The Dragon Assistant

The afternoon sun rises high above the streets of Ponyville, looking down upon all the houses, humble and otherwise. It is here that Spike, a young dragon well known around Ponyville as Prince Dusk Shines scribe and assistant. Though today, Spike is forgoing his duties to the young prince as he arrives at Carousel Boutique. The Boutique was home to a good friend to Spike, Elusive, Ponyvilles very own Tailor. The Boutique was a bright building, perhaps as it was designed, with light blues coloring the walls and light pinks the roof tops purple accentuating minor details. three stories high including the attic each story progressively getting smaller as it reaches the top so as to make the whole building reminiscent of a hand bell. The building was noticeable but not loud.

Spike approached the door and knocked. Hearing a cultured voice respond "Come in!"Spike entered the stores main show room.
" Good afternoon Elusive! Dusk doesn't need my help today, so I figured I would come over and see if I could make myself useful," Spike said.
"Why thank you Spike, a helping claw is exactly what I need around here," responded Elusive smiling at the young dragon.

Elusive was an incredibly handsome young stallion. His purple mane cut short and styled in a way that could be found in high class cities like Canterlot. His coat a snow white color, shiny and appearing soft to the touch. Speaking in a accent telling of years of instilling culture and oddly out of place in a place like Ponyville. It was a strange feeling of attraction, Spike had always admired the stallion though he always felt a little intimidated in Elusive's presence. Spike knew well there was nothing about the stallion to fear. In fact on the contrary, though Elusive was a stallion of precise measurements, and picky tastes he showed generosity in spades. Elusive's generosity; Spike loved that about the stallion, he had been on the receiving end of his altruism and cherished every gift given by the stallion.

Elusive began trotting to his sewing room and Spike followed along. Out of the show room, past the kitchen, up the stairs first door on the left. The sewing room was the only room in the house that Elusive ever allowed to be messy. though Elusive called it "Cluttered" for the sake of "inspiration"

"So tell me Spike, what exactly is Dusk up to, or is it too personal for me to know?" Asked Elusive levitating several spools of thread and a few yards of folded cloth over to Spike.

"Nah, he is just reviewing his schedule and trying to make room for time to spend with his sister," Spike responded holding the folded yards in one arm and using the claws on his other to act as a spindle the spools could spin on.

" Well I wish him luck in that endeavor, everypony whose anypony wants to meet the newly crowned prince. I can't imagine it would be easy to find any time what with being royalty and all" Elusive commented "Even so, Dusk is a bright stallion and where there is a will there is a way"

Spike nodded and made a noise of agreement "I offered to act as an emissary for a few official duties, you know, to give him some wiggle room in his schedule but he declined,"

Elusive's horn glowed and a few feet of cloth were cut from the yards of clothing Spike held and some thread spun from the spools on his claw. Elusive began his work.

"Well, those duties a very important. It might leave a bad impressions to send a envoy instead of appearing in pony," explained Elusive threading a needle and bringing down a pattern sheet. "Not that I don't think you aren't capable, of course," He quickly added.

"Oh I understand, it's a matter of public relations. I figured I would offer anyways," said Spike his eyes drifting around the room.

"Well that is sweet of you Spikey" Elusive commented.

That comment made Spike shiver. Comments from Spikes friends made him happy, whether it was about his cooking, his deeds or even just his opposable thumbs; but a positive comment or approving glance from Elusive carried something extra that made Spikes chest swell with pride.

"So how is Silver Belle? Has he gotten better with his magic?" Spike inquired

"Oh yes, my little brother has actually started practicing a new spell. The one I use to locate gems in the ground." Elusive explained cutting cloth according to the sheet.

"Well that would explain why Silver and his friends wanted to barrow a few gems from me," Spike said his eyes falling on the white unicorns coat. The gloss that held the light, and the three blue diamonds that drew Spikes attention.

"D'aww you let them have some of your gems so Silver could practice his spell! Thats quite generous of you Spike!" Elusive turned to smile warmly at the draconian assistant.

Spotting the sudden shift Spikes eyes quickly left their placement and met Elusive's sapphire blue eyes. Spike felt his chest grow tight and blood began to redden his cheeks.
"Oh, you know...I learned from the best..." Spike replied smiling.

Elusive arched an eyebrow, smiled and went back to work, and the conversation halted. The room falling quiet save the pattern of the sewing machine, the sounds of scissors cutting fabric and the occasional ho-hum of Elusive rechecking his pattern sheet. Spike couldn't help but replay the conversation in his head, each time a smile played on his face and pride filled his chest when came to the part where Elusive expressed approval of him. His eyes quickly went back to admiring Elusives coat, mane and manicured hoofs. They way his coif spiraled and flowed, the shine of a healthy coat, those supple, soft looking hips that gently curved to an equally soft looking rear. Spike bit his lower lip softly as he silently watched his crush work diligently, he was fine with the silence so long as he could enjoy the view.

Spikes stomach growled, breaking the silence. Quite loud for the little dragon as it managed to catch Elusive's attention, he didn't even turn around.
"Well..." Elusive started "it sounds like someone is hungry"

Spike sputtered "er, yeah...um pfft, yeah...well, you know I, uh, I gotta keep the old furnaces stoked...heh"

Elusive turned off the sewing machine and levitated the spools of thread off Spikes claws.
" Well the day is young still yet and I don't recall eating lunch. I suppose a quick break to eat will give us renewed strength," he said getting off his seat.

Spike set down the armful of fabric and followed behind Elusive as he spoke.
"I am sure I got a few gems around here that will I can give you...then right after it is back to work,okay?"

Spike acknowledged the plan, but his attention was brought back to Elusive's rump. It wasn't toned or taught, it had a bit of thickness to it in fact. Spike was unsure if that was suppose to be attractive but regardless he enjoyed it. The idea of reaching out and getting a claw on Elusives soft butt was enticing; not a strong grip but just enough that he could feel that cushy cheek and feel that soft coat. It was barely noticeable but their was a small ripple in Elusive's rump every step he took, it swayed too...like a little swing to Elusive's hips. Spike licked his lips as the motions of that soft butt seem to become exaggerated, it was only a second but that is all it took. Spike reached and placed his claw on Elusive's rump...

Quickly realizing his grievous mistake Spike gasped and yanked it away. Perhaps he could play it off like an accident, a simple misjudgment of how close he actually was. Spike looked at Elusive panicked, perhaps he hadn't noticed. His heart sank as well as his ears, Elusive stared at him.

"Spike...is there something you want to tell me?" Elusive asked, though it was obvious on Spikes face.

Spike sputtered a second time, not even managing much more than "Not really...no"

Elusive turned towards Spike and approached him steady and calm. Spike could scarcely meet Elusive's gaze, instead opting to keep his eyes pointed at his hooves and retreating a few steps, his reptilian form shrinking. Spike swung his tail around and held it in front of him, wringing it pensively.

"Really? Cause while I swung my backside to and fro you certainly seemed like you had plenty to say from the look on your face..." Elusive continued, his voice giving no hint of anger or amusement.

"Well, I...um" Spike faltered, a lump raising in his throat and his sight becoming cloudy with tears, still unwilling to meet a look of condemnation.

Not looking didn't help any, Spike could feel those eyes on him, thoughts of consequences raced through his head. Banned from being in the Boutique, estranged friend from Elusive, thrown in a dungeon, sent to the moon or worse yet. Dusk being notified! There was a only second of silence until Spike cleared his throat and finally spoke

"I...I guess I kinda like you..."

It was barely more than a whisper but still the message carried all the same weight as if he had yelled it.

" Kind of..." Elusive muttered as he began walking to the kitchen again.
"Come now Spike, you must still be hungry. Swallowing all that saliva couldn't have filled you up,"

Spike sank to the floor, a mixture of shame and guilt filled his hearts. Mentally kicking himself and playing out what he could have done differently Spike finally concluded the only thing he could to try and mitigate the damage done. Spike breathed through grit teeth, a lick of flame passing through the spaces as he summed up his most apologetic face and followed after Elusive.

In the kitchen Elusive was already starting the cooking when Spike walked in. Two fry pan's sizzled away filling the kitchen with a rich aroma. On the right counter were a variety of ingredients, eggs, bell peppers, lettuce, spices and herbs, two boxes of gem stones just to name a few. On the left were two sets of plates and bowls presumably for Elusive and Spike. Spike walked to about the midpoint in the kitchen before clearing his throat, his voice sounding forlorn and regretful.

"Elusive? Are you...um, are you mad?" Spike asked, a small pause before continuing "I'm really, really sorry for what I did back their, I wasn't thinking...can you forgive me?"

"Spike, for now just have a seat at the table, I will join you shortly and we can have a nice chat about you and me." Elusive responded levitating a few spices to the stove "How does pan fried melanite and a quartz salad sound?"

Spike stared at Elusive. Taking a deep breath, Spike made his way to a seat at the table and sat down. Elusive continued to cook, the pan sizzling with the melanite quickly filled the silence. Spike watched, as the weight of the situation settled in. He was about to have a heart to heart with the stallion he admired most. Spikes hearts skipped, and for a moment running away seemed like a good plan. , Spike felt a knot in his stomach he wasn't ready for this, not after what just happened.

Then a plate of hot gem stones with a bowl of salad with quartz chunks was set down in front of Spike, complete with an array of utensils wrapped fancily in a napkin.

" Bon Apatetit," said Elusive as he pulled up a chair opposite of Spike, his food consisting of a pepper omelette and a bowl of salad without the quartz.

"Oh...um...Th-Thank you," Spike replied as his tongue slithered out and snatched a pan fried gemstone.

"So do you want to start or should I ask you questions?" Elusive began.

"Uh...um, why don't you start?" Spike said eating a mouthful of melanite.

"All right, are you gay?" Elusive asked.

Spike coughed, but managed to keep his food from launching across the table. It was awfully blunt of him. A little grace would have been lovely but the question was there, he had to answer....how?

"Um...uh...I don't know..." Spike muttered.

"Alright then, do you have feelings for other stallions, like you do me?" Elusive asked

"No...I only feel this way around you, other stallions don't have your charm..." Spike replied.

"Why?"

Spike sat silently, staring at his plate. It was a difficult question to answer, all the times Elusive and him had spent together replayed in his head. The encounter with those diamond dogs, the time he rampaged through Ponyville, the time he found that book and enchanted Elusive on accident. Spike looked up from his plate at Elusive, those sapphire blue eyes looking at him placidly, waiting for an answer. Spike knew...

"It's the way you carry yourself that draws me in. That determination you show when faced with obstacles, like you did in Manehatten during fashion week. Your demeanor, the passionate creator, the confident companion and stern friend. Your someone I can look up to, admire, and even love," Spike said before pausing to reflect on what he just said "I...uh...I guess I sound a little gay..."

"Darling, you are not on trail. If it feels right to you, then say it." Elusive said softly.

"Alright then. I love you, Elusive." Spike said

It was a heavy silence after that. Elusive sat their rubbing his chin, looking at Spike in thought.

"So...um...I guess I should go," Spike said dejectedly.

"What? I thought you were going to be my little helper today?" Elusive said, watching Spike push his chair out.

"I think I may have over stayed my welcome, to top it off I probably weirded you out with my gay little spiel there," Spike said, standing up, "Can we please keep what happened today between me and you? I can't imagine how livid Dusk would be if he found out what I did today,"

Elusive stood up and approached the dragon assistant, and simply hugged him. One foreleg wrapped lightly around the base of Spike's neck and the other tightly holding him around the mid of his back. Elusive chin rested softly on the top of the scaly head of the young dragon next his spines while Spike was left wide eyed and dumbstruck as his face nestled into the crook of Elusive neck.

"I do not care if you are gay or not Spike, only that you are my friend," Elusive said, his foreleg rubbing his back.

Spike couldn't begin to formulate words. Dumbstruck had moved to awestruck, he had thought Elusive was pissed about Spikes groping claw but here he was hugging the only stallion who had ever made his little hearts skip beats. It felt good, not just the soft, warm coat, and cuddly body fat but just knowing Elusive would be his friend no matter what. Spike returned the soft embrace and pushed himself deeper into Elusive's forelegs; breathing deeply the scent of vanilla and strawberries. The embrace felt like it lasted forever but still ended all too soon as Elusive pulled away and looked down at Spike.

"I have to admit Spike I had some inclining to your feelings...I originally brushed it off as mere puppy love and figured you would move on in a few years. So many mares, and stallions proclaim their love to me its hard to discern which ones are sincere," Explained Elusive

"Wait, stallions profess their love to you? Does that mean you're..." Spike asked, trailing off.

"Gay? No. I may be picky about a lot of things but even I can have some leeway in who I sleep with," answered Elusive.

"So...um.." Spike began, his cheeks getting red.

"Yes, Spikey?" Elusive said looking down into the little dragons emerald eyes.

"Do...do I...um.." Spike sputtered, as he spoke Elusive smiled knowingly.

"Yeeeeess? Come now Spike, spit it out," Elusive coaxed, his smile becoming devious.

"Do I...meet your...standard?" Spike spoke his hearts pounding hard in his chest.

"Standard? Darling I dare say you are a excellent compliment to me!" Elusive said picking Spike up so they were snout to snout.

Spike was breathless, enraptured and awe struck by those beautiful eyes.

"A greedy dragon a significant other to the element bearer of generosity?" Elusive whispered closing the distance to the stunned dragon "Yes...an excellent compliment,"

Lips met and Spike jolted as if it were electric. Spikes first kiss; soft and warm, tender and sure a moment in time he would remember dearly. Spikes ear fins dropped and his eyes closed, he kissed back, leaning into the kiss he moaned softly. When finally the kiss broke Spike sighed, a goofy smile spreading across his face.

"Perhaps you are feeling up to some...what do the mares call it..." Elusive said

"Um....Experiment?" Spike offered

"Yes, I believe that's the excuse," Elusive said "So how about it Spikey-Wikey? Does that sound like something you would be up for?"

"If it means being closer to you I'll do anything" said Spike, a bit more lustfully than he intended.

Elusive didn't need to hear anymore.