@Background Pony #FD56  

 
 
Let me correct myself. She won’t come out a better pony for Spike. She will do it for HERSELF and Spike will hopefully realize that and then they can be together. :) There.

It is taking all of Starlight’s being to say all that… I know it. But I think she realizes being sour isn’t the right approach. She might use this to better herself and then come out a better pony for Spike later. I hope that’s the case.
 
Lily seemed a bit surprised by her slightly concerned expression and little “hm?” in the final panel. I think Lily realizes something is a bit off too.
 
Meanwhile Spike and Vinyl just get along swimmingly all the time! They are the true ship!

Bah, seems like such a cop-out making Lily this “perfect” mare for Spike when Starlight clearly wants him. This deserves a shipping denied tag.