New loves and old wounds part 3

New loves and old wounds
part 3
By Timothy Bettencourt

Ponyvile-Twilight's library-morning
Twilight is gathering items, preparing for a day out when Spike groggily walks down stairs, having just woken up.
SPIKE: Twilight....wha....
TS: Spike, I'd like for you to stay home today. Try to get some rest.
SPIKE: Wait, really?
TS: I want you to clear your head and avoid anymore embarrassment.
SPIKE: Are you sure? You really don't need my help?
Twilight gave him a big hug which he happily returned.
TS: Don't worry about me, you just worry about yourself today. I'll be back around noontime. I'll make us a nice lunch so we can talk, okay.
SPIKE: Okay.
With that, Twilight gave him another hug and wished him goodbye before leaving. Spike looked a little uncertain.
SPIKE: (thinking) Should I even try that stuff? Twilight told me to stay put.
Spike started to think about it until he noticed a butterfly on the window and put on a determined face.
SPIKE: (thinking) I need to settle this. I need to know, once and for all, who is my special somepony.
Spike went to his bed and pulled out the parchment, only to find the ink smudged to an unreadable mess. Unphased, he quickly reached for the original book and wrote the recipe on another parchment. He hastily returned the book to it's place, made a note to Twilight if he was late, grabbed a bag to carry supplies and headed out, ready to settle the mess he was in.
Ponyville-Rarity's boutique-morning
Rarity was busy preparing a gown being worn by Fluttershy, it consisted mostly of pleasant yellows and light greens, the colors Fluttershy liked most. Fluttershy felt a little fidgity.
RARITY: Try to hold still, dear. Nearly finished.
FLUTTERSHY: I'm sorry. I just can't help worrying about Spike.
RARITY: Darliing, don't worry. Twilight said she would make sure he was well. It's no use concerning yourself about something you can't control.
Fluttershy nodded as Rarity's magic continued to work on the dress.
RARITY: Just finish this last seam....Done.
Rarity pulled her tools away using magic and motioned for Fluttershy to follow her. She led her to a large mirror, allowing Fluttershy to see how she looked.
RARITY: What do you think, darling?
Fluttershy sees the dress is like a long flowing gown, mostly made of colored silk, giving her an appearance of a forest spirit. Fluttershy's eyes light up and she squeals in delight.
FLUTTERSHY: It's beautiful Rarity! I love it!
Fluttershy gives Rarity a big hug.
RARITY: My pleasure. I'm sure Spike will love it, once he finally asks you out.
Fluttershy couldn't help but sigh wistfully, imagining having a romantic evening with Spike. Rarity looked giddy for her friend.
FLUTTERSHY: I hope Spike likes it.
RARITY: Trust me, darling, he will.
Ponyville-morning
Rainbow Dash was flying high, doing a few flying exercises and enjoying the sky when she spots Twilight. She makes for the ground to speak to her.
RD: Hi Twilight.
TS: Hi Rainbow Dash.
RD: So...how's Spike?
TS: He's alright. He home right now, to settle his thoughts.
The two enter the market, Twilight happily buying different vegetables and grains, Rainbow appeared to feel guilty.
RD: Didn't think he was so shy. He was always so open about his crush for Rarity, I figured....
TS: I know Dash, but, right now he doesn't have a clue who he wants to be with. He needs time to think and decide.
RD: Well, nothing says we can't give a gentle nudge in the right direction.
TS: Yes, but just a gentle nudge. We don't want to repeat yesterday.
Rainbow nodded emphaticly. Neither of them noticed Spike was hiding behind baskets of fruits and vegetables and shop stands, trying to avoid their sight to purchase what he needed. He watched them cautiously, slowly moving from hiding spot to spot as they moved along. Just as he was about to head toward the stand he needed, Twilight suddenly turned.
TS: Oh, I need one last thing.
Spike quickly lept into a pile of oranges, making Twilight look toward the sound suspiciously. After a few seconds, she shrugged and purchased the last item she needed and left the market with Rainbow. Spike took a breath and exited the pile. The stand clerk gave him a glare and pointed to his tail. Spike looked to see he had an orange stuck to it's end and paid the clerk for it. He quickly made his way to Rose's flower stand.
ROSE: Hey there Spike. How are you today?
SPIKE: I'm okay. I need to purchase a special kind of flower.
ROSE: What sort?
Spike pulled out the parchment and read off the name.
SPIKE: Lover's broken heart.
Rose turned to look through her inventory for the flower and presented it to him. The flower was a dark red and shaped like half a heart that had been torn from it's other half.
ROSE: You plan on wooing someone with this?
SPIKE: Well....something like that. I need to settle who I was meant for, and this will help.
ROSE: What-Oh.....I understand.
Rose gives him a wink but Spike only sighs in embarrassment knowing yet someone else knew his troubles.  She pats him on the shoulder to comfort him.
ROSE: Hey, it's okay kiddo. You're not  the first guy to have this problem. Just try and keep a cool head about it, and you should be able to set it right.
Spike thanked her for her advice and paid for the rose. He checked his list of items and saw he needed three more items before he could mix the potion. He set off for his next stop.
Ponyville-Sweet Apple Acres orchard-late morning
Applejack and Big Mac were hard at work harvesting apples, Applejack looking a little worried. Big Mac brought up the wagon and he and Applejack loaded the bushels of apples into it. As they were pulling it back to the barn Applejack spoke up.
AJ: Big Mac, can I ask you somethin'?
BM: Eeyup.
AJ: If ya'll had a friend who...was goin after the wrong thing, but there was a good thing he could have but didn't realize, what would you do?
BM: Ya'll are talkin about Spike and Fluttershy?
Applejack nodded.
BM: Well, AJ, I ain't really the one to ask. I ain't really been with nopony special, but you can't be tellin' anypony who they should be with or not. You can point um in the right direction, but that's it.
Applejack nodded in agreement.
Ponyville-Sweet apple acres clubhouse-late morning
In the cutie mark crusader's clubhouse, the crusaders were busy discussing what to do for their cutie marks. Sweetie Belle thought of trying painting, Scootaloo wanted to do something related to stunts, and Applebloom wanted to see if they could try selling things.
SB: C'mon guys! Lot's of famous ponies earned cutie marks making works of art.
SCOOTALOO: There's no way I'd be stuck in studio painting when I could be doing awesome stunts for a huge crowd.
AB: I was thinkin' maybe we should try something a bit simpler. Selling stuff seems like a good place to start.
SCOOTALOO: No offense Applebloom, but you tried that once with Applejack.
SB: Well, maybe we could make paintings, and then sell them. We could be art vendors.
SCOOTALOO: What kind of cutie mark would that even give us?
The three all thought about it for a few moments until Sweetie Belle noticed something outside.
SB: Hey girls, come look!
The other two crusaders join her at the window to see Spike looking around for something.
AB: What's Spike doing here? And why's he all by himself?
SCOOTALOO: Well, let's go ask.
Outside, Spike was searching across the ground for an apple blossom, uncertain exactly what he was looking for.
SPIKE: Should have checked a dictionary before I left.
AB/SB/SCOOTALOO: Hey Spike!
Spike jumps in fear and becomes nervous seeing the cutie marks crusaders have spotted him.
SPIKE: Um, hi guys.
AB: What are ya'll doin here all by your lonesome?
SPIKE: I was...just, um....passing by. That's all.
SCOOTALOO: It looked like you were searching for something.
SPIKE: No, I just dropped something.
SB: What was it?
SPIKE: A....quill....
Spike smiled nervously as the three eyed him suspiciously.
AB: Ya'll are up to something, aren't ya?
Spike shook his head nervously. Applebloom quickly dashed behind him and held him in an armlock. Sweetie Belle plucked one of Scootaloos' feathers and approached Spike.
SB: Don't make me use this.
SPIKE: No, please, not that.
AB: So tell us what you're hiding.
Spike clamed up, not wanting to tell them anything. Sweetie Belle had had enough and started tickling him with the feather, making him laugh hysterically. After a minute he finally gave in.
SPIKE: Okay, okay, I'll talk!
Applebloom released Spike and he caught his breath.
SPIKE: I'm....I'm looking for ingredients for a potion.
SB: What kind?
Spike looked reluctant to answer, but Sweetie Belle showed him the feather again.
SPIKE: It's a love potion!
The girls looked concerned hearing this.
SPIKE: No, it's not the one you made. It's one that will tell me who I'm meant to be with.
SB: But I thought you liked Rarity.
Spike looked embarrassed until Applebloom answered.
AB: Is this somethin' to do with Fluttershy?
Spike smacked his head in frustation.
SPIKE: DOES EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT THIS?!
AB: I just overheard Applejack talkin' to Big Mac, 'bout how you were trying to talk to Fluttershy and were real nervous about it.
Spike blushed at her statement but Sweetie Belle looked elated.
SB: So Fluttershy is your special somepony?
SPIKE: I....I don't know. That's why I need this potion. I need to figure out what to do, and this will help me do it.
The crusaders looked thoughtful about it until Sweetie Belle gasped.
SB: We could help you! We can find all the items and mix the potion. We can be alchi-..um-...alcho-we can be potion makers!
AB: I think that's called Alchemist. And that be a great cutie mark.
SCOOTALOO: Well, it's worth a try.
AB/SB/SCOOTALOO: CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS ALCHEMISTS!
The three jumped and shared a high five.
AB: So, what do we need first?
SPIKE: We need a flower called an apple blossom.
AB: (giggles) Those don't grow on the ground silly, they grow in apple trees.
SCOOTALOO: So let's go get one.
The three rush off to the orchard.
Ponyville-Sweet Apple Acres orchard-late morning
The crusaders head toward a tree covered with the needed flowers, trying to stay out of sight of Applejack and Big Mac.
SB: Can't we just ask for one, Applebloom?
AB: Applejack would never let anyone take a blossom off a tree, she'd lose her temper just for us asking.
The three stood on one another's shoulder's to reach a flower, plucking one quickly. They ran off before applejack saw what they did.
AJ: Ya'll hear something?
BM: Nnope.
Applejack looked around. Not seeing anyone ,she shrugged.
Ponyville-Twilight's library-Noon
Twilight returned home with a large bag of groceries in tow.
TS: Spike, I'm home!
Twilight waited for his response but received none. She set down her groceries and looked around curiously.
TS: Spike?
She noticed the note left by Spike. She picked it up and read out loud.
Dear Twilight,
I'm sorry I left the library, but I needed to settle this once and for all. I've found a way to determine what's right. I didn't think you'd approve, but I promise, one way or another, I'll have the answer I need. I'll be back once it's settled.
Love Spike.
Twilight set down the letter, thinking out loud.
TS: Wait, what could he have that-
Twilight notices the book Spike used sticking out of the shelf slightly. She grabbed it with her magic and searched through it's pages. She came to the story Spike used and she gasped.
TS: Spike, no! This isn't how you find love.
She tossed the book aside and rushed out of the library, hoping to find him before he hurt himself.
Ponyville-Riverbank-early afternoon
The cutiemark crusadres were building a pony bridge to reach the bottom of a running river, Spike holding them from the current. After a moment, they signal to be pulled up and Spike pulls them away from the water. The three of them attempted to dry off.
SPIKE: Did you get it?
Scootaloo holds up a small perfectly smooth tear shaped onyx.
SPIKE: That should be the last of it.
The three excitedly look at their flanks but slump seeing no cutie mark.
AB: Now what?
SPIKE: Now we have to mix it.
Spike reached into his bag and pulled out a mortar and pestle. He first crushed the onyx into tiny fragments. Spike started to speak the instructions out loud.
SPIKE: Midnight's tear shattered...
He then took the broken heart flower and ripped it into pieces.
SPIKE: Wounded heart, once more rendered....
Finally he started plucking the Apple blossom and placed the pieces into the mix.
SPIKE: Young fruits' petals, fallen from it's cradle.
Spike then sighed and reached into his bag, pulling out a needle. The crusaders gasped.
SB: Wh-what do you need that for?
SPIKE: The last ingredient.
Spike placed the needle over the tip of his pinkie but Applebloom lept and stopped him.
AB: The hay are you doin'?! What kind of mix is this?
SPIKE: The kind that will help me set things right.
AB: You have to hurt yourself to do it?!
Spike shoved her away.
SPIKE: YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH THE PAST TWO DAYS! I JUST WANT THIS ALL TO BE DONE WITH!
The crusaders recoiled in fear at his shout. Spike panted in anger for a moment before trying to calm himself.
SPIKE: I'm....I'm sorry. I-I just....
Spike breaks down and cries in frustration, feeling exhausted from the constant embarassments he suffered. The crusaders give him a comforting hug.
AB: Ya'll do whatever you have to, Spike. We won't judge you for it.
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nod in agreement. Spike takes the pin and pricks his pinkie quickly, yelping in pain. He squeezes it until a drop of blood falls into the mortar. As soon as it hits the mix, it's starts to rumble and bubble. The four stepped back nervously, expecting it to blow up. They jump in fear when it sparks bright red and releases a cloud shaped like a heart. They cautiously approach it, seeing it has turned into a  thich dark red liquid.
SCOOTALOO: You have to drink that?
Spike nods solemnly and picks it up. He downs it quickly, gagging on the repulsive flavor. He suddenly falls to his knees, holding his eyes as they burn fiercely. The crusaders run to him, deeply concerned.
AB: Spike? Spike, are you okay?
Spike slowly gets to his feet, opening his eyes to show they are blood red with pitch black pupils for a half a second until he blinks, returning them to their normal colors. He sees a long pink stream of dust leading away from him into town. He rubs his eyes, only to still see the magic path.
SPIKE: So that's how it works.
SB: What?
SPIKE: Well, I can see like a long stream of some kind of magic. That should be what leads me to her.
Spike was about to head out but they stopped him.
SB: Wait, your hand.
Spike looked to see his pinkie was still bleeding.
SPIKE: It's not that bad.
The crusaders insisted he wait and they worked to take care of his cut. Spike only hoped the potion lasted long enough.
Ponyville-Sweet apple acres-late afternoon
Twilight made for Applejack's farm as fast as she could, hoping she had seen Spike. She spotted Applejack, who looked like she had concerns for herself.
TS: Applejack!
AJ: Twilight! Did you see my sister and her friends on the way here?
TS: Actually, I was gonna ask you if you had seen Spike at all.
AJ: Spike? You said you would have him stay home for the day.
TS: I did, but he found a recipe for a love potion, and I'm pretty sure he plans on using it.
AJ: Aw, shoot. This isn't like what the girls used on Big Mac, is it?
TS: I don't think so, but I'm not gonna trust something that could be dangerous to Spike.
AJ: Well, c'mon, let's go and find them.
They started to leave the orchard until Applejack spotted something.
AJ: Hold on Twilight.
Twilight stopped as Applejack inspected one of her trees. She realized that one of the apple blossoms had been plucked. Applejack stomps her foot in anger.
AJ: What in tarnation?! I've told Applebloom not to bother the trees when the blossoms are growing!
TS: Wait a minute.
Twilight pulls out the book Spike was using for the recipe and checks the ingredients.
TS: That's one of the ingredients Spike needs to make the potion. He's been here.
AJ: The girls must have figured out what he was up to and decided to help him; problably think it  will earn them their cutie marks.
The two set off at top speed, hoping in vain they could stop this mess.
Ponyville-late afternoon
Spike was running as fast as he could following the magic trail before him, the cutiemark crusaders barely able to keep up in their wagon pulled by Scootaloo.
SCOOTALOO:Spike, slow down!
SPIKE: I can't! I have no clue how long this stuff lasts!
Spike continued to run for a bit  until finally stopping to catch his breath. Scootaloo stopped the wagon next to him.
SCOOTALOO: Spike, I can pull us all if need be.
SPIKE(panting) : I....I.....alright.
Spike slumped into the wagon with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom and pointed Scootaloo in the direction of the path. The path seems to twist and turn, going through the least straightforward path possible. Finally, after a very confusing trip, Spike screamed.
SPIKE: STOP!!!
Scootaloo screached the wagon to a halt, and Spike jumped out, nearly jumping for joy at what he saw. The magic lead into Rarity's boutique. He thought he finally had his answer. Rarity was the one he was meant for it seemed. He thought he could finally stop all the embarrassment. He thought he could finally fulfill his dream and be with Rarity.

This was not meant to be.
As he was about to run inside, the door opened for Fluttershy to happily skip out. Spike quickly hid behind the bushes. He was shocked to see the magic lead straight to her, until finally disappearing and forming an aura around her. The path had led him to Fluttershy, she was just visiting Rarity. What shattered Spike's thoughts was seeing and hearing Rarity.
RARITY: Oh darling, I can't for you to finally win over Spikey-wikey. Be sure to let me know, I have to see how adorable you look together.
FLUTTERSHY: Well, I certainly hope so. But we'll have to wait till he's ready.
The two wished each other goodbye and Fluttershy skips off happily and Rarity returns inside her shop. Spike stood there motionless, feeling confused, hurt and frustrated, more so than he had the past two days combined. Rarity wanted this? How could she do this? Why on earth would she talk about these things with Fluttershy? She knew he cared for her. He felt like that magic was now openly mocking him, playing with his feelings like a toy. Spike scrunched into a ball, trying to control himself. He wanted to scream, sob and throw up all at the same time. How could Rarity do this to him? He worked so hard to please her, and she tries to push him off on another pony? The crusaders tried to comfort him, hugging him as he shook with quiet sobs.
AB: Spike....maybe we should-
SPIKE: (sobbing) JUST LET ME THINK FOR A MINUTE!
They recoil as he tries to hold back his tears. He finally managed to calm down enough to stop weeping, but his hands were clenched into fists, shaking in anger.
SPIKE: I need to talk to her! I need to tell her how I feel!
Spike marched up to the door of the boutique and pounded on it. Inside Spike heard Rarity yell a pleasant "Coming!". A moment later, the door opens and Rarity looks surprised seeing him.
RARITY: Spike, what are you doin here? And...are you alright, you look so upset.
Spike tries to steady his breathing before he speaks.
SPIKE: Rarity, we need to talk.
Rarity invites him inside and he walks in. Rarity eyes him worriedly.
RARITY: Can I get you something? A bit of water or-
SPIKE: Rarity, you.....you know I've had feelings for you for a long time, right?
Rarity felt a pang of worry hearing his words, knowing where this conversation would go.
RARITY: Well, yes.
SPIKE: Well, you may think it's just a crush, but I swear to you it's more. I love you Rarity, I swear I really do. All I want is to be your special somepony, it's all I ever wanted ever since I first saw you. I know I'm just a baby dragon, but I can change, I can be the man you need, I'm just asking you to give me a chance! Rarity, please, let me try to be the one you need.
Rarity looked flabbergasted as Spike looked at her with a desperate pleading look, feeling very uncomfortable. She did not want to tell Spike the truth like this. She knew he was in no shape for this news. He had been through so much recently it would just devastate him. But he wanted an answer, and she couldn't lie to him about this. He deserved to know the truth. She sighed and lowered her head in sadness.
RARITY: No Spike, I can't.
Spike felt like he had big smacked in the face by a full grown dragon. Everything he had wanted since he first came to Ponyville had been destroyed, everything he worked so hard for, everything he dreamed about, had been ripped to shred's by a few words. His eyes filled with tears and he shook, trying to hold back more sobbing. Rarity tried to reach out to him, to explain to him, but he ran from her. He ran out the boutique, knocking down the crusaders, completely ignoring them and Rarity screaming for him to wait. He just wanted to get away, away from the hurt, away from everyone, just be alone and never have to feel for anyone again and never have to be hurt again. Rarity looked horrified with herself as she stood motionless, the crusaders looking awkward and sad seeing what had happened.
RARITY: What have I done?
AB: I guess that love potion didn't work, huh?
Rarity looked surprised and questioned the crusaders.
RARITY: What love potion?
The crusaders looked worried as Rarity eyed them angrily.
Ponyville-Sugarcube corner store front-late afternoon
Pinkie Pie is shouting happily to anyone around about Sugarcube corner's treats and services.
PP: Come one, come two, come three, come every number in between! We've got the best treats anywhere and everywhere! Nopony makes treats like at Sugarcube corner!
She is about to try and use her noise makers until she sees Spike in the distance. She first smiles, hoping to give him a hug and invite him to enjoy some treats, but her smile disappears when she starts to hear his sobbing and sees his running so hard.
PP: Spike? Spike are-
SPIKE: LEAVE ME ALONE!!!
Spike runs past her refusing to slow down or stop. The cakes see this and look worried for him as Pinkie runs off after him, pleading with him to slow down. Behind him, Rarity was barely able to keep track of him as the crusaders followed in tow. Ahead of them, Fluttershy was purchasing a few things, still feeling giddy about her high hopes for Spike. Still further away, Twilight and Applejack were briskly trotting, having picked up Spike's trail of residue magic.
AJ: I still don't see no sign of him or the girls.
TS: He's here! We just-
She stopped her sentence when she finally spotted Spike, sobbing and running like mad. What was worse was he was heading straight for Fluttershy. Twilight finally unfolded her wings, trying desperately to reach him first, chanting "no" to herself repeatedly. Above Rainbow had spotted Spike being chased by Pinkie and was flying toward him as well, wondering what was going on. Too late, Spike ran headlong into Fluttershy, falling to his rump and making Fluttershy turn, worry and concern filling her eyes when she saw him so upset.
FLUTTERSHY: Spike, what's wrong?
Spike finally looked into Fluttershy's face. Twilight, Applejack and Rarity and the crusaders froze and held their breath in terror while Pinkie and Rainbow watched uncertain what was happening. Spike only felt one thing looking into Fluttershy's eyes. All his sorrow and hurt twisted into anger and fury. He gritted his teeth and more and more tears flowed from his eyes as he screamed at her.
SPIKE: THIS IS YOUR FAULT!!!
Fluttershy recoiled as if she had been struck. The others looked shocked, their eyes wide and their mouths agape.
FLUTTERSHY: Whu-....what are you-
SPIKE: YOU HAD TO MAKE RARITY TURN ME AWAY! YOU WERE SO JEALOUS YOU TOOK HER FROM ME! YOU TOOK THE ONLY PONY I EVER WANTED IN MY WHOLE LIFE! I LOST THE MARE I LOVE BECAUSE OF YOU!!!
Fluttershy felt incredibly hurt and tears formed in her eyes. The others looked completely dumbfounded, unable to move an inch seeing what was happening before them.
SPIKE: YOU TOOK THE ONE THING I WANTED MORE THAN ANYTHING! YOU RUINED EVERYTHING I WORKED SO HARD FOR! I DON'T WANT YOU FLUTTERSHY! YOU'RE NOT MY MAREFRIEND, NOT MY FRIEND, NOT ANYTHING!!!!
Fluttershy was completely devastated, Spike finally finished with his shouting, his whole body shaking and still panting with sobs. Fluttershy cried hysterically and ran off. Spike tried to keep running, but his whole body felt so tired and sore, he fell to his knees and he punched the ground in frustration, trying to take control of himself. Twilight finally snapped to her senses and ran to Spike. He could only look at her, his eyes still welling with tears, silently asking her to amke sense of this to him. Twilight pulled him into a tight hug, holding back her own tears of empathy. Spike finally lost control and made heavy sobs as all his frustration and sorrow came pouring out, holding onto her as tight as he could. Twilight caressed him, trying to provide some comfort to him as the others approached, all of them looking on the verge of tears. Rarity looked the most miserable from guilt, knwoing she had caused this. After nearly an hour, Spike managed to calm down, looking at Twilight with red rimmed eyes.
SPIKE: Why is this happening to me?
Twilight could only hug him tightly, trying to hold back her own tears seeing her assistant in so much pain. Rarity stepped toward Spike and cleared her throat, trying to stay composed. He turned to meet her gaze, Rarity inwardly flinching at his hurt look.
RARITY: Spike, I-
SPIKE: I get it, Rarity! I'm.....I'm not good enough.  (long sniff) I'm not the man you need.
The other ponies sent her infuriated glares, especially Twilight, who gritted her teeth to keep from shouting at her. Rarity placed her hoof on Spike's shoulder.
RARITY: Spike, I'm sorry you had to find out like this. I'm sorry I couldn't be what you wanted me to be.
Spike could only lower his head in sorrow. Rarity gently lifted his head to look into his eyes.
RARITY: But just because you're not the man I love doesn't mean I don't love you at all. You are still my friend.
Spike panted a little, trying to hold back more tears.
SPIKE: All I ever wanted was to make you happy. That's all that ever mattered to me.
That set everyone over the edge. Every pony couldn't hold back their tears any longer, silently weeping having to see Spike brought to such a painful state. Rarity tries to control herself as she continued.
RARITY: That's exactly how Fluttershy feels about you, Spike. All  she wanted was to see you happy and content. It's why she stayed away for so long. She loves you dearly, and I know you feel the same about her.
Spike silently nodded, realizing she was right. His eyes shot open in shock.
SPIKE: Oh no! Fluttershy! I....I have to....I have to-
Twilight steadies him.
TS: We'll go with you.
Spike nods gratefully as twilight sets him on her back as they headed for Fluttershy's cottage.
Ponyville-Fluttershy's cottage-early evening
Spike and the ponies approached Fluttershy's home,noticing all her animals were looking remourseful and her door  was wide open, like she had simply run in without concern. They soon heard her crying, heartwrenching sobs Spike couldn't help feel so bad for. He recognized it all too well. He had felt exactly like she did, but he had the other girls, he had kept them preoccupied meaning none of them thought to go to her. Spike felt extremely guilty thinking this. Rarity entered her home, gently approaching Fluttershy who only hugged her tightly, sobbing into her. Spike stepped down from Twilight. He knew if anyone was to set this right, it had to be him. Twilight gave him a nod, and he slowly walked inside. The others looed on eyes full of dread, holding their forehoofs together in prayer, hoping against hope things would work out. Spike looked at Rarity, who gently patted Fluttershy's back.
RARITY: There's someone here to see you.
Fluttershy lifted her head to see Spike and could only grab Rarity again as she sobbed and shook. Spike recoiled in guilt and shame. After a few moments, Fluttershy composed herself and Rarity left them alone, shutting the door behind her. Fluttershy looked at Spike.
FLUTTERSHY: What do you want?
Spike felt himself crumble under her gaze. She looked completely devastated, her eyes red and raw from weeping so hard. Spike saw that this was the same misery he felt. All his anger, frustration and embarrassment, he had passed it on to Fluttershy, simply because she cared for him. Spike realized then and there why the potion led to her. They had a powerful connection. Something he didn't understand, but clearly saw. He had found his special somepony, and he had ruined it with his selfishness. He took a deep breath and spoke gently to her.
SPIKE: I'm sorry Fluttershy. You didn't deserve anything I said to you. I completely lost control and dumped all my pain on you. I was completely wrong to say those things. You're one of the best friends I've ever had. Maybe the best thing that ever happened to me.
Fluttershy wiped her eyes, feeling surprised to here such soft words after he told her to leave him.
SPIKE: I understand if you hate and can't forgive me. But there's something I want you to have.
Spike reached into the bag of supplies, searching for one item he had hoped would seal his conclusion, but now could only be used to show ammends. He pulled out a gorgeous bright pink gem in the shape of a heart. Flluttershy's eyes widened seeing it. Spike tenderly took her hoof and placed it in her grasp.
SPIKE: I want you to have this. I had intended to give it to my special somepony. I realize now it was always meant to be you. I just wish I knew it sooner.
Spike turned from her and walked away in shame, hoping he could at least say he tried to make amends. Fluttershy was wonderfully surprised by the gesture. The gem was prefectly cut, like it had been lovingly carved with flames for many weeks. Fluttershy's eyes widened and tears of joy flowed and she smiled the biggest smile she ever had.
FLUTTERSHY: OH SPIKE!!!
She leapt forward and picked him up in a huge hug, covering his face in kisses and spinning in the air.
FLUTTERSHY: I can never hate you! And I forgive you! You're my very best little dragon buddy now and forever!
Fluttershy held him close as she wept joyful tears. The girls outside felt a mix of great relief and elation, some nearly bouncing with excitement. Spike felt he needed to ask something, but couldn't help feel a little embarrassed.
SPIKE: Um, Fluttershy?
FLUTTERSHY: Yes Spike?
He looked into her big happy eyes and couldn't help but blush.
SPIKE: Will.....will you be my very special somepony?
Fluttershy was nearly shocked motionless, she felt more happy tears flow and her smile widened.
FLUTTERSHY: Of course I will, my little dragon.
Fluttershy pulled him into a long, warm, loving kiss. At first Spike was surprised, but soon gave in to it, feeling all the frustration, fear, hurt and sorrow melt away, getting lost in Fluttershy's warm loving embrace. Outside Pinkie was jumping and cheering for joy. She rushed to the door, needing to congratulate the two.
TS: Pinkie, wait!
Pinkie ignored and rushed inside
PINKIE: Congra-
SHe froze in her tracks and blushed fiercely seeing them in such an intimate embrace. Fluttershy finally stopped the kiss and noticed Pinkie. She couldn't help but nlush fiercely.
FLUTTERSHY: P-pinkie...uh....I....
The other girls entered behind her. Fluttershy fidgeted nervously and noticed Spike floating in the air with the same look he normally had for Rarity, but know it was focused solely on Fluttershy.Applejack couldn't help but laugh at the sight.
AJ: Looks like you're stuck with him now.
Fluttershy couldn't help but squeak for joy and nuzzle Spike's nose with hers, which he happily returned.
FLUTTERSHY: Oh Spike, you're so adorable.
A little later, the six ponies and Spike sat down to write a letter to Princess Celestia.
TS: Dear Princess Celestia, today we've learned a very important lesson about not just friendship, but also love.
RARITY: We learned that rushing into a situation when you don't have a clear head only lead to disaster and misery.
AJ: And it's never a good idea to push anypony into something, no matter if it's the right thing. It'll only make them uncertain and afraid.
Spike lovingly put an arm around Fluttershy who muzzled him.
SPIKE: And sometimes.....what you think is the greatest thing ever is only a dream, and you have been missing something that truly is spectacular. Whatever the path it leads you on, you have to remember to stay true to yourself, and your friends.
FLUTTERSHY: Signed, Your loyal subjects.
Spike rolled up the letter and set it on fire. The ashes getting whisked off in an instant. Fluttershy gave him a big hug and kissed his forehead. Whatever happened from now on, they knew they had each other. They may face hardships and hurt along the way, but they had one another, and for Spike and Fluttershy, that's all that mattered.

The End