Spike had grown used to being a servant to Twilight in the old library; slaving away most of the day to Twilight, Rarity and Pinkie Pie. Wearing the Apron is just part of the deal.

He is always that odd one on the second row, with no real chance at anything he wanted. Even if they consider him a Hero at the Empire.

His desires are squarely aimed at that beautiful mare at the Carousel. It may be a high goal, but it is what he set out to get from his first day in Ponyville. This dream never faded, the way crushes commonly does.

One day, he found a new and odd Apron down in the basement of the castle. Trying it on more out of curiosity than anything, it leads him on the discovery of his life and Heart.