“I’m sorry Spike, but it just wouldn’t work out. I mean darling we are both different species, I am quite a bit older, you would live much longer than me, seeing as you are a dragon. I’m sorry Spike, I just can’t.” Rarity hoped she didn’t sound too harsh. Spike took a few deep breaths and broke eye contact with Rarity. It took all of his strength to not yell at her and hold back his tears. It took him a few minutes before he could speak.

“Why does this not surprise me?” His voice was calm, earily calm, causing Rarity to be concerned.

“Spike I didn’t mean to…”

“No, you’ve said enough. I don’t want to hear your excuses, you made your point clear. You go after ponies like Blueblood, high culture, connections to ponies in high positions. They don’t care about you like I do, however you keep going after them anyway. All because of their title. It hasn’t brought you much success, a little sure, but not what you expected I’m sure. You go after the ponies that date you just to get access to your marehood." Spike could feel his anger continiously building, he just wanted to slap Rarity, but he held back, knowing it would only make things worse.

"Let me just say this. I am not like that. I am not just after your marehood, I am not going to just use you. I have, HAD genuine love, I loved you for you. Sure I’m not ‘high culture’, not in high positions, but I here for you, not just myself. I would love you to the very end, through thick and thin. You could lose everything, and I would still be there for you. Why don't you understand that?” Spike did his best to not show he was crushed, he didn’t want Rarity to feel sorry for him.

“Spikey…” Something clicked in Spike, he now understood.

“Enough, you spoke, and I heard enough. Thank you for showing me how shallow you really are and how much of a manipulator you are. I understand now. You were manipulating me. Speaking in a soft tone, acting a little flirty, prettending to be sad or hurt so I would do what you wanted me to. In this case I am glad you said no, I wouldn't want to be stuck with a manipulator. Please don't talk to me, ever again! I've seen the truth, and I don't want to part of this anymore. Goodbye, Rarity." Spike came back to his senses. He could see the shock in Rarity's face. Before she could speak, he ran home, not wanting to deal with what just happened. Rarity wanted to stop him, but she was still in shock, not believing what just occured.

I can’t believe what Spike just said. I am not a manipulator! I am a great pony to be with. Her conscience began to talk to her.

You are a manipulator Rarity! How many times have you talked to Spike in that tone? Also what makes you think those are valid excuses? You may be afraid, but without trying, you'll never know how great of a dragon he could be. You already know he's a great friend, he could also be a great boyfriend.

You’re right, I am afraid. What if it doesn’t work out, then I will have lost a great friend.

That's always a possibility, but I believe it will work out, and if it doesn't, I'm sure you two could still be friends.

You’re right, I must try. Besides I do have feelings for him, and I do believe he would make a great boyfriend. I will talk to him tomorrow, I’ll give him time to think about what happened today. Rarity hoped it wouldn’t be too late.

(Back at the Library)

Spike ran in and went to his room, causing Twilight to be concerned. She walked up to the door to their room. She put her ear against the door, and heard crying.

*Knock, knock.*

No response.

“Can I come in Spike?” She asked, worried. No response. Twilight opened the door, to see him crying in his bed. Twilight sat beside him, hugging him, to which he returned.

“She told you no Spike?”

“Not just no, but also gave me every reason why it wouldn’t work, not even giving me a chance.”

“I’m sorry Spike.” Twilight couldn’t stand seeing her best friend like this.

“I gave her a speech I don’t think she’ll ever forget however.” Spike told Twilight what he told Rarity.

“Good for you Spike, you stood up for yourself. I’m proud of you.” Twilight gave him a smile of approval.

“Thank you Twi. I didn't see until then how much she was manipulating me.” He started to remember the times Rarity did that.

"Of course, you’re my best friend, I’m here for you. Besides, I have been through something similar.” Twilight started to remember that moment.

“What happened Twi?” Spike put his arm around her for comfort.

“It was back in Canterlot, there was a colt in my class that I had a crush on. He was smart, talented in science, and good looking. Every day I would talk to him, get to know him. We became school friends. We did partner projects together, studied at school together, spent lunch together. Well one day I decided to ask him. I took many deep breaths, had a good half hour convincing myself to go through with it. The bell rang, as every other pony left, I asked him if I could ask him a question. He listened, and that’s when I asked him the question, feeling so nervous. He looked at me, and told me, “I’m sorry Twi, but I like you as a friend.”. I started tearing up, I ran out of the class to my locker. He followed soon after and joined me at my locker, I looked at him and told him “I need to be alone, please just leave me alone.”. Everyday after in class he would talk to me, trying to get me to talk to him. I stayed silent, ignoring him, until eventually he started to leave me alone. I never did talk to him since that day.” This time Spike gave Twilight a hug, to which she returned.

“I’m sorry to hear that Twi. You’ll find somepony perfect for you.”

“Thank you Spike, and I know you’ll find somepony or dragon perfect for you as well.”

“Thank you Twi. If you don’t mind me asking, how come I didn’t hear about any of this?”

“You were very young at the time, I didn’t feel like it was a good time to tell you. I wanted to wait until you were at that stage. I hope you’re not angry.”

“I understand Twi, I’m just glad you’re ok.”

“You will be too Spike. It will take some time, but you’ll be back to the fun Spike I know.” They both smiled.

“Actually Twi, could you do me a favour?”

“Anything Spike.”

“If Rarity comes by wanting to talk to me, please tell her I’m not interested, I don’t want to talk to her.”

“Sure thing Spike I understand." Spike gave her a smile.

"How about we get some supper, something to help get your mind off of Rarity."

"Sounds good Twi." They both walked down the stairs, feeling better after sharing what happened.

Author's Note

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