Spike's dilemma
Spike was in trouble. Or at least, he was going to be. He just knew it...
He had been doing chores around the Golden Oak Library. As a result of his carelessness, he ended up ruining one of Twilight's old spell books. It wasn't just any old book; it was a very rare antique she'd recently acquired. If he recalled, she had yet to even read it.
Oh, Twilight was going to be so disappointed with him! He just knew it.
To think of how hard he worked to win her approval, only to stumble upon reaching the finish line. There was no chance he could sweep it under the rug this time. He had to face his fate with dignity.
"Forgive me, Twilight..." Spike began with a sombre tone. "About the book getting damaged, it's all my fault. I'm sorry, I wasn't careful enough. I was dusting up the place when some of it made me sneeze, and well, I was hoping to surprise you and clean everything up in time for your return. But all I've done is mess up today."
Spike sank to his knees in defeat and lowered his gaze.
"Go ahead," he sighed. "I'm ready for whatever punishment you think I deserve."
Twilight approached him sternly. Spike couldn't quite meet her eye for eye; now fighting back tears, he wrenched them shut.
"Spike..." began Twilight.
The little dragon swallowed hard and tensed himself as he raised a hand. Fully expecting a slap, Spike stood ready, only for Twilight to pull him into her tender, warm embrace.
His tear-laden eyes snapped open to take in her expression. She wasn't angry at all. Instead, she was sort of smiling. Not quite happy, but not quite sad either.
This was the last thing on earth he expected right now, and he didn't quite know how to react. He was beyond confused.
"Twi... You... I..." muttered Spike incoherently.
"It's okay, Spike," she said while ruffling the scales on his head. "I'm not upset with you."
"But Twilight, I burned your spell book," he continued to mope.
"True," admitted Twilight. "But you also took responsibility for your actions. And since you were so honest about it with me, I think we can let it slide."
"But... that book was so important to you," said Spike solemnly.
"And so are you, Spike," explained Twilight. "We all make mistakes, and accidents can happen sometimes. It's no use crying over spilled milk or even a silly ol' book. Besides, I can tell you've been working really hard today; what kind of friend would I be if I looked past all that?"
Spike didn't need to answer. He finally mustered a little smile as he returned her hug. Knowing how sensitive he could be, Twilight patiently allowed him to hold on for as long as he needed to.
"I'm sorry, I just wanted you to be proud of me," said Spike.
"But I am proud of you, Spike!" assured Twilight. "It's the thought that counts. I can always get another book, but I could never replace my number one assistant. So no more 'buts', okay?"
"But-" Spike immediately clasped his mouth shut. "Sorry… Thanks for not being mad at me, Twilight. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
"That's okay, Spike," said Twilight. "You don't have to."
"I know, but I want to-oof!"
Spike put his hands on his mouth again.
"I said it again, didn't I?" He continued in a muffled voice. "I promise I'll be careful this time! Please Twilight!"
Twilight giggled at his awkwardness.
"Oh, alright then," Twilight gave in with a shrug. "Why don't you make us some tea while I see if I can salvage anything from this mess?"
"Yes, ma'am!" announced Spike, saluting her in a militaristic style. "I'm on it, ma'am!"
Spike darted off towards the kitchen before immediately coming back.
"Again, sorry about the book, ma'am!" he added before running off again.
Twilight curled her lip, trying to contain her chuckles, but ultimately couldn't hold back her laughter. Poor little Spike; his clumsiness was only matched by his sweetness and sincerity. It pained her to see him beat himself up like that.
The last time she told him off for accidentally burning a book, she had been very insensitive about the matter, and it ended with him running away from home. But Spike had matured a lot since then, and so had she.
If he was mature enough not to hide his mistakes any more, then she wouldn't need to make a big fuss over them. Getting angry at him wasn't going to fix the damage, so why bother?
"Oh well," giggled Twilight. "I'd been needing to figure out a way to get rid of that ugly old thing anyway. The spells in there were way too dangerous to use. I guess I'll tell Spike the whole story later."
Author's Note: I wrote this little drabble ages ago and sort of forgot about it. It was partly inspired by 'Owl's Well that Ends Well'. I was feeling nostalgic, so I figured I'd polish it up for publication.