twilight watched, feeling empathetic for her assistant,
hoping he wouldn't put himself in a point where he could get hurt.

"Alright, but try not to be out too late Spike."

Spike looked a little sneaky and muttered

"Heheh, all goes well, I might not come back at all..."

Twilight looked at Spike with a stern look and he back away slightly and held up his hands in defense.

"Okay, okay, 9:30 curfew as usual. "

He turned and opened the door with a little hop in his step.

"Wish me luck!"

With that, he left. Twilight, still concerned for him, spoke to noone.

"Rarity, please don't hurt him..."

Spike quickly made his way into town, purchasing a bouquet of flowers and heading towards his crush's home,
enjoying the late day passing the last of the market goers on his way.
All of them noticed his sharp dress and complimented him such which he proudly thanked them for.
Some mares were even giving him catcalls and lightly flirting with him, to which he only gave a polite nod to.
While there were plenty of lovely ladies in Ponyville, none of them had ever pulled his gaze away from Rarity.
He was determined to win her over, he truly felt if he was to be with anyone, it would be her.
Along his way Fluttershy was purchasing some things for her animals.
She smiled and payed her fee to the shop clerk.

"Thank you so much. Goodbye."

"See you later kiddo. "

Fluttershy was about to head home when she spotted Spike, and she caught her breath.

"Oh my!"

She couldn't help but admire how handsome he looked when he dressed up.
Since she first met him, she enjoyed very much speaking to him and learning about him,
but recently, she couldn't help but notice she felt something for him.
She loved just the sight of him and the sound of his voice,
seeing him working with Twilight or uses his dragon breath.
Suffice to say she had a bit of a crush on him.
It felt odd to her, considering her fear of full grown dragons.
Even so, even after seeing Spike turn into the beast that destroyed Ponyville, she didn't see a monster.
She only saw the sweetest little guy in Ponyville.
Spike walked past her, not noticing her, walking with what he thought was a confident stride
but looked more like a waddle.
Fluttershy couldn't help but giggle at his antics and thought to herself "He's so adorable."

She quickly trotted beside him.

"Hello Spike."

Spike quickly turned to see Fluttershy smiling at him.

"Oh, hi Fluttershy. What are you doing here?"

"Just picking up a few things. What are you up to? You look very handsome. "

"Well, I'm off to see Rarity, the best mare in Ponyville, and take her out for the night."

Fluttershy felt a little downed by this but tried not to show it.

"Oh...well, um...what did you have planned. "

Spike then stopped and turned to face her, his face full of hope.

"Well, first we'll have dinner at Crystal Colt restaurant, have some music and a bit of dancing,
then we'll see that new romance play at the theatre, then we'll headout to the lake, under the moonlight,
and then finally, we'll have our fist kiss."

Spike looked like he was in heaven as he finished.
Fluttershy couldn't help but blush and smile hearing his plans.
She would have been ecstatic to have an evening like that with Spike.
It would be like a fairytale come true for her.
But she knew he only had eyes for Rarity, which deeply saddened her.
But she would still be supportive to him, after all, she could still be a friend.

"Well...she's very lucky to have such a handsome young admirer."

"No,no....I'm the lucky one. Well, bye Fluttershy, I have to get going before I'm too late."

Spike rushed off, Fluttershy waved to him but couldn't help but worry for him.
She was good friends with Rarity and she often said she wasn't sure she could feel for Spike like he did for her.
But she believed it was just a simple crush and he would outgrow it eventually.
Fluttershy wasn't so sure.
She could see Spike was taking this very seriously
and more than likely was setting himself up to get hurt.

"Oh, I really shouldn't, but....I need to make sure he's okay."

She quickly set off after Spike, hoping to stay out of sight but stay close enough to help if need be.

Spike quickly reached Rarity's door and did one last check of himself making sure he was ready.
From a distance, Fluttershy watched him, partly hoping that his evening would go as he foresaw,
but partly wanting to run up to Spike and tell him how she felt.
Inside, Rarity was hard at work on a lovely gown, looking somewhat flustered and tired.

"Just need to get the seem just right, make sure it threads perfectly..."

She finished her work and set the dress on a mannequin looking quite satisfied.

"Yes, another success Rarity! Now onto the next-"

She is cutoff as her doorbell rings.

"Who could that be at this hour?"

She quickly walked to her door and opened it to see Spike looking very hopeful and smitten.

"Spike! What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?"

Spike was lost in his thoughts for just a moment as he admired her.
Even disheveled from her work, she was beyond stunning.
He cleared his throat and offered her the flowers.

"Well, I was wondering if you would be interested in a little night out. Some dinner, dancing, maybe a nice walk by the lake?"

Spike made a bow to her and didn't notice Rarity looked a bit conflicted.
She still had work to do and she was in no shape for a night out
and she didn't like stringing Spike along like this,
but on another hand, he had obviously gone to a lot of work to make himself up for her
and obviously very much wanted her company.

"Well...Spike, I-"

She stopped for a moment as she noticed Fluttershy watching from a distance and had an idea.

"Darling, I'm so sorry, but I've got so much work to do I really don't have the time."

Spike heard this and couldn't help but droop a bit in sadness, but Rarity gently lifted his head.

"But please don't let me ruin you're evening. There are still plenty of ladies who would love an evening out with you."

"Well...."

Spike felt a bit torn by this, not wanting to spend the night with anyone else, but Rarity gazed at Him with a puppy dog look.

"Please Spikey-Wikey? For me?"

She fluttered her eyes at him and he finally sighed.

"Okay Rarity, for you, I'll find someone else for the night."

She gave him a little hug and patted him on the head.

"Have fun."

She slowly closed her door, winking once at Fluttershy in the distance.
Fluttershy had watched in anticipation, and now felt so grateful to Rarity's gesture.

"Thank you Rarity."

Meanwhile, Spike was slowly walking away from Rarity's shop looking downtrodden.

"That could have gone better..."

"Um...Spike?"

Spike jumped slightly hearing Fluttershy's voice and saw her smiling warmly at him.

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh just, um...passing by...."

Spike eyed her suspiciously, and she worked up the courage to speak.

"So um...how.....how did it go with Rarity?"

"It didn't...Rarity's got alot of work she needs to finish right now. "

Fluttershy could see him becoming depressed and gently hugged him with her wing.

"Well, if you'd like, maybe....um, I could, possibly treat you out.
I know the Cakes have some emeralds they could bake into a meal for you. "

Spike looked at her thinking it over for a few moments.
Fluttershy was inwardly praying he would say yes.
Finally Spike decided he had pormised Rarity to enjoy the evening.

"Okay, Fluttershy, let's go."

Fluttershy smiled wide and inwardly squealed with delight and the two set off.

When they arrived at Sugarcube corner, they were warmly welcomed by Ms. Cake
who showed them to a table.
They started a simple chat when Pinkie Pie dashed in.

"Hey guys! What are you doing here! OOh! Spike! You're all dressed up so nice! What's the occasion?

She then gasped for joy.

"Are you two dating?! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! That's so awesome! How about I get some candles and some music and-"

Spike silenced her by placing a claw over her mouth.

"Pinkie, it's not really a date. We're just having a night out together is all."

Pinkie nodded but Fluttershy looked down at his comment.

"Well, we have those emerald cupcakes you like Spike! Want some?"

"Absolutely! What about you Fluttershy?"

"Some Peppermint cookies, please."

"Coming right up!"

Pinkie dashed away leaving them alone.

"I swear, one day I'll figure out how she works."

Fluttershy couldn't help but laugh at his comment and he glared lightheartedly at her.

"So, Fluttershy, since you live so close to the forest, do you ever have to deal with big nasty animals, like Timberwolves?"

"No, thank heavens, I found a few different ways to keep those kinds of creatures away.
Sometimes Twilight even uses her magic to help me.
She says it gives her a chance to try out new spells she learns."

"That's-"

Spike was interrupted by Mr. Cakes giving him a friendly nudge.

"Well, you're certainly getting lucky with the ladies, eh kiddo"

Spike blushed lightly at this as did Fluttershy albeit with a small smile.

"Certainly went the extra mile, dressing up nice and all. Good luck!"

He gave Spike a pat on the back and left them.
Spike looked a little awkward but Fluttershy seemed a little happy.
Half a second later, Pinkie returned with their food.

"Here you go! Right out of the oven!"

Spike looked at the cupcakes, smaller than one he received on his birthday
but still with plenty of the tasty gems, and felt his mouth water.

"So, why are you here Spike? I thought you would try to take out Rarity?"

Spike looked a little annoyed as he answered.

"Well, I did...but she had too much work to do, and Fluttershy offered to treat me here."

Pinkie looked quizzically at Fluttershy who couldn't help but smile shyly.

"Well...I couldn't let such a handsome and charming gentlecolt go to waste."

Spike and Pinkie both looked surprised at this and Fluttershy blushed fiercly but smiled.
Pinkie Pie seemed to realize it and left them be, giggling a bit.
Spike proceeded to eat his cupcakes to try and avoid the awkward feelings he had.
He couldn't help but wonder what was going on.
Why was Fluttershy so flirty with him, and for that matter, why was he so taken aback by it?
His heart belonged to Rarity, it always had.
Then again, he had never really looked at another pony, but he didn't think he needed to.
Rarity was so much more beautiful than any other pony.
Spike tried to push these thoughts out of his mind as he finished his cupcakes feeling very satisfied.

"Mmmm, that was great, I-"

Spike then noticed a clock said 10:30pm.

"Oh no! My curfew! Twilight's gonna kill me!"

Spike started to run but Fluttershy gently stopped him.

"Don't worry Spike. I'll bring you home and explain to Twilight."

Spike smiled wide eyed at her.

"You will? Oh thank you!"

Spike gave her a big hug which she happily accepted.
She placed him on her back and flew off for the library, reaching it a few minutes later.

Twilight was tapping her hoof angrily as she looked at the clock,
feeling concerned and frustrated by Spike's lateness.

"I told him not to be out late! Where in Equestria is he?"

Her front door opened and Twilight was about to shout but she saw Fluttershy carrying Spike and felt confused.

"Fluttershy? Wha-....Where's Rarity?"

"Hello Twilight. I'm so sorry for Spike being late, but Rarity couldn't join him tonight,
so I offered him a treat at Sugarcube corner. We lost track of time."

Twilight eyed them both as Spike looked on nervously. Finally she sighed on resignment.

"You're off the hook just this once Spike! You do this again, I'll have you dust the library with a Robin's feather."

Spike sighed in relief and stepped to the floor.

"Thank you for the night out Fluttershy."

"My pleasure Spike."

Spike held out his hand for a shake but Fluttershy surprised him and Twilight by giving him a kiss on the cheek,
turning quickly and flying away giggling.
Spike looked a little confused as he touched his cheek and Twilight looked amused.

"Are you two?...."

Spike quickly retorted with a blush.

"No, er, I don't know...."

Spike looked embarassed as he fiddled with his hands and Twilight laughed lightheartedly.

" C'mon Spike. Time for bed. "

Spike followed Twilight upstairs, both entering their beds,
though Spike had trouble sleeping for he still had a thought in his mind.

"Does she really like me?"
End part 1

Uncertain paths

Twilight Sparkle rose bright and early prepared to tackle a new day. She used her magic to pull Spike from his little bed making him groan.

"5 more minutes...."

Twilight just shook her head.

"C'mon Spike. "

He groggily made his way downstairs as Twilght prepared a simple oatmeal for both of them. Spike struggled to keep his eyes open.

"If you had come home on time, you wouldn't be so tired."

Spike grumbled at her as he started to eat.

"How was Sugarcube corner?"

Spike blushed a little and answered nervously.

"It was...nice. We saw Pinkie and Mr. Cake and had a snack. They both thought we were on a date."

Twilight looked at him quizzically as she swallowed a bite.

"Well, it was wasn't it?"

Spike looked flustered by her question and tried to hide his embarrassment.

"N-no! Fluttershy....She just-just wanted to cheer me up since Rarity was too busy."

Spike started to fiddle with his oatmeal and Twilight smirked at him.

"She seemed to think it was."

"It wasn't."

"Well why'd she kiss you?"

"I don't know! She-..."

Spike felt very awkward at that moment and shifted in his seat trying to think what to say. Twilight thought it was adorable.

"You like her, don't you?"

"NO! I-I don't!"

"Spike, take it easy, there's nothing wrong with-"

"IT WAS NOT A DATE!"

Twilight quickly used her magic to hold Spike down to make him calm down. When he did, she spoke up.

"What are you getting so upset about it? What is wrong with Fluttershy being interested in you?"

Spike looked down in embarrassment and Twilight quickly knew the answer and rubbed her temple sighing.

"Spike....I understand you've liked Rarity for a long time and I do respect you for trying to stay loyal to her, but tell me, has she ever returned those feelings?"

"Yes! Like after I changed back from full size or when I gave her that ruby, or....um....."

Spike tried to think of other times, but he couldn't.
Any other memories he had were of her just asking for favors or babying him like when he joined the dragon migration.
He finally sighed and Twilight continued.

"Now think how often Fluttershy has been nice to you. Just to take the time to talk, cheer you up or just wanted to see you."

Spike did just that, having far more memories of Fluttershy going out of her way for him.
He tried to ignore them but Twilight had a point.

"Now tell me, in all honesty, who do you think would make you happier?"

Spike slammed his fists into the table in frustration.

"YOU DON'T KNOW THAT! I JUST NEED TO PROVE MYSELF FOR RARITY TO SEE-"

Twilight stopped him but tried to soften her tone.
She somewhat knew this day would come when Spike would have to accept his crush was just that and wouldn't really become anything more, but she didn't want to hurt him anymore than he already was.

"You've been trying ever since we came to Ponyville. If she had any interest, wouldn't she have taken time from work for you?"

Spike could only squint to hold back tears as Twilight continued.

"Yet Fluttershy saw you were unhappy and she tried to make you feel better. She even helped you when you came back late. Wouldn't you rather be with someone who cares for you as much as you do for them?"

"NO!"

Twilight looked surprised at this and Spike realized what he said.

"I-...I don't...."

Spike finally started to cry as he felt utterly confused, hugging his legs and burying his face in his knees.
Twilight quickly got up and hugged him, hoping to calm him down.
After a few minutes of gentle crying, Spike looked up at Twilight.

"I'm so confused."

"I understand, Spike. Sometimes when you want something so much, you're convinced it's the right thing for you, even if it's impossible for you to have."

He looked at her with his tear filled eyes, feeling a little better.
Twilight grabbed a napkin and cleaned his face.

"But you can't spend your whole life chasing something you can never have, you'll just make yourself miserable and miss a chance for something that is really good for you."

Spike sighed as Twilight held his chin while still cuddling him.

"And it's silly to try to reach for a star when you have a gem right in front of you."

Spike thought hard on this but still didn't know for certain how to feel.

"I need to think about this, Twi."

Twilight gave him a kiss on the forehead and one last hug before returning to breakfast.
As they went about their days work, Spike couldn't shake how he felt for Rarity,
despite Twilight's words and Fluttershy's obvious attention.
"Why does this have to be so hard?"
~
Fluttershy had woken full of energy and joy after a sound night sleep,
having pleasant dreams of the handsome little dragon she liked.
She had been beaming all the way home after leaving Spike.
She was honestly surprised with herself. She always had so much trouble around others, living up to her name.
However with Spike, she felt like she could do almost anything, he just put her at such ease.
She had spent much of the morning as she usually did with her animals,
though she was much more giddy and constantly singing to herself.
As she prepared a meal for Angel, he looked at her in bewilderment thinking she was nuts,
but didn't really care, as long as he got his food.
Fluttershy later left to do some errands in town when she heard a shout.

"Hey Fluttershy!"

Fluttershy looked up to see Rainbow Dash finishing removing clouds in the air.
Rainbow noticed Fluttershy flying low which surprised her, considering she preferred to walk.
She joined her on her way to town.

"Well, you're in a good mood today? What's up?"

Fluttershy blushed a little, still beaming about her time with Spike.

"Well, last night...I had a wonderful night out with Spike."

Rainbow was surprised by this and looked excited for her friend.

"No way! You actually won him from Rarity? Ha! That a girl!"

Rainbow gave her a pat on the back but Fluttershy spoke up nervously.

"Well, no...he, um.....Rarity was too busy to join him and-"

"Ugh! He just went to you for a rebound?"

"Oh no! I invited him to join me at Sugarcube corner, we had a snack and had a lovely evening."

Rainbow looked thoughtfully at Fluttershy as they entered the Market.

"So...is there anything between you two?"

"I don't know. I'd love to but he's still so in love with Rarity. I don't want to risk hurting him by asking Rarity to send him away."

"C'mon Fluttershy! You know that won't work out for him. Better it happens now before he tries something he'll regret."

Fluttershy sighs worriedly.

"I know but....you should have seen how excited he looked going to Rarity's. Like he was on top of the world."

Fluttershy looked a little down at this, Rainbow tried to reassure her.

"Hey, I get it, you want him to be happy, but you wanna be happy too right?"

Fluttershy nodded.

"So just go for it. Something like this you can't tiptoe around."

Fluttershy took her words to thought. She had a good point.
The two continued to chat in the market and eventually ran into Applejack at her apple booth.

"Hey Sugarcubes. How y'all doin'?"

"Believe it or not, Fluttershy-"

"Went out with Spike?"

Rainbow looked surprised hearing this but Fluttershy understood.

"Pinkie?"

"All she talked about all day."

"Oh dear. "

"So, what exactly are you and the little sprout up to?"

"Nothing really. I just invited him to Sugarcube corner. Though I think Rarity tried to encourage it."

Rainbow looked confused hearing this.

"Wait, how?"

"Well, she noticed I had been watching Spike, I just wanted to be able to lend a hand if needed, and she suggested he spend the night with someone else and winked at me."

Rainbow and Applejack looked thoughtful about this.

"I guess even Rarity thinks it should happen, but..."

"Fluttershy, Everypony wants it to happen!"

Fluttershy looked surprised at Applejack.

"They do?"

Applejack smirks and points to her eyes.

"These happen to work. I seen how much you like spending time with him. So do the other girls."

Rainbow dash chimed in.

"Yeah, the only one we weren't sure about was Rarity. Half the time we thought she really did like Spike cause she would always have him over to do favors, not to mention the whole birthday incident. "

"Well, we don't know she didn't do that just to make him happy and not for my sake. "

Applejack and Rainbow both cocked an eyebrow at her. Fluttershy responded nervously.

"W-well, like you said....she always has him over. Maybe...oh, this is so frustrating."

"Come on now Sugarcube. Don'cha think Rarity woulda done something sooner if she did want Spike for herself?"

"Well....um..."

Fluttershy felt embarrassed thinking about this, like she was trying to steal him from Rarity.
She was broken from her thoughts when she heard a shout.

"Darling!"

Fluttershy was caught in a hug from Rarity who was very excited.

"Pinkie just told me about last night! I'm so happy for you."

Fluttershy was very surprised by this while Applejack only smirked at her.

"That settles it I guess."

Fluttershy looked a little happier.

"Does this mean....you..wouldn't mind if...Spike and I-"

"Fluttershy, I'm surprised you didn't try sooner. We all know you've been dying to have little Spike to yourself."

"Well, yes, but....he's still in love with you Rarity."

"Sweetie, it's just a little crush-"

"No, it's not. I've seen how happy and excited he gets thinking about you. He thinks he can prove he can be the man you want."

Fluttershy visibly saddens saying this, but Rarity tries to cheer her up.

"He just hasn't realized how lucky he is to have caught your eye."

"But...I just don't want to hurt him."

Rainbow places a comforting hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder.

"Nopony ever said love would be simple."

Fluttershy could only fidget awkwardly, uncertain what to think.
Rarity suddenly looked like she had an idea.

"Darling, why don't we head to the spa? It will help you relax and clear your head."

"Well...."

"Trust me, darling. It will help."

Fluttershy sighed in resignation.

" Alright."

Rarity and Fluttershy wished Applejack and Rainbow goodbye and left. Rainbow looks amused by the situation.

"I'm kinda surprised Spike managed to get Fluttershy's attention so easily."

Applejack laughed a little.

"Little fellaws' a reguler Romeo."
~
Twilight and Spike were doing a few errands around town.

"What's next Spike?"

"We need to pickup an order of quills."

"Right."

Twilight started to search through her bag, pretending to look for her order form,
but instead pulled out a book on animals.

"Oh, Spike, I completely forgot. I told Fluttershy I would give her a book she asked about. "

Spike looked at her with a suspicious look to which she only smiled sheepishly.

"You 'forgot'?"

"Well....Spike, could you bring it to her while I get the order?"

Spike looked a little surprised and embarassed, having an idea what she had in mind.
Twilight just patted his head.

"I'm just asking you to bring her a book, Spike. That's all. Just deliver the book and meet me back at the library. Think you can handle that?"

Spike fiddled in place a bit before nodding.

"Good, I'll see you later Spike."

Spike ran off toward Fluttershy's home, Twilight watching him with a smile.
Along his way, Rainbow spotted him while flying above Ponyville.
She decided to make a divebomb and tackle Spike, making them both tumble into a dogpile.
Spike gave her an annoyed glare.

"Hi Dash."

"Hey there, stud."

Spike looked surprised at her comment.

"Wait, what?"

"I heard you and Fluttershy went out last night."

"It was'nt a date! We.....we just...um...."

Spike blushed brightly . Rainbow hugged him and gave him a noogie.

"Don't be modest, bud."

Spike laughed at her as he fidgeted out of her grip.

"What are you up to?"

"Twilight asked me to bring a book to Fluttershy."

"Well, she's at the spa right now, with Rarity."

Spike looked horrified hearing this.

"She's with Rarity?"

"Yeah, why?"

Spike looked nervous thinking about this, and Rainbow quickly realized why.

"Oh, um...."

"I should...go drop this off."

"Hey!"

Spike looked at her, Rainbow not sure what to say to him.

"Um...Good luck, little buddy."

Rainbow patted him on the shoulder, and Spike smiled gratefully and headed out.
~
Rarity and Fluttershy were enjoying a full masseuse from Aloe and Lotus Blossom and chatting pleasantly.

"...and Silversheen Daily had a very in depth article on gemweaving, of course most of it was really common knowledge to moi."

Rarity made a confident gesture.

"Well, maybe one of your outfits could be noticed by them. You certainly have enough beautiful dresses."

"Indeed, darling. Though I would need someone to model for me."

"Well, I could."

"Splendid! Maybe even Spike would be willing to lend a hand again."

Fluttershy blushed but smiled widely.

" I....I wouldn't mind the attention."

Aloe and Lotus Blossom aww at her and Fluttershy blushes.

"I should make you something nice to wear for a night out. "

"Oh you don't have-"

"Nonsense, darling, if little Spikey is going to dress up so nicely for a night out, you'll want to look your best for him."

"Well...."

She stops when the bell above the entrance rings.
Aloe goes to the desk to greet the customer but gasps to see Spike there.
She barely contains her excitement as she greets him.

"Hello dear, how can I help you?"

"Hi Aloe. Is Fluttershy here?"

"She's right inside, sweetie."

Spike thanks her and enters the spa nervously,
only to stop dead in his tracks when he sees Fluttershy and Rarity inside and he gulps in fear.
~
Twilight is heading through the market on her way home when she hears Applejack.

"Howdy, Twilight."

"Hi Applejack."

Twilight quickly trotted to speak to her friend.

"How's Spike?"

"Well, he's been a little bit confused, today."

"How so?"

"Well, you know he and Fluttershy had a night out last night, right?"

"Heard it from Pinkie a few dozen times. Fact, Fluttershy was hear earlier talkin' 'bout it."

"Really? What did she say?"

"Honestly, she's worried about his feelings for Rarity. Kept sayin' she might hurt him."

"Sounds like she's just what Spike needs."

"Really?"

"Well, this morning, I talked to Spike about it. The poor thing was so confused about it, he was in tears."

"Fluttershy was right then. Boy is pretty serious about Rarity."

"Speaking of which, have you seen her?"

"Last I saw, she was with Fluttershy at the spa."

Twilight realized what she had done and became nervous.

"Uh-oh..."

What's wrong?"

"I had wanted to send Spike to give her a book so they could talk."

Applejack looked very concerned hearing this.

"We'd best find him before it all goes hooves up."

With that, Twilight and Applejack set off for the spa only to be stopped by Pinkie Pie.

"Hi guys! Did you hear the news? Well, Applejack has heard, Twilight must know too! Or do you? Maybe Spike kept it a secret? But how can it be a secret if so many others know it? Maybe-"

"Yes, Pinkie, I know, Spike and Fluttershy had a date last night. Right now we're trying to get to him, before he gets into an uncomfortable situation. "

"What could be uncomfortable about it? Is it like wearing a hat that's too small? I did that once. A friend-"

Applejack gently hushes her.

"Pinkie, we'll explain on the way."

"Okie-dokie-lokie."
~
Spike was nearly shaking in fear.
He didn't want to let Rarity see how he might have feelings for Fluttershy, but he also had a job to do.
Part of him wanted to run out of the spa, another wanted to cry in frustration.
He stood motionless until Aloe gently nudged him forward.

"Go on."

Spike took a breath and approached Fluttershy.
Lotus Blossom, seeing Spike, had a look of excitement and excused herself.
Fluttershy lit up like a star seeing him, stopping him dead in his tracks.

"Hello Spike. It's so good to see you."

Spike looked powerless under her gaze, something he didn't fully understand.
Why was he so nervous? How could she have such an effect on him;
she never had before. He nervously answered.

"H-hi Fluttershy. Hi Rarity."

"Hello darling."

Rarity watched the two with excitement,
feeling like she was watching a brilliant romance novel being played out before her.
Spike pulled out the book and handed it to Fluttershy.

"Twilight asked me to bring you a book you asked her for."

"Oh, thank you so much Spike".

She gave him a hug with her wing and cuddled him, making him blush fiercely.
The other ponies giggled in delight seeing this.
~
Pinkie, Applejack and Twilight were all running to the spa, when they were approached by Rainbow Dash in the air.

"Where are you all going?"

Twilight spoke up, still running.

"We need to stop Spike from going to the spa."

Rainbow looked embarrased with herself

"Um....too late."

The three running ponies stopped.

"What are ya'll talkin about?"

"I actually told him Fluttershy was there and...he's probably there by now."

"Well, why didn't you stop him?!"

"Hey, hey, I'm not the one who sent him to see Fluttershy."

"Rrrrgh! Let's just get going."

The four set off and entered the spa soon after, only to be shushed by Aloe, who waved them over.
They quietly approached to see Spike nervously talking to Fluttershy, Rarity watching with delight.
Rainbow pumped her fists in victory and cheered softly.

"You go Spike!"
~
Spike had felt the others enter, feeling much more awkward for having so many eyes on him.

"So...um....I have....have to get going."

Spike started to turn to leave but Fluttershy gently stopped him.

"Wait, Spike. I actually know a nice little pond in town. Maybe.....we could go there for a little picnic? I have gems I could make into something nice for you."

Spike was surprised to hear this, to say the least.
She was actually asking him out? In front of Rarity no less?
His eyes darted back and forth between the two,
seeing Fluttershy anxiously waiting for an answer and Rarity on the edge of her seat,
eyes wide with anticipation.

"Um...I.....I....."

"Yes?"

Fluttershy reached out to him with her wings in a gentle embrace,
with a look no one had seen from Fluttershy before.
It was like Her infamous stare, but instead of being menacing, it was full of hope and desire.
Spike didn't know if her normal stare was worse than this.
Spike tried to answer, but he couldn't shake the feeling of everyone watching him,
which made him feel so embarrassed.
He squinted his eyes tightly as tears started to flow.
Fluttershy noticed and placed her hooves on his cheeks.

"Spike, what-"

She stopped and everyone jumped as Spike grabbed both spines on the sides of his head,
screamed in frustration and sprinted out of the spa faster than even Rainbow could do,
knocking down Aloe and the other ponies watching.
Fluttershy looked mortified with herself.

"What have I done?"

Everyone looked shocked at what happened and Applejack spoke up first.

"We're mighty sorry, Fluttershy. We were worried Spike might get in over his head and tried to get here before he did, but...."

She, Twilight, Pinkie and Rainbow all lower their heads in shame. Rarity sighs in disappointment.

"Girls please, come join us. Ladies, the works, on me."

Aloe and Lotus Blossom went to work, also looking saddened by the turn of events.
The two spa ponies helped to ease the tension of the day, but the six friends were still worried.

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy. I had wanted to send Spike to you, but I didn't realize he'd be under so much pressure."

"It's alright, Twilight. Maybe....maybe this was all a bad idea to start with."

"Oh c'mon, Fluttershy. Are seriously telling me you're just gonna give up?"

"I have to agree with Rainbow Dash, darling. We could all see how happy he makes you."

"I know, but...it seems like all I do is make him miserable."

"It's not that, sugarcube. It's just he's still hung up on Rarity, and doesn't know what to feel."

"I should have known this would happen. This is exactly how he reacted this morning."

"What happened this morning?"

"Well, I had asked him how last night was, and he got defensive about it, and I talked to him about you and Rarity with him, and he got so confused he started crying."

Fluttershy looked horrified and started to weep.

"That's twice I've hurt him."

Applejack gently placed an arm around her.

"I think we should try and slow things down a bit. Rushin' this ain't gonna help nopony. Hopefully that should help Spike get his head straight."

They all nodded in agreement.
~
Spike was furiously searching through the volumes of the library, hoping to find something to help him.
He had run all the way home after fleeing from the spa.
A few ponies had seen him with tears in his eyes and tried to stop him to see what was wrong, but he ignored them.
He just wanted to be alone, to get away from all the prying eyes.
He didn't want anyone to know he felt this way,
to know he may actually like someone other than the mare he'd worked so hard to win over.
Now, it seemed, everyone knew, and he hated it.
He wished he could have talked to Fluttershy away from everyone seeing him.
He felt like a sideshow freak, like his whole life was on display for other's entertainment,
which only made his confusion and frustration so much worse.
He had searched through every book on love and romance he had found, but so far, nothing could help him.

"Come on, there's gotta be something here that can help me! A spell, a potion, just anything to tell me who is really the right one."

Finally, he discovered a book marked with two alicorns surrounding a ruby heart on it's cover.
He quickly took it and started to read through it.
Most of it was records of failed spells and potions attempting to change pony's desires, but one entry caught his eye.
It told of one success done centuries ago.
The story told of a unicorn who was required by law to find a mate and bare a child for his family.
But he had no idea who to find, so he had studied many different magics
until he found several different books when studied and taking their knowledge together
gave him the recipe to a powerful and effective potion.
It required mostly simple magical items, except for one. A single drop of dragon's blood,
freshly taken from the dragon's veins.
He managed to create the potion and it led him to a young woman that instantly fell in love with, and he her.
The two were married soon after and lived the rest of their lives together in bliss.
Spike leapt for joy, finished reading. This was exactly what he was looking for.

"Finally! I could win...."

Spike stopped, uncertain if he wanted either Rarity or Fluttershy, causing more distress, but he pushed it out of his mind.

"Once I make this potion, I can finally stop this. Whatever happens, I'll know for certain."

Spike grabbed a quill and parchment, writing down all the ingredients and instructions.
He quickly hid them under his basket bed moments before Twilight returned.

"Spike?"

Spike rushed downstairs to meet her.

"Hi Twilight."

"Spike, I'm sorry about what happened today. I didn't mean to put you into that situation."

"Well....I'm sorry I freaked out."

"No, it's alright Spike. I understand right now, you're in an uncomfortable situation. I won't try to push."

Spike hugged her, thankful for her understanding,
though he wasn't certain she would approve of what he planned to use.

"Let's get some sleep. It's been a long day."

They both went up stairs, wishing each other goodnight, though Spike was feeling somewhat hopeful about tomorrow.

"This will be it. I'm finally gonna have my special somepony. I just hope she accepts me."

End part 2

Shattered dreams and new paths

Twilight is gathering items, preparing for a day out when Spike groggily walks down stairs, having just woken up.

"Twilight....wha...."

"Spike, I'd like for you to stay home today. Try to get some rest."

"Wait, really?"

"I want you to clear your head and avoid anymore embarrassment."

"Are you sure? You really don't need my help?"

Twilight gave him a big hug which he happily returned.

"Don't worry about me, you just worry about yourself today. I'll be back around noontime. I'll make us a nice lunch so we can talk, okay."

"Okay."

With that, Twilight gave him another hug and wished him goodbye before leaving.

"Should I even try that stuff? Twilight told me to stay put."

Spike started to think about it until he noticed a butterfly on the window and put on a determined face.
He spoke his thoughts out loud with a determined tone.

"I need to settle this. I need to know, once and for all, who is my special somepony."

Spike went to his bed and pulled out the parchment, only to find the ink smudged to an unreadable mess.
Unphased, he quickly reached for the original book and wrote the recipe on another parchment.
He hastily returned the book to it's place, made a note to Twilight if he was late,
grabbed a bag to carry supplies and headed out, ready to settle the mess he was in.

Rarity was busy preparing a gown being worn by Fluttershy,
it consisted mostly of pleasant yellows and light greens, the colors Fluttershy liked most.
Fluttershy felt a little fidgety.

"Try to hold still, dear. Nearly finished."

"I'm sorry. I just can't help worrying about Spike."

"Darling, don't worry. Twilight said she would make sure he was well. It's no use concerning yourself about something you can't control."

Fluttershy nodded as Rarity's magic continued to work on the dress.

"Just finish this last seam....Done."

Rarity pulled her tools away using magic and motioned for Fluttershy to follow her.
She led her to a large mirror, allowing Fluttershy to see how she looked.

"What do you think, darling?"

Fluttershy sees the dress is like a long flowing gown, mostly made of colored silk,
giving her an appearance of a forest spirit. Fluttershy's eyes lit up and she squealed in delight.

"It's beautiful Rarity! I love it!"

Fluttershy gave Rarity a big hug.

"My pleasure. I'm sure Spike will love it, once he finally asks you out."

Fluttershy couldn't help but sigh wistfully, imagining having a romantic evening with Spike.
Rarity looked giddy for her friend.

"I hope Spike likes it."

"Trust me, darling, he will."

Across town, Rainbow Dash was flying high, doing a few flying exercises
and enjoying the sky when she spotted Twilight.
She made for the ground to speak to her.

"Hi Twilight."

"Hi Rainbow Dash."

"So...how's Spike?"

"He's alright. He home right now, to settle his thoughts."

The two entered the market, Twilight happily buying different vegetables and grains.
Rainbow appeared to feel guilty.

"Didn't think he was so shy. He was always so open about his crush for Rarity, I figured...."

"I know Dash, but, right now he doesn't have a clue who he wants to be with.
He needs time to think and decide."

"Well, nothing says we can't give a gentle nudge in the right direction."

"Yes, but just a gentle nudge. We don't want to repeat yesterday."

Rainbow nodded emphatically.
Neither of them noticed Spike was hiding behind baskets of fruits and vegetables and shop stands,
trying to avoid their sight to purchase what he needed.
He watched them cautiously, slowly moving from hiding spot to spot as they moved along.
Just as he was about to head toward the stand he needed, Twilight suddenly turned.

"Oh, I need one last thing."

Spike quickly lept into a pile of oranges, making Twilight look toward the sound suspiciously.
After a few seconds, she shrugged and purchased the last item she needed and left the market with Rainbow.
Spike took a breath and exited the pile. The stand clerk gave him a glare and pointed to his tail.
Spike looked to see he had an orange stuck to it's end and paid the clerk for it.
He quickly made his way to Rose's flower stand.

"Hey there Spike. How are you today?"

"I'm okay. I need to purchase a special kind of flower."

"What sort?"

Spike pulled out the parchment and read off the name.

"Lover's broken heart."

Rose turned to look through her inventory for the flower and presented it to him.
The flower was a dark red and shaped like half a heart that had been torn from it's other half.

"You plan on wooing someone with this?"

"Well....something like that. I need to settle who I was meant for, and this will help."

"What-Oh.....I understand."

Rose gave him a wink but Spike could only sigh in embarrassment
knowing yet someone else knew his troubles.
She patted him on the shoulder to comfort him.

"Hey, it's okay kiddo. You're not the first guy to have this problem. Just try and keep a cool head about it, and you should be able to set it right."

Spike thanked her for her advice and paid for the rose.
He checked his list of items and saw he needed three more before he could mix the potion.
He set off for his next stop.

At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Big Mac were hard at work harvesting apples,
Applejack looking a little worried. Big Mac brought up the wagon and he and Applejack
loaded the bushels of apples into it. As they were pulling it back to the barn Applejack spoke up.

"Big Mac, can I ask you somethin'?"

"Eeyup."

"If ya'll had a friend who...was goin after the wrong thing, but there was a good thing he could have but didn't realize, what would you do?"

"Ya'll are talkin about Spike and Fluttershy?"

Applejack nodded.

"Well, AJ, I ain't really the one to ask. I ain't really been with nopony special, but you can't be tellin' anypony who they should be with or not. You can point um in the right direction, but that's it."

Applejack nodded in agreement.

In the cutie mark crusader's clubhouse, the crusaders were busy discussing what to do for their cutie marks.
Sweetie Belle thought of trying painting, Scootaloo wanted to do something related to stunts,
and Applebloom wanted to see if they could try selling things.

"C'mon guys! Lot's of famous ponies earned cutie marks making works of art."

"There's no way I'd be stuck in studio painting when I could be doing awesome stunts for a huge crowd."

"I was thinkin' maybe we should try something a bit simpler. Selling stuff seems like a good place to start. "

"No offense Applebloom, but you tried that once with Applejack."

"Well, maybe we could make paintings, and then sell them. We could be art vendors."

"What kind of cutie mark would that even give us?"

The three all thought about it for a few moments until Sweetie Belle noticed something outside.

"Hey girls, come look!"

The other two crusaders joined her at the window to see Spike looking around for something.

"What's Spike doing here? And why's he all by himself?"

"Well, let's go ask."

Outside, Spike was searching across the ground for an apple blossom,
uncertain exactly what he was looking for.

"Should have checked a dictionary before I left."

The three crusaders greeted him loudly in unison

"Hey Spike!"

Spike jumped in fear and became nervous seeing the cutie marks crusaders had spotted him.

"Um, hi guys."

"What are ya'll doin here all by your lonesome?"

"I was...just, um....passing by. That's all."

"It looked like you were searching for something."

"No, I just dropped something."

"What was it?"

"A....quill...."

Spike smiled nervously as the three eyed him suspiciously.

"Ya'll are up to something, aren't ya?"

Spike shook his head nervously.
Applebloom quickly dashed behind him and held him in an armlock.
Sweetie Belle plucked one of Scootaloos' feathers and approached Spike.

" Don't make me use this."

"No, please, not that."

"So tell us what you're hiding."

Spike clamed up, not wanting to tell them anything.
Sweetie Belle had had enough and started tickling him with the feather, making him laugh hysterically.
After a minute he finally gave in.

"Okay, okay, I'll talk!"

Applebloom released Spike and he caught his breath.

"I'm....I'm looking for ingredients for a potion."

"What kind?"

Spike looked reluctant to answer, but Sweetie Belle showed him the feather again.

"It's a love potion!"

The girls looked concerned hearing this.

"No, it's not the one you made. It's one that will tell me who I'm meant to be with."

"But I thought you liked Rarity."

Spike looked embarrassed until Applebloom answered.

"Is this somethin' to do with Fluttershy?"

Spike smacked his head in frustration.

"DOES EVERYPONY KNOW ABOUT THIS?!"

"I just overheard Applejack talkin' to Big Mac, 'bout how you were trying to talk to Fluttershy and were real nervous about it."

Spike blushed at her statement but Sweetie Belle looked elated.

"So Fluttershy is your special somepony?"

"I....I don't know. That's why I need this potion. I need to figure out what to do, and this will help me do it."

The crusaders looked thoughtful about it until Sweetie Belle gasped.

"We could help you! We can find all the items and mix the potion. We can be alchi-..um-...alcho-we can be potion makers!"

"I think that's called Alchemist. And that be a great cutie mark."

"Well, it's worth a try."

All three cheer for joy.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ALCHEMISTS!"

The three jumped and shared a high five.

"So, what do we need first?"

"We need a flower called an apple blossom."

Applebloom giggled at him

"Those don't grow on the ground silly, they grow in apple trees"

"So let's go get one."

The three crusaders rushed off to the orchard.

The crusaders headed toward a tree covered with the needed flowers,
trying to stay out of sight of Applejack and Big Mac.

"Can't we just ask for one, Applebloom?"

"Applejack would never let anyone take a blossom off a tree, she'd lose her temper just for us asking.

The three stood on one another's shoulder's to reach a flower, plucking one quickly.
They ran off before Applejack saw what they did.

"Ya'll hear something?"

"Nnope."

Applejack looked around. Not seeing anyone ,she shrugged.

~
Twilight returned home with a large bag of groceries in tow.

"Spike, I'm home!"

Twilight waited for his response but received none.
She set down her groceries and looked around curiously.

"Spike?"

She noticed the note left by Spike. She picked it up and read out loud.

Dear Twilight,
I'm sorry I left the library, but I needed to settle this once and for all.
I've found a way to determine what's right. I didn't think you'd approve, but I promise,
one way or another, I'll have the answer I need. I'll be back once it's settled.
Love Spike.

Twilight set down the letter, thinking out loud.

"Wait, what could he have that-"

Twilight notices the book Spike used sticking out of the shelf slightly.
She grabbed it with her magic and searched through it's pages.
She came to the story Spike used and she gasped.

"Spike, no! This isn't how you find love."

She tossed the book aside and rushed out of the library, hoping to find him before he hurt himself.

The cutiemark crusaders were building a pony bridge to reach the bottom of a running river,
Spike holding them from the current.
After a moment, they signaled to be pulled up and Spike pulls them away from the water.
The three of them attempted to dry off.

"Did you get it?"

Scootaloo held up a small perfectly smooth tear shaped onyx.

"That should be the last of it."

The three excitedly look at their flanks but slump seeing no cutie mark.

"Now what?"

"Now we have to mix it."

Spike reached into his bag and pulled out a mortar and pestle.
He first crushed the onyx into tiny fragments. Spike started to speak the instructions out loud.

"Midnight's tear shattered..."

He then took the broken heart flower and ripped it into pieces.

"Wounded heart, once more rendered...."

Finally he started plucking the Apple blossom and placed the pieces into the mix.

"Young fruits' petals, fallen from it's cradle."

Spike then sighed and reached into his bag, pulling out a needle. The crusaders gasped.

"Wh-what do you need that for?"

"The last ingredient."

Spike placed the needle over the tip of his pinkie but Applebloom lept and stopped him.

"The hay are you doin'?! What kind of mix is this?"

"The kind that will help me set things right."

"You have to hurt yourself to do it?!"

Spike shoved her away.

"YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH THE PAST TWO DAYS! I JUST WANT THIS ALL TO BE DONE WITH!"

The crusaders recoiled in fear at his shout.
Spike panted in anger for a moment before trying to calm himself.

"I'm....I'm sorry. I-I just...."

Spike breaks down and cries in frustration,
feeling exhausted from the constant embarrassments he suffered.
The crusaders gave him a comforting hug.

"Ya'll do whatever you have to, Spike. We won't judge you for it."

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nod in agreement.
Spike takes the pin and pricks his pinkie quickly, yelping in pain.
He squeezes it until a drop of blood falls into the mortar.
As soon as it hits the mix, it's starts to rumble and bubble.
The four stepped back nervously, expecting it to blow up.
They jump in fear when it sparks bright red and releases a cloud shaped like a heart.
They cautiously approach it, seeing it has turned into a thick dark red liquid.

"You have to drink that?"

Spike nods solemnly and picks it up.
He downs it quickly, gagging on the repulsive flavor.
He suddenly falls to his knees, holding his eyes as they burn fiercely.
The crusaders run to him, deeply concerned.

"Spike? Spike, are you okay?"

Spike slowly gets to his feet, opening his eyes to show they are blood red with pitch black pupils
for a half a second until he blinks, returning them to their normal colors.
He sees a long pink stream of dust leading away from him into town.
He rubs his eyes, only to still see the magic path.

"So that's how it works."

"What?"

"Well, I can see like a long stream of some kind of magic. That should be what leads me to her."

Spike was about to head out but they stopped him.

"Wait, your hand."

Spike looked to see his pinkie was still bleeding.

"It's not that bad."

The crusaders insisted he wait and they worked to take care of his cut.
Spike only hoped the potion lasted long enough.

Twilight made for Applejack's farm as fast as she could, hoping she had seen Spike.
She spotted Applejack, who looked like she had concerns for herself.

"Applejack!"

"Twilight! Did you see my sister and her friends on the way here?"

"Actually, I was gonna ask you if you had seen Spike at all."

"Spike? You said you would have him stay home for the day."

"I did, but he found a recipe for a love potion, and I'm pretty sure he plans on using it."

"Aw, shoot. This isn't like what the girls used on Big Mac, is it"

"I don't think so, but I'm not gonna trust something that could be dangerous to Spike. "

"Well, c'mon, let's go and find them."

They started to leave the orchard until Applejack spotted something.

"Hold on Twilight."

Twilight stopped as Applejack inspected one of her trees.
She realized that one of the apple blossoms had been plucked. Applejack stomped her foot in anger.

"What in tarnation?! I've told Applebloom not to bother the trees when the blossoms are growing!"

"Wait a minute."

Twilight pulls out the book Spike was using for the recipe and checks the ingredients.

"That's one of the ingredients Spike needs to make the potion. He's been here."

"The girls must have figured out what he was up to and decided to help him;
probably think it will earn them their cutie marks."

The two set off at top speed, hoping in vain they could stop this mess.

~
Spike was running as fast as he could following the magic trail before him,
the cutiemark crusaders barely able to keep up in their wagon pulled by Scootaloo.

"Spike, slow down!"

"I can't! I have no clue how long this stuff lasts!"

Spike continued to run for a bit until finally stopping to catch his breath.
Scootaloo stopped the wagon next to him.

"Spike, I can pull us all if need be. "

Spike knelt over panting, nearly out of energy.
He couldn't help think Twilight was right to tell him to rest.

"I....I.....alright."

Spike slumped into the wagon with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom
and pointed Scootaloo in the direction of the path. The path seemed to twist and turn,
going through the least straightforward path possible.
Finally, after a very confusing trip, Spike screamed.

"STOP!!!"

Scootaloo screached the wagon to a halt, and Spike jumped out,
nearly jumping for joy at what he saw.
The magic lead into Rarity's boutique. He thought he finally had his answer.
Rarity was the one he was meant for it seemed.
He thought he could finally stop all the embarrassment.
He thought he could finally fulfill his dream and be with Rarity.

This was not meant to be.

As he was about to run inside, the door opened for Fluttershy to happily skip out.
Spike quickly hid behind the bushes.
He was shocked to see the magic lead straight to her, until finally disappearing and forming an aura around her.
The path had led him to Fluttershy, she was just visiting Rarity.
What shattered Spike's thoughts was seeing and hearing Rarity.

"Oh darling, I can't wait for you to finally win over Spikey-wikey. Be sure to let me know, I have to see how adorable you look together."

"Well, I certainly hope so. But we'll have to wait till he's ready."

The two wished each other goodbye and Fluttershy skiped off happily and Rarity returned inside her shop.
Spike stood there motionless, feeling confused, hurt and frustrated,
more so than he had the past two days combined.
Rarity wanted this? How could she do this?
Why on earth would she talk about these things with Fluttershy?
She knew he cared for her. He felt like that magic was now openly mocking him,
playing with his feelings like a toy.
Spike scrunched into a ball, trying to control himself.
He wanted to scream, sob and throw up all at the same time.
How could Rarity do this to him? He worked so hard to please her,
and she tries to push him off on another pony?
The crusaders tried to comfort him, hugging him as he shook with quiet sobs.

"Spike....maybe we should-"

Spike shouted at them as he sobbed.

"JUST LET ME THINK FOR A MINUTE!"

They recoil as he tries to hold back his tears.
He finally managed to calm down enough to stop weeping,
but his hands were clenched into fists, shaking in anger.

"I need to talk to her! I need to tell her how I feel!"

Spike marched up to the door of the boutique and pounded on it.
Inside Spike heard Rarity yell a pleasant "Coming!".
A moment later, the door opened and Rarity looked surprised seeing him.

"Spike, what are you doing here? And...are you alright, you look so upset."

Spike tried to steady his breathing before he spoke.

"Rarity, we need to talk."

Rarity nodded and invited him inside and he walks in. Rarity eyed him worriedly.

"Can I get you something? A bit of water or-"

"Rarity, you.....you know I've had feelings for you for a long time, right?"

Rarity felt a pang of worry hearing his words, knowing where this conversation would go.

"Well, yes."

"Well, you may think it's just a crush, but I swear to you it's more. I love you Rarity, I swear I really do. All I want is to be your special somepony, it's all I ever wanted ever since I first saw you. I know I'm just a baby dragon, but I can change, I can be the man you need, I'm just asking you to give me a chance! Rarity, please, let me try to be the one you need."

Rarity looked flabbergasted as Spike looked at her with a desperate pleading look,
feeling very uncomfortable. She did not want to tell Spike the truth like this.
She knew he was in no shape for this news.
He had been through so much recently it would just devastate him.
But he wanted an answer, and she couldn't lie to him about this.
He deserved to know the truth. She sighed and lowered her head in sadness.

"No Spike, I can't."

Spike felt like he had big smacked in the face by a full grown dragon.
Everything he had wanted since he first came to Ponyville had been destroyed,
everything he worked so hard for, everything he dreamed about,
had been ripped to shred's by a few words. His eyes filled with tears and he shook,
trying to hold back more sobbing. Rarity tried to reach out to him, to explain to him, but he ran from her.
He ran out the boutique, knocking down the crusaders,
completely ignoring them and Rarity screaming for him to wait.
He just wanted to get away, away from the hurt, away from everyone,
just be alone and never have to feel for anyone again and never have to be hurt again.
Rarity looked horrified with herself as she stood motionless,
the crusaders looking awkward and sad seeing what had happened.

"What have I done?"

"I guess that love potion didn't work, huh?"

Rarity looked surprised and questioned the crusaders.

"What love potion?"

The crusaders looked worried as Rarity eyed them angrily.

~
Pinkie Pie was shouting happily to anyone around about Sugarcube corner's treats and services.

"Come one, come two, come three, come every number in between! We've got the best treats anywhere and everywhere! Nopony makes treats like us at Sugarcube corner!"

She was about to try and use her noise makers until she saw Spike in the distance.
She first smiled, hoping to give him a hug and invite him to enjoy some treats,
but her smile disappeared when she started to hear his sobbing and saw him running so hard.

"Spike? Spike are-"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!!!"

Spike ran past her refusing to slow down or stop.
The Cakes saw this and looked worried for him as Pinkie ran off after him, pleading with him to slow down.
Behind him, Rarity was barely able to keep track of him as the crusaders followed in tow.
Ahead of them, Fluttershy was purchasing a few things, still feeling giddy about her high hopes for Spike.
Still further away, Twilight and Applejack were briskly trotting, having picked up Spike's trail of residue magic.

"I still don't see no sign of him or the girls."

"He's here! We just-"

She stopped her sentence when she finally spotted Spike, sobbing and running like mad.
What was worse was he was heading straight for Fluttershy.
Twilight finally unfolded her wings, trying desperately to reach him first,
chanting "no" to herself repeatedly.
Above Rainbow had spotted Spike being chased by Pinkie and was flying toward him as well,
wondering what was going on.

Too late.

Spike ran headlong into Fluttershy, falling to his rump and making Fluttershy turn,
worry and concern filling her eyes when she saw him so upset.

"Spike, what's wrong?"

Spike finally looked into Fluttershy's face.
Twilight, Applejack and Rarity and the crusaders froze and held their breath in terror
while Pinkie and Rainbow watched uncertain what was happening.
Spike only felt one thing looking into Fluttershy's eyes.
All his sorrow and hurt twisted into anger and fury.
He gritted his teeth and more and more tears flowed from his eyes as he screamed at her.

"THIS IS YOUR FAULT!!!"

Fluttershy recoiled as if she had been struck.
The others looked shocked, their eyes wide and their mouths agape.

"Whu-....what are you-"

"YOU HAD TO MAKE RARITY TURN ME AWAY! YOU WERE SO JEALOUS YOU TOOK HER FROM ME! YOU TOOK THE ONLY PONY I EVER WANTED IN MY WHOLE LIFE! I LOST THE MARE I LOVE BECAUSE OF YOU!!!"

Fluttershy felt incredibly hurt and tears formed in her eyes.
The others looked completely dumbfounded, unable to move an inch seeing what was happening before them.

"YOU TOOK THE ONE THING I WANTED MORE THAN ANYTHING! YOU RUINED EVERYTHING I WORKED SO HARD FOR! I DON'T WANT YOU FLUTTERSHY! YOU'RE NOT MY MAREFRIEND, NOT MY FRIEND, NOT ANYTHING!!!!"

Fluttershy was completely devastated,
Spike finally finished with his shouting, his whole body shaking and still panting with sobs.
Fluttershy cried hysterically and ran off.
Spike tried to keep running, but his whole body felt so tired and sore,
he fell to his knees and he punched the ground in frustration, trying to take control of himself.
Twilight finally snapped to her senses and ran to Spike.
He could only look at her, his eyes still welling with tears, silently asking her to make sense of this to him.
Twilight pulled him into a tight hug, holding back her own tears of empathy.
Spike finally lost control and made heavy sobs as all his frustration and sorrow came pouring out,
holding onto her as tight as he could.
Twilight caressed him, trying to provide some comfort to him as the others approached,
all of them looking on the verge of tears.
Rarity looked the most miserable from guilt, knowing she had caused this.
After nearly an hour, Spike managed to calm down, looking at Twilight with red rimmed eyes.

"Why is this happening to me?"

Twilight could only hug him tightly, trying desperately to hold back her own tears
seeing her assistant in so much pain.
Rarity stepped toward Spike and cleared her throat, trying to stay composed.
He turned to meet her gaze, Rarity inwardly flinching at his hurt look.

"Spike, I-"

"I get it, Rarity! I'm.....I'm not good enough. I'm not the man you need."

The other ponies sent her infuriated glares, especially Twilight,
who gritted her teeth to keep from shouting at her. Rarity placed her hoof on Spike's shoulder.

"Spike, I'm sorry you had to find out like this. I'm sorry I couldn't be what you wanted me to be."

Spike could only lower his head in sorrow. Rarity gently lifted his head to look into his eyes.

"But just because you're not the man I love doesn't mean I don't love you at all. You are still my friend."

Spike panted a little, trying to hold back more tears.

"All I ever wanted was to make you happy. That's all that mattered to me."

That set everyone over the edge. Every pony couldn't hold back their tears any longer,
silently weeping having to see Spike brought to such a painful state.
Rarity tried to control herself as she continued.

"That's exactly how Fluttershy feels about you, Spike. All she wanted was to see you happy and content. It's why she stayed away for so long. She loves you dearly, and I know you feel the same about her."

Spike silently nodded, realizing she was right. His eyes shot open in shock.

"Oh no! Fluttershy! I....I have to....I have to-"

Twilight steadies him.

"We'll go with you."

Spike nodded gratefully as Twilight set him on her back as they headed for Fluttershy's cottage.

Spike and the ponies approached Fluttershy's home,
noticing all her animals were looking remourseful and her door was wide open,
like she had simply run in without concern.
They soon heard her crying, heartwrenching sobs Spike couldn't help feel so bad for.
He recognized it all too well. He had felt exactly like she did, but he had the other girls,
he had kept them preoccupied meaning none of them thought to go to her.
Spike felt extremely guilty thinking this.
Rarity entered her home, gently approaching Fluttershy who only hugged her tightly, sobbing into her.
Spike stepped down from Twilight. He knew if anyone was to set this right, it had to be him.
Twilight gave him a nod, and he slowly walked inside. The others looked on eyes full of dread,
holding their forehoofs together in prayer, hoping against hope things would work out.
Spike looked at Rarity, who gently patted Fluttershy's back.

"There's someone here to see you."

Fluttershy lifted her head to see Spike and could only grab Rarity again as she sobbed and shook.
Spike recoiled in guilt and shame. After a few moments,
Fluttershy composed herself and Rarity left them alone, shutting the door behind her.
Fluttershy looked at Spike.

"What do you want?"

Spike felt himself crumble under her gaze.
She looked completely devastated, her eyes red and raw from weeping so hard.
Spike saw that this was the same misery he felt. All his anger, frustration and embarrassment,
he had passed it on to Fluttershy, simply because she cared for him.
Spike realized then and there why the potion led to her.
They had a powerful connection. Something he didn't understand, but clearly saw.
He had found his special somepony, and he had ruined it with his selfishness.
He took a deep breath and spoke gently to her.

"I'm sorry Fluttershy. You didn't deserve anything I said to you. I completely lost control and dumped all my pain on you. I was completely wrong to say those things. You're one of the best friends I've ever had. Maybe the best thing that ever happened to me."

Fluttershy wiped her eyes, feeling surprised to here such soft words after he told her to leave him.

"I understand if you hate and can't forgive me. But there's something I want you to have."

Spike reached into the bag of supplies, searching for one item he had hoped would seal his conclusion,
but now could only be used to show amends.
He pulled out a gorgeous bright pink gem in the shape of a heart.
Fluttershy's eyes widened seeing it. Spike tenderly took her hoof and placed it in her grasp.

"I want you to have this. I had intended to give it to my special somepony. I realize now it was always meant to be you. I just wish I knew it sooner."

Spike turned from her and walked away in shame, hoping he could at least say he tried to make amends.
Fluttershy was wonderfully surprised by the gesture.
The gem was prefectly cut, like it had been lovingly carved with flames for many weeks.
Fluttershy's eyes widened and tears of joy flowed and she smiled the biggest smile she ever had.

"OH SPIKE!!!"

She lept forward and picked him up in a huge hug, covering his face in kisses and spinning in the air.

"I can never hate you! And I forgive you! You're my very best little dragon buddy now and forever!"

Fluttershy held him close as she wept joyful tears.
The girls outside felt a mix of great relief and elation,
some nearly bouncing with excitement.
Spike felt he needed to ask something, but couldn't help feel a little embarrassed.

"Um, Fluttershy?"

"Yes Spike?"

He looked into her big happy eyes and couldn't help but blush.

"Will.....will you be my very special somepony?"

Fluttershy was nearly shocked motionless,
she felt more happy tears flow and her smile widened.

"Of course I will, my little dragon."

Fluttershy pulled him into a long, warm, loving kiss.
At first Spike was surprised, but soon gave in to it, feeling all the frustration, fear, hurt and sorrow melt away,
getting lost in Fluttershy's warm loving embrace.
Outside Pinkie was jumping and cheering for joy. She rushed to the door, needing to congratulate the two.

"Pinkie, wait!"

Pinkie ignored her and rushed inside.

"Congra-"

She froze in her tracks and blushed fiercely seeing them in such an intimate embrace.
Fluttershy finally stopped the kiss and noticed Pinkie. She couldn't help but blush.

"P-pinkie...uh....I...."

The other girls entered behind her.
Fluttershy fidgeted nervously and noticed Spike floating in the air with the same look he normally had for Rarity,
but now it was focused solely on Fluttershy. Applejack couldn't help but laugh at the sight.

"Looks like you're stuck with him now."

Fluttershy couldn't help but squeak for joy and nuzzle Spike's nose with hers, which he happily returned.

"Oh Spike, you're so adorable."
~

A little later, the six ponies and Spike sat down to write a letter to Princess Celestia.

"Dear Princess Celestia, today we've learned a very important lesson about not just friendship, but also love."

"We learned that rushing into a situation when you don't have a clear head only leads to disaster and misery."

"And it's never a good idea to push anypony into something, no matter if it's the right thing. It'll only make them uncertain and afraid."

Spike lovingly put an arm around Fluttershy who nuzzled him.

"And sometimes.....what you think is the greatest thing ever is only a dream, and you have been missing something that truly is spectacular. Whatever the path it leads you on, you have to remember to stay true to yourself, and your friends."

"Signed, Your loyal subjects."

Spike rolled up the letter and set it on fire. The ashes getting whisked off in an instant.
Fluttershy gave him a big hug and kissed his forehead.
Whatever happened from now on, they knew they had each other.
They may face hardships and hurt along the way, but they had one another,
and for Spike and Fluttershy, that's all that mattered.

The End