It was a normal day in Twilight's house. She was deep in her studies, currently reading about marine biology. She called out for a new quill; hers had broken. One was dropped in front of her. Twilight distractedly chimed "Thanks, #1 assistant!"

Spike overheard this from the kitchen. His entire world began to crash down. Was Twilight lying to him the entire time, even after the first incident with Owlowiscious? Was it all a ruse, was he kept around solely to make fun of behind his back?

He'd lived his entire life as Twilight's #1 assistant and couldn't bear the thought that it was a lie, that he was replaced and unwanted. He climbed up to the top shelf and dragged out a bottle of apple wine Applejack had given to Twilight.

Later that evening, Twilight finished her studies. She found Spike in the main room of the library on a couch, seemingly asleep. She smelled a strong scent of what she recognized as fermented fruit; her studies had told her this is what alcohol was made of, and she quickly made the connection.

"Spike, are you drunk?"

There was no response.

Spike is dead.