As they were cleaning up, Twilight said to Spike, "Hey, Spike, where did you learn the spells that you were showing Rarity?"

Spike shifted on his butt. "Well, it's just that… you know… you do all sorts of really cool spells and…" He traced a circle on the floor. "I guess I wanted to know how to do stuff, too, so I… looked through your books…" He looked up at Twilight and his eyes welled up. "I didn't want you to find out! Please don't be mad! I just want to be as good as you!" He covered his eyes.

Twilight nuzzled him. "Spike, why would I be mad? You don't have to keep it a secret. I'll always be here and happy to help you get better at magic."

Spike looked up. "You'd… really teach me, Twilight?" He sniffed.

"Of course, Spike. As long as you're willing to practice."

"Thanks, mommy."

They hugged each other and ignored Rarity for the rest of the night.

Twilight found out later that Spike had taken her pickle doll and she left him in a swamp.

Snails's corpse was not alone as the river carried it to Fillydelphia, where the water supply tasted like apple juice and slime for ten weeks.

I think I went a little crazy with the exposition, but tell me what you think!