Spike slowly trudged his way back home, with a heavy heart and downcast eyes. Overhead, dark clouds gathered in the sky and wind whistled past his ears, forthcoming the arrival of rains. The gloomy weather reflected his mood perfectly.
Ponies nearby watched him go by, some concerned and some simply curious. However, nopony dared ask him anything in fear that he may set their manes on fire or worse, send them to Princess Celestia in a puff of green smoke. So, they quietly moved out of his way and let him pass.
Spike sighed heavily. Not particularly caring where he was going or where he wanted to go, he just wanted to get away from it all. Was it really worth all sometimes? To give it your all, only for it to hopelessly shatter your dreams and leave you a total wreck. Love everything with your whole heart, and get broken pieces in return.
Lost in his thoughts, the young dragon didn't notice when it started to rain. His mind numbly registered something wet on his face but didn't comprehend it to be from the rain. For all he knew, it could be just his tears. Just him, his broken heart and the rain. Nothing else mattered anymore.
"SPIKE! SPIIIKKEEE! CAN YOU HEAR ME SPIKE?"
Spike didn't know how long he had been standing there in the rain. He snapped out of his reverie when he felt someone shaking him. He looked up, and a familiar orange face and hoof came into view.
Applejack.
Who else would it be. A quick look around confirmed he was on Sweet Apple Acres, but where did she come from? Had she been calling his name? Was she worried about why he was standing alone in the rain and not seeking shelter? He shook his head. No time for these questions now.
"Hey Applejack," Spike muttered dully.
AJ narrowed her eyes. "Don't hey Applejack me, Spike. No questions, come with me inside. You'll catch a cold standing in the rain like that."
Spike didn't budge. "I'm fine AJ, and I don't need to go anywhere."
Applejack observed him closely. Then her face softened as it dawned on her.
"I'm sorry Sugar," she began softly. "I'm guessing you heard about Rarity and Fancy Pants?"
He flinched. "Didn't hear, saw with my own two eyes."
AJ winced and put a hoof around him.
"I'm sorry sugarcube, that must've been harsh. But first-" she led him towards a nearby tree, "-some shelter and-" she gave it a small kick. Precisely two apples fell down into their laps. "-some snacks."
Applejack leaned against the tree and began munching on her apple as Spike hesitantly sat down and made himself comfortable. At her stern look, he began to nibble on his apple.
"Have you....ever had someone......break your heart," Spike started hoarsely, "To the point.....where you don't even know what to do anymore? Everything feels so numb."
Applejack chuckled dryly. 'You wouldn't believe it sugarcube, but actually yes. Not too long ago, when I was not much older then you, there was this stallion in my school........and he was uncannily like that Trenderhay fella."
"Trenderhoof," Spike corrected automatically.
AJ rolled her eyes. " So this fella was quite popular among all the mares. Fully aware of this fact, I usually stayed out of his way and he out of mine. Then during our last year, he started getting all chatty and friendly like with me. At first I was suspicious of his intentions. I barely even knew this fella and he wanted to be all bestie- bestie with me now."
"And then what?" Spike asked, his attention momentarily distracted from his previous thoughts.
"Still wary I kept my distance," Applejack continued. "And then we were friends. Months passed and with his sweet talks, I didn't even notice when I fell for him. Everything was perfect........except......except that he played me like a fiddle. All those talks and games was all just a dare. I was absolutely heartbroken and devastated, but I learned to move on."
She paused briefly to wipe away a tear. "You know why, sugarcube? Because I realized that he was a good for nothing fella and I deserve someone so much better than him."
Spike nodded glumly. "I too thought Rarity was the one for me. Don't get me wrong, she's perfect.....but I'm not for her. Even if things did even work out between us, I doubt it would have lasted for long."
Applejack turned towards him, smiling through her tears. "It hurts Sugar, but knowing at the right time makes it hurt less. You're a great guy Spike," she broke off, and turned away. "Anypony would be lucky to have you."
And at that moment, everything changed.
Everything clicked into place, and Spike finally realized what he was wrong about all along. His infatuation with Rarity, was simply just adoration, his true feelings hidden deep beneath. Before he met Rarity, Applejack was the one who greeted him and welcomed him to Ponyville. On the other hand, Twilight had always been like an elder sister to him, and Fluttershy cared for him like Twilight Velvet. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were the silly pranking siblings who always got in trouble and Rarity, though affectionate, cared for him like a sibling. But Applejack? Applejack was there for him as long as he could remember and especially after the Timberwolf incident, the two were closer than before.
Spike looked up from his musings and stared at the mare in front of him. Long blonde mane, slowly flowing in the winds, and deep green eyes that sparkled with life. Bold, down-to-earth, and honest, AJ was exactly opposite to Rarity's soft, elegant and sophisticated ways. And sweet Celestia, her look as Apple Jewel nearly gave him a heart failure that day. Yet, he brushed these things all aside, to enamored with Rarity to pay any attention to her. But now, he knew what exactly he wanted.
Spike moved from his place so that he was facing Applejack. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"What are you-" AJ was cut off by Spike placing a claw on her muzzle.
"No more words," he whispered, leaning in.
Each knew what the other wanted, and with no hesitation they both leaned towards each other, their lips meeting in harmony. Two hearts became one, destinies entwined forever.
Applejack and Spike broke away and looked at each other deeply.
Jade green met emerald green.
"You know," Applejack started. "You've always been the perfect dragon for me. But, both you and Rarity are my closest friends and I'd hate to get in between. That's why I always stayed away."
"You don't need to stay away now," Spike said softly. "I've got you, and you've got me."
Applejack smiled and nuzzled into him. In response, he snuggled against her and she wrapped her tail around him. In each other's loving embrace, beneath the apple tree, they stayed together, always and forever.
