" I'm sorry, Rarity... Please don't be upset with me."
As the brokenhearted dragon walked away, there was a quiet response:
"Although I'm not upset, I'm afraid it's the truth, darling."
Going home to Twilight's library, Spike began to wonder where in his affections did he go wrong. He thought of how the day began.
***
The library was bustling that morning. Not because of any customers, but simply one hyperactive drake getting everything ready for the day.
The only one up before Spike was, of course:
"Good morning, Owlowicious!"
"Who!"
"You, you silly owl."
"Who."
"Oh you know very well who..."
Realizing his mistake yet again, he changed tacks, deciding to faceclaw rather than continue
"Oh, never mind... Now where's Twilight? Isn't she normally up by now?"
"Who."
"Twilight! You know wh..."
"Good morning, Spike! Stop arguing with my assistant. "
"Okay, oh Twilight! I got today's chores done, so can I please leave early?"
Looking around, she noticed that everything was indeed done, and while nodding, she said
"Of course, Spike, but where are you going?"
"To see Rarity, of course!"
"Who."
"See? Even he remembered. "
Shrugging, Twilight decided to leave it be. She knew how he got about Rarity
"Alright, but make sure you get back in time for the afternoon chores."
"Will do. Bye Twilight! Owlowicious. "
"Have fun."
"Who."
****
Not long after, he arrived at the Carousel Boutique
"Morning Rarity!"
"Spikey-wikey! You made it!"
"You know I wouldn't miss a day with you for anything."
Looking to the side, she said to herself
"Yes darling... that's one thing we simply must talk about. "
"What was that, Rarity? "
"Nothing, Spike. Nothing of import."
"Okay! So what's first on the list of things to do?"
Chuckling out loud, Rarity looked at him
"What?"
"Oh spike, not everything needs a list. I thought we'd told Twilight enough"
"Ah... I'd forgotten about that... so what do you want to do?"
"Hadn't we discussed simply having fun with each other? "
Trying to look anywhere but at her, he nods slightly
"Oh yeah. I'd forgotten about that, sorry."
"Spike, you don't need to apologize so much. It's unseemly of a gentledrake."
"Sorry."
Sighing, the white unicorn starts trotting around, thinking of something to do
"Tell me, Spike, would you object to a quick stroll about town before settling into a more sedentary activity? "
"Not at all. I'm perfectly willing."
"Alright, I'll go get ready to go."
"I'll wait here."
Soon after, the duo are walking around, discussing different things they see
"Spike, if someone payed you say, fifty bits, would you go through the everfree from Fluttershy's house to Zecora's without the path?"
"I don't think so... I may not be that easily scared, but it's still the everfree. Would you?"
"Perhaps for a more modest sum. Two hundred or so might convince me."
"True, one fifty or up might be alright."
Continuing on, Spike began to wonder
"How far do you think that is?"
"Pardon?"
"From Fluttershy's to Zecora's. How far is it?"
"I have no earthly idea. Perhaps there might be a way to measure?"
"Possibly. We could just ask Rainbow."
"A viable option. Would you like to return to the boutique?"
"Alright."
Leaving the everfree and its uncertain measure behind them, they returned
*****
Not long after, they got back, and started to discuss what to do next
"Umm... Rarity... would it be alright if I gave you a massage? I remember you mentioning you like them, and Lotus has been giving me lessons."
"A massage? Why that would be lovely! Feel free to do that."
"Thanks!"
As they went along, Spike massaging as best he knew how, they simply chatted about different topics
After wrapping up, Spike began to think about what goes on between them
"Spike, it's almost time for you to go."
"Huh? Oh yeah, and thanks."
"Any time."
"That's not what i mean. Not fully, at least."
The unicorn was quite confused at that
"What i mean is thank you for everything. You allow me to do so much, and yet you never show real interest in it."
"That's not true, i always enjoy it."
"Thanks."
As he starts to get ready, he realizes something else
"You know what?"
"What?"
"I realized something. We both know i have feelings for you, right?"
"Darling, the whole town knows..."
Blushing profusely, he continued
"I realized i may feel more than i should."
"Explain? "
"Well, a part of it may be gratitude. We may not interact much, but you're nice to me, you put up with me, and more."
"I see."
"I know you may not feel the same way now, but while you continue living your life, I'm going to try to sort out what's real love, and what is not."
"Well, Spike..."
"And though i may not know what's what, I know i do..."
Here she stops him, and looking into his eyes, she says
"Spike, I'm sorry, but i don't think I'll ever feel that way for you. I feel bad saying this, but I'm not going to be able to see you as anything more than a close friend, and honestly, you're not really my type. I'm not going to put my love life on hold for something that likely will never happen. I know this may seem harsh, but I don't want to lead you on, and you really shouldn't rely on me so much."