Spike was up and about in the workroom of the upper level Rarity’s estate, the Carousel Boutique. In the middle of the room was Rarity, working on one of her well used sowing machines. Spike just finished folding another shirt around a piece of cardboard, and was carefully sliding the pins onto it so that the article was fastened in place. Once complete, he placed the folded shirt into the stack of other shirts that were identical as the one Spike just finished folding. There were other similar piles of similarly designed shirts of different size and color.
“Spike, can you pass me another spool of this thread. There should be more where you got it,” asked Rarity, levitating a short piece of the thin thread with her magic. Spike grasped it in his claws.
“I’m on it,” responded Spike before walking over to the various shelves that housed Rarity’s numerous sets of threads. Being somewhat familiar with Rarity’s well organized clutter of materials, he quickly found the set of threads with the same diameter as the thread he was holding. After eyeing through the column of green colored thread, he found a large spool of the particular dark green color that perfectly matched the color of the piece he was holding. The last spool of its kind too. Spike remerged to the center of the workroom, holding the particularly heavy spool in both his claws.
“This is the last one Rarity.”
“Just in time. And that will be fine dear, I only plan to make five more of this color,” said Rarity, without turning around. Spike felt the spool lift from his claws as Rarity used her magic to levitate it into the air, and landed it besides the table she worked at. With that taken care of, Spike resumed his process of quality checking and then folding the last of the shirts that Rarity had finished making. Spike sat idly for a few moments once he finished.
“Spike, if you don’t mind, I would appreciate it if you were to take inventory on the fabrics and threads I have here, and make a list of everything we are either low on, or out of,” requested Rarity.
“Sure, thing Rarity,” Spike answered.
“Oh, but before you do that, would you please open the blinds some more. I would prefer some more light.”
“Got it”
The early afternoon went on as it often did when Spike offered to help Rarity in her workshop. While Rarity was busy focusing on stitching the section of whatever article she was currently working on, she would call out simple tasks for Spike to do for her convenience. Sometimes, Spike would intuitively predict what Rarity would request, and would preemptively take action before she even asked. While it was tedious, Spike could not complain. For him, working with Rarity was neither tiring nor unpleasant. Getting to spend this much time with Rarity was more than worth the effort. And while Rarity knew that Spike could be hoof-full, she could not deny how much more productive she was with Spike at her aid. It was no wonder Twilight depended on him so often. After a few hours since Spike’s arrival, Rarity powered down her sowing machine, and removed the newly finished dress from it.
“I’d say that was more than enough progress for now” said Rarity, looking satisfied with the tall pile of folded shirts and pants sitting beside a rack of freshly finished summer dresses. As on cue, Spike asked the same question he always asked.
“Is there anything else I can do for you today Rarity?”
“No, that will be all Spike.”
“Oh, Rarity, I just remembered,” Spike exclaimed as he turned to grab a piece of paper he left on the floor. “I had an idea during some downtime. I notice that the biggest struggle you seem to have with your work is coming up with new creative ideas for the clothing themes you are working with. After spending time watching you work and looking at your various designs over the years, I came up with one on my own,” said Spike, holding up the paper. Drawn on it was a crude sketch of a shirt with a simple pattern around the collar and hem. “I know that this concept is kind of basic compared to your more extravagant designs, but I have never seen you make anything like this before. I have a feeling that you could use it in the future, the next time your run out of ideas.”
“Oh, Spike, your concept does look fine,” said Rarity hesitantly. “I can certainly add this the list of ideas that I have been meaning to show my consultants. I’ll see if they could do something with this,” said Rarity, as she used her magic to levitate the sketch Spike had given her on top of a tall stack of paper already on her desk. “But I don’t want you to stress yourself with trying to give me inspiration.”
“I understand Rarity. You hold your own designs to a very high standard. That is why is seldom take advice or inspiration from any-pony else. You only trust the quality of your own work.”
“No Spike, that’s not it at all. There are only so many good original ideas that any pony can come up with on their own. I hire other designers and consultants for this reason. They give me ideas while keeping me informed of what currently is in and out of style. That’s why I am never out of work. With other ponies offering me so many great designs, I always have a que of new pieces that I want to make.”
“I guess that makes sense.”
“And on another matter, you already do so much for me already Spike. You get more work done for me than some of my employees, and you never complain, or ask for pay. And while I would love to hire you full-time, I know you’re more than busy enough being Twilight’s number one assistant, now that she is Princess. So please Spike, don’t feel that you need to come up with designs for me. Honestly, I feel it would be wrong of me to make you do more than you do already.”
“Well, if you say so Rarity. Still, no matter what, it’s always an honor to assist you.”
“You’re too kind Spike.”
“Thank you Rarity,” said Spike as he put a hand behind his head, looking away sheepishly.
“Say, Spike, there is something I wanted to ask you.”
“Sure, what is it Rarity?”
“For as long as I have known you, you always seemed to enjoy helping others. I’d say that it’s rather admirable of you to selflessly offer your time and effort so often towards those that you care about. But why do you feel so inclined to come here every week and assist me in particular? I mean, you don’t help Applejack with her field work, or aid Flutter Shy in managing her animal sanctuary, nearly as often as you volunteer here for me. You never did seem to care much for tailoring or fashion after all. So, tell Spike, why exactly do you fancy coming here to my abode instead of anywhere else?”
Rarity already knew the answer to her question. She already knew exactly why Spike always showed up to her door. She knew how Spike felt about her for years, and how just blaringly obvious his feelings were, despite his efforts to be subtle. Still, Rarity wanted to humor herself, and to hear what Spike had to say.
“I suppose you’re right,” admitted Spike. “I do like to help out a lot. Helping others with their problems is what makes me feel special, and reminds me how much I mean to others. But that’s not everything. I always felt different when working besides you Rarity. You’re compassionate, caring, and easily the most generous gift giver I know. I guess I am always fine with helping you with your work so often, because I just like being with you. And I still feel that way now. Getting to see your beautiful smile is always more than worth it for me at the end of a rough day. And … if you also like having me around, … I would love to continue to work for you.”
“How very kind of you Spike. Perhaps you are more of a gentle drake than I initially took you for,” Rarity responded, following with a playful bat of her eyelashes. Rarity could see the pink blush on Spike’s scales darken to a red color. She still had that special effect on him.
Rarity had come to expect Spike’s frequent compliments, to the point where she often dismissed them as pointless flattery. But every so often, Rarity would indulge herself in Spike’s praise. It was more therapeutic than anything else. It was moments like these when Rarity could shed all her insecurities and any self-doubt, and feel like the fine, and extravagant fashionista that she knew was. It also felt great to have a loyal little dragon, practically wrapped around her hoof.
Still, Rarity could not help but feel a bit uneasy between herself and Spike. The conclusion of her last conversation with Twilight over tea, was now echoing in the forefront of her mind. Spike was a good friend to Rarity. He meant far more to her than just some tool to be used for her benefit. And Spike certainly deserved better than to have his feelings exploited for selfish gain. Wiling volunteer or not, that was no way to treat someone so close to her.
“Spike, for all you have done for me today, perhaps there is something I can do in return your generosity,” said Rarity with a genuine smile. “Just name anything you want from me. If it’s within reason, you can have it. It would be the least I could do.”
Spike paused for a moment, before answering. He took an uncharacteristically long time thinking about his next words. “Actually Rarity, I do have a request in mind,” said Spike meekly, while holding one of his elbows. “There has been something I have been meaning to ask from you for a long time.”
“Oh, do tell,” prompted Rarity.
Spike immediately stood up as tall and straight as his still small physique could muster. He lifted his shoulders, stiffened his chest, and tightened his little muscles. “Rarity, tomorrow, at lunchtime, would you like to go on a da-, ah, I mean, picnic?!,” Spike stammered. “Would you like to go on a picnic with me, tomorrow, at lunchtime?,” asked Spike, quickly correcting himself.
Spike’s intentions could not have been more transparent, even without his verbal mishap. Rarity turned her head sideways. “Why, Spike, how… unexpected of you,” she commented.
After all this time, Spike was making his first advance. Rarity pondered the circumstances. It was certainly an odd situation she found herself in. Would she, Rarity, actually accept Spike’s offer? Would she compromise her personal standards? Would she give up her search for finding her ideal stallion, in exchange for a dragon like Spike? And would she really risk allowing others to witness her in public, and to allow them to assume that she would date the young dragon before her? Rarity immediately came to a decision on that matter.
But what was she going to say to Spike? She could just decline his offer, tell him how she felt outright, and end it there. But doing so would, without a doubt, break his fragile little heart. Rarity was unsure if she could bring herself to do such a thing. Perhaps she could just lie, and just say she was busy all of tomorrow, and that she did not have the time to fulfill Spike’s request. But Spike might see right through such a direct, and spontaneous lie. If he did, it would be no better than had she just blurted out the truth. In fact, lying to his face like that would probably be even worse.
Spike’s request was certainly fair and reasonable. He had chosen to spend most of his day with Rarity, for her benefit. When she prompted for what Spike wanted in return, all he asked in was for her to go with him on a picnic. But that was all the offer was. It was just a picnic. It would just be a simple meal between two friends as payment for Spike’s generosity. It would be a regular outing, regardless of Spike’s underlying motives or emotions. Nothing more, nothing less.
“A picnic with such a dear friend. Why, that sounds absolutely lovely Spike. What exactly did you have in mind?,” asked Rarity, offering her most convincing smile.
The pupils of Spike’s eyes immediately widened, and an elated grin formed across his face. Rarity witnessed cartoon images of red and pink colored hearts popping in and out of existence in the space around Spike’s head. “AMAZING!,” Spike exclaimed. “I know of a great spot West of Ponyville. I’ll come by, and we can head out at noon tomorrow. I’ll be sure to bring everything.”
“Oh, Spike, don’t feel that you need to do that. I can certainly bring a few dishes of my own.”
“Sure, feel free bring whatever you want Rarity. But I promise you that I will bring nothing but the best that I can offer. This is going to be great!,” said Spike once more, just getting over his initial high of excitement.
“Well, I suppose it might,” said Rarity, while looking away hesitantly.
“Okay then Rarity, I will get things ready for tomorrow, and then drop by here at noon. See you then!,” said Spike, still unable to suppress his enthusiasm. Spike then quickly went down the stairs, and left the Carousel Boutique in hurry.
Now alone, Rarity let out an exhausted sigh. “He’s certainly the hoof-full,” groaned Rarity, before planting her muzzle into her desk.
Once Spike had briskly paced out of sight from Rarity’s home, he opened his wings and began to fly towards Canterlot castle in record time. Upon his arrival, he burst open the large wooden doors, and rushed his way up to the throne room. As expected, Twilight was sitting on her throne, with stacks of paper laid out on a portable desk in front of her.
“Spike where were you all that time?,” Twilight inquired impatiently.
“I was with Rarity, helping her catch up on some of her orders. And on a completely separate topic, can I take tomorrow off?”