Books Are Heartwarming Things

After a long day of teaching Rosy how to throw things, I lumbered up the stairs tiredly. It was only 6:15, but when you were trying to make it where a filly stopped hitting your owl in the face with a pen, it tended to be tiring.

Not much to my surprise, Spike was still awake reading a book in his bed. When I entered the room, he looked up at me with a smile. But I could see past his smile that he was both concerned and confused about Rosy.

“Why are you doing this?” he finally asked.

The question caught me off guard. “What do you mean?” I asked, walking closer to him.

"Why are you caring about a pony that you barely even know?" Spike said a bit louder and put the book on the ground, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

I realized then that I had hardly given him notice lately. Unless he was doing some chores for me or putting up some books, I didn't talk to him very much. Being with Rosy had really changed my life with him, hadn't it? But I ignored my thoughts and focused on his question. "I'm just trying to be nice," I said calmly.

Spike wasn't so calm. He said sharply, "I think you're trying too hard! When was the last time you spent time with me, huh?"

"Well, I..."

"And your friends! When was the last time you remember talking to them?"

I stomped my hoof. "I still talk to them!"

"I mean quality time," Spike argued. He looked like he was straining to hold in his wanting to get up and fuss at me even more, and I suddenly felt way worse about myself.

I sat next to him. "Oh, Spike, I'm really sorry about this. It's just that sometimes it's nice to help others. Something small can do something really big," I said, then went into thought for a second. I had to find the right words. "You know how Rarity has the Element of Generosity, right?"

He hesitated, then looked over at me and nodded.

"I'm trying to be generous as well. And I'll try not to let it get in the way of my relationships," I replied quietly. I pulled him into a hug. "Especially ours."

I could sense the idea running through his head. But since I had neglected him for so long, I didn't really think he'd forgive me.

But this was Spike we were talking about. Once he contemplated it long enough, he gave back the hug with a tight embrace. "All right," he said.