Chapter 3 - Teatime Torture
"Oh, I'm soooo glad you asked on how my new dress designs are coming, Spike. Well, for starters, I decided to use a 40% silk and 60% polyester blend laced with the most fabulous sequins-"
Spike never actually asked about Rarity's new dress deigns. He didn't care which blend Rarity was using, or how fabulous the sequins were. Doesn't she already know that I'm not into that girly fru-fru stuff? Spike couldn't really complain that much, though. He was spending time with Rarity, and she was nice enough to invite him in for tea. Spike simply nodded every once in a while and continued to sip his tea. Wait. I don't even like tea!
Rarity stopped mid-sentence when she noticed that her oh-so-exciting talk about dresses had lulled Spike to sleep. Hmph. I guess boys really can't stand the important news. Suddenly, an idea popped into the unicorn's head. "What's that, Spike? You said you wanted to help me sew the laces together?"
Spike snapped out of his daze. "Huh,wuzzatRarity?" But before Spike had time to focus his eyes, Rarity had already spun the baby dragon out of his chair and started rummaging through the sewing supplies. "Oh, I know I had it somewhe- aha! Perfect." Rarity pulled out an extremely frilly pink and purple dress and, much to the horror of Spike, it was just his size.
"No way am I wearing that!" Spike made a jump for the front door, but stopped in his tracks, thanks to Rarity's telekinesis. Against his will, Spike floated towards the center of the room, hands outstretched. "But what if someone sees me?!"
"Oh relax, Spike." Rarity laughed as she lowered the dress over Spike. "This dress isn't for you; I just need to borrow you as a model while I put on the finishing touches." A combination of shock and embarrassment overcame the young dragon's face as he was forced to hold still while Rarity slipped the dress on him and stitched the seams with her magic. "Besides," Rarity giggled, "that color clashes with your scales something awful. I wouldn't dream of letting you walk outside wearing that." Needless to say, this did not help Spike's attitude very much.
*****
From atop the observatory, Twilight Sparkle rolled on the floor in laughter. Much to her luck, Rarity had left the window open. Through the telescope, Twilight could see her flabbergasted assistant posing against his will in the frilliest of dresses. Poor Spike. Well, he did want to spend time with Rarity.
Silliness aside, Rarity was pulling off her job perfectly. Not much time left…
*****
"Oh, Spike. This will go much faster if you'd simply stand still." Rarity continued to stitch around Spike, despite his struggle to escape her magical grip. Spike pondered what he felt stronger about: his hate of mushy dress stuff; or his desire to impress Rarity by helping her, even if it was humiliating, and not to mention that the dress was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.
After what seemed like an eternity, Rarity finally finished using Spike as a living mannequin. The poor little dragon was drenched in embarrassment. At least nopony was around to see him…or so he thought.
Thankfully, that was the only dress Rarity needed assistance with. "Thank you for your help, Spike. But shouldn't you be getting back to the library to help Twilight with her studies?"
Spike shook his head. "Nope. Twilight gave me the whole day off because today's a special day." Spike looked at Rarity, waiting for her to remember to wish him a happy birthday, but saw nothing in her face but mild confusion. The young dragon's smile quickly faded into a rejected frown. Did she forget that today is my birthday? A wave of disappointment fell over Spike, his shoulders hanging low as he scuffled towards the door. Rarity didn't seem to notice this seemingly-obvious display of sadness.
"Thanks again, Spike." Rarity closed the door after Spike. A twinge of guilt caressed the beautiful unicorn's face as soon as Spike left. But feeling guilty about using him would have to wait; Rarity had one last thing to prepare, and it was one important order…