I hope with all my heart that these new laws are warmly welcomed and make my little ponies everywhere happy and content.

Not a single sound greeted Spike as he walked into the dark library.

“Twi-” Spike announced before cutting himself off. “Right, yeah. Canterlot,” he mumbled.

Gently closing the door, he tossed the food from the market onto one of the tables and collapsed into one of the chairs.

Sometimes he still felt the urge to announce his arrival; it was like a ghost pain, but there wasn’t anypony there to hear him. Instead, there was only the cold floorboards and the smell of old books waiting for him in the Golden Oaks Library.

He had no quarrel with admitting to himself that he missed Twilight Sparkle. Just a little. The library always felt a little bit less inviting without being greeted by Twilight’s gratuitous enthusiasm. Now she was in Canterlot, living out her dream as a powerful princess... or, at least, he assumed that that was her dream.

Spike was happy here in Ponyville, however. It was a welcoming town, and he had many good friends.

Especially Rarity.

Spike smiled as his mind drifted over to that fair unicorn. But it wasn’t the beauty that really enamoured Spike, it was her heartwarming concern and her over-reactive tendencies that really captured his heart.

Make sense? Spike didn’t think so, but he didn’t care. She was the most generous unicorn in the world, and he belonged to her. That was all that really mattered. Spike could deal with living with a dusty, old library that definitely could do with a clean for that.

Glancing at his surrounding in surprise, he realized he should probably get some cleaning done. Celestia’s sun still hung in the sky, balancing tentatively on the horizon as if waiting for something eventful to happen. He supposed a little cleaning couldn’t hurt.

It was amusing, actually; Spike used to be such the avid cleaner. He wasn’t a slob now - far from it, in fact - but he hadn’t really spent much time in the library since Twilight had left for Canterlot, and as a result he didn’t really see the need to maintain a house he wasn’t really living in very much.

Even if it was a public library that he was supposed to be running.

With a sigh, Spike turned his attention to the dusty bookshelves and unorganized books. A small pile of unsorted letters had accumulated on one of the tables, arousing his obsessive-compulsive tendencies he’d picked up from Twilight. He vaguely recalled a few of them erupting from the flames in his throat as he rushed to meet Rarity that morning. At the time he'd been much too concerned with getting ready and regretting oversleeping that morning to take much notice. Now, however, he realized that a letter from one of the princesses was usually of high importance.

That, or it was a letter from Twilight. Spike hoped for the latter as he began sifting through the pile.

Junk... Junk... Late order... Junk... Official stuff... Tax... Junk – Ah!

Spike grinned as he recognized Twilight's graceful writing on one of the letters. Taking the letter with him, he strode over to the fireplace and gently breathed his flames onto the wood he'd placed there perhaps months beforehand. He sighed at the sudden warmth and moved to the armchair next to the warm fire. With a graceful swipe of his claw that would put any blade to shame, Spike opened the envelope and began reading the letter.

Dear Spike,

I know it's been almost a week since I've last written, but I didn't know what to say to your last letter. That's such a wonderful thing for Rarity to say. She's a lucky mare, having you, Spike. I can only hope for the best for you two. How are the other girls doing? I've been trying to convince them to write for months, but Pinkie's the only one who's written back. Although Pinkie has been writing on an almost daily basis, counting down the days to my anniversary as a princess. I know I've said this before, but I really miss you all! Princess Celestia says I can come back to Ponyville to stay just before Winter Wrap Up. She says that there's nothing more important than friendship, but she also wants to teach me things that I didn't learn in school. They don't teach you how to be a princess, after all. And you wouldn't believe the things she's shown me since I last wrote! Did you know that the Royal Canterlot Voice was first used as a mating call? A mating call for a princess! Princess Celestia's sense of humor is still as sharp as ever. Although she's been really busy lately. Have you seen the new law she's passed? I was very surprised at first, but I'm starting to think it might be a really good idea. She's spent the last two hundred years promoting marriage equality, so this feels like the next step to take. I wonder what the girls will say about it. Tell them that Princess Sparkle demands that they write back! Failure to do so will result in a royal banishment! Banishments can be royal, right? Oh, look at me writing on about nothing. I'm starting to sound like Pinkie Pie! I wish you all the best, Spike. Make sure you keep that library clean! I know you've been at Rarity's a lot, but that is a public library. Proper organization is always paramount. I'm sure you're doing a good job of it though.

You'll always be my number one assistant.

Love Twilight.

Spike finished reading and placed the letter on the table. Twilight was coming back for Winter Wrap Up? He felt happy that he'd be able to see her again. He really should pay another visit to Canterlot; had it already been two weeks since his last visit? And what about these new laws?

Spike wracked his brains for anything he'd heard recently. He wasn't particularly interested in politics, but Twilight made it sound as if it was something everypony knew.

It's probably not that important. This is Twilight we're talking about.

Rereading the final few sentences, Spike remembered that he was supposed to be cleaning. With a sigh, he got up and grabbed a duster. Opening the windows, Spike began dusting the shelves. It was a quick job and certainly not very thorough, but it would do. He was quite pleased with himself when he finished dusting in a record time of ten minutes. There was a moderately strong wind outside which worked wonders at blowing away all of the dust in the air. Spike breathed in deeply, enjoying the fresh air.

Satisfied with his start at cleaning, Spike returned to his pile of letters and noticed another letter with Twilight's perfect writing. Another swipe of his claw later, and Spike was sat down next to the fireplace again, letter in hand.

Dear Spike,

I'll write a full letter later today, but I just wanted to write to you about these new laws that Celestia's passing. I'm sure you've heard about them; it's been subject to quite an amount of debate here in Canterlot. I guess I just wanted to write because I'm not so sure about them. Maybe that's because I've never really been with a stallion like that. I guess what I'm trying to say, or write, is don't feel like you have to do anything you don't want to, Spike.

Stay safe.

Twilight.

Spike groaned as he finished reading. He still had no idea what Twilight was talking about. Tossing the letter onto the table to join the other one, he got up and stared at the pile of unorganized books before deciding that they were a job for another night and heading towards his bed. It would be far easier to just turn in for the night. He had been up since the sunrise that morning helping Rarity find some more gems, and now he was paying for it; he was completely exhausted. Abandoning any hope of actually finishing the cleaning he'd begun, Spike hopped onto his bed and lay there in silence for a while.

His mind, as always, drifted over to Rarity. Perhaps tomorrow they would go gem hunting? Or maybe she could take a day off from her big order, and they could go on a picnic. Spike couldn't help but grin as his imagination ran wild. He was so distracted, in fact, that he didn't even notice himself fall asleep.

Spike was awoken by the morning sun shining in through the window. With a groan, he looked at his mechanical clock which only confirmed his suspicions: it was far too early to be waking up. Unfortunately, the dragon was now wide awake due to getting more than enough sleep already, so he lay on the bed, staring up at the ceiling.

It was unlikely that Rarity would be up at this time; she was very adamant about getting her beauty sleep, and no doubt she'd worked herself to the bone on her latest designs until the early hours of the morning. Spike smiled; it was a very graceful way to say that she enjoyed her lie ins. The dragon sighed in resignation as he got up. He might as well continue with the cleaning he vaguely recalled starting the night prior.

One hasty breakfast later, and Spike began tackling the pile of unorganized books. Or, at least, he would have if he hadn't been interrupted by a knock at the door. The library was a very flexible resource center; it was open almost all of the time. One didn't need to knock, however, so the dragon could only assume that the knocker was after him specifically.

Opening the door, Spike was greeted with the most wonderful sight in the world. Stood in all her awing grace and beauty was Rarity. As soon as her eyes fell upon him, they shined.

“Spikey Wikey!” Rarity cooed as she leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek, “I do hope I'm not being a bother, but I was wondering if you could help a lady find some more gems. I'm afraid I'm a little short for the ensemble I'm currently working on.”

“O-of course!” Spike stuttered excitedly, abandoning any hope of continuing the cleaning that he'd just resumed. He briefly promised himself he'd finish it later that night. Right now, however, Rarity needed his help, and he would be there to assist her.

“Thank you,” Rarity beamed, “I know this is the third day this week I've asked for help, but I don't know who else to ask.”

“It's no problem at all, Rarity,” Spike chortled. “Would you like anything to eat?”

“Hm? Oh, that would be lovely! I've already eaten, but... well...” Rarity's voice faded away, leaving Sweetie Belle's breakfasts unspoken.

“No problem. Come in!”

Leading the way, Spike walked over to the kitchen, glad that the dining table, at least, wasn't a complete mess.

“What would you like to eat?” Spike asked.

“Oh, anything,” Rarity replied, batting her eyelashes. Spike knew, however, that Rarity was simply being polite. Wracking his brains for a worthy breakfast that was within his culinary ability, Spike finally settled upon making a few crumpets. After all, they needed to be hunting for gems. Turning on the oven and placing the crumpets inside, Spike moved back over to the table.

“I'm preparing some crumpets, if that's okay with you?”

“Crumpets?” Rarity gasped. “Spike, you spoil me!”

Spike blushed, “Aww shucks, Rarity. They're just crumpets,” he giggled.

“And you're preparing them,” Rarity retorted with a giggle of her own, before nuzzling Spike affectionately. “After we find some gems, would you like to do something else? Maybe go to the park?”

“I was just thinking of going for a picnic,” Spike chuckled, leaving out the rest of the fantasy he's been having the night before.

“A picnic? What a wonderful idea!”

“Do you want to invite the rest of the girls?” Spike asked tentatively.

“Hm? Oh, no.” Rarity gasped, “It can be just you and me.”

“You sure? I really don't mind.” Spike tried hard to mask the fact that he did mind, but Rarity saw straight through it.

“You were always bad at pretending, Spike,” the unicorn smiled. “No, just you and me.”

Spike smiled warmly and kissed Rarity gently on the muzzle, earning him an flustered giggle from Rarity. Their bonding was interrupted, however, by the ringing of the oven calling for Spike's attention. The pair gazed at each other longingly before Spike begrudgingly walked over to the oven. Taking out the crumpets, Spike paced them on two plates and brought them back to the table with some jelly.

The couple ate their crumpets in silence, but their eyes never left each other, exchanging a silent conversation.

“Spike, you simply must teach Sweetie Belle how to cook,” Rarity said at last. “No matter what I do, I can't seem to stop her from completely destroying the kitchen!”

Spike laughed, “It's not like you can go far wrong with crumpets.” Rarity raised her eyebrows at Spike, and his laughing ceased. “Err, well, not that wrong.”

“Sweetie has been known to liquidize crumpets in the past.” Rarity said bluntly.

There was a short silence before the two burst into fits of laughter. Somehow the pair found the poor filly's horrifying lack of culinary ability somewhat humorous, and the two were still giggling as they walked out the door together.

“Those crumpets were simply divine!” Rarity exclaimed as the two walked through the streets of Ponyville. “I don't suppose you could show me how you made them so perfect, could you?”

“I'd love to!” Spike replied excitedly. In reality, he knew there was nothing really to show her, but he didn't care; any excuse to be near Rarity was good in his books. He hoped he could stay with her all day again.

“Oh, you are such a gentledrake,” Rarity cooed, referring to her favorite description of him.

“Aww, c'mon, I'd do the same for anypony.”

Rarity simply beamed at him which was followed by another affectionate nuzzle.

The pair continued walking out of Ponyville on the short journey to Rarity's favorite gem field. One could always find gems if one knew where to look, and Rarity had become quite adept at the task.

“Did Twilight write to you this morning?” Rarity said suddenly as they were walking along a small stream. Until that moment, all had been silent besides the gentle flow of water, and Spike had been lost deep in thought – mostly about the unicorn with him – however, Rarity's voice woke him from his stupor.

“Huh? Oh yeah, she did!” Spike said. “Well, actually it was yesterday. She told me to tell you all she's enjoying Canterlot. And that you should write back to her.”

Rarity looked away and giggled guilty, “Erm, yes. I suppose I may have forgotten to do that...” The mare regained her composure and turned back to Spike once again. “Did she say anything else?”

“She mentioned she might be coming home for Winter Wrap Up.”

“Just for the holidays?”

“I think she meant for good,” Spike replied. “Or, at least, I hope she did.”

“Ooh, I wonder if she will have any royal guards with her when she returns. Maybe they'll seduce me in the night and steal me away from you,” Rarity giggled.

Spike raised his eyebrows at her, “Do you really think any of the guards stand a chance against me, a brave and fierce dragon?”

The pair burst into laughter.

“Will I be the fair maiden that they must save?” Rarity said.

“ 'Fair' doesn't say enough,” Spike replied.

“Oh, Spike,” Rarity blushed, “You know how to tease a girl.”

"You've been teasing me ever since I first came to Ponyville,” Spike countered, “It's only fair.”

Rarity smiled and the pair lapsed into a comfortable silence. All that could be heard were their steps against the soft earth. Four hooves and two claws walking in as best sync as was possible. Up ahead their gem field could be seen.

“So what do you think about Celestia's new laws she's introducing?” Rarity asked suddenly. “They've been subject to quite some debate, I hear.”

“New laws?” Spike replied in confusion. “What new laws?”

“You haven't heard?” Rarity said, baffled. “Everypony on the street's talking about them! Why, only the other day I was at the spa with Fluttershy, and these new laws were the only topic of discussion.”

Spike vaguely recalled Twilight mentioning laws in her letters. What had she said? She didn't seem to think they were a good idea at first.

“Twilight said something about marriage equality?” Spike suggested.

“Oh, well, I suppose you could say that,” Rarity hummed thoughtfully. “But no, these laws are about polygamy?”

“Polygamy?” Spike questioned, scrunching his eyebrows.

“Yes. It's when a-”

“I know what it means,” Spike chuckled, “But... I guess I just wasn't expecting that.”

“Expecting it?” Rarity asked.

"Yeah. What are the laws actually about?”

“Well, they legally recognize marriages between more than two ponies. I suppose in turn that means multiple relationships will become more socially acceptable.”

“Is that like a harem, then?” Spike asked.

“No,” Rarity replied, “Well, actually I suppose it could be. I suppose that would depend on the pony.”

“So why'd you bring up these laws?” Spike asked, “You know I would never force you into doing something you don't want to, Rarity.””

“Oh, no. I'd be happy to.” she smiled.

“Huh?”

“I mean, I think it'd be interesting to have somepony else in our relationship. It could make things more interesting... especially in the bedroom...” Rarity purred, sparing him a very seductive glance.

“You don't think the I'm good enough in the bedroom?” Spike asked, a little stung.

“No!” Rarity gasped. “No, no, that's not what I meant! I just thought it'd be more exciting for you, that's all.”

“Rarity, you're already more than I can handle,” Spike chuckled with a cheeky wink.

“”C'mon, it'd be fun, Spike,” Rarity pleaded and pouted. Spike knew that once she used that adorable pout on him, there was no hope of refusing.

“But... who would-” Spike searched for the right phrase “-join us?”

“Well, I'm sure some of our friends would be willing to join us,” Rarity replied.

Spike gulped, “What do you mean?”

“Well I hear Applejack's last relationship didn't work out, Fluttershy's quite the romantic I hear, and let's be honest Rainbow Dash needs to settle down in a relationship before all that flying gives her wrinkles.”

“But they're my friends,” Spike protested weakly.

“Exactly!” Rarity squealed excitedly. “It's perfect, isn't it!”

“Won't it be awkward?” Spike said uncertainly.

“Nonsense,” Rarity replied, brushing away his concerns, before lowering her voice. “Besides, I can make it less awkward...” she whispered.

“They'll never agree to it,” Spike began.

“A lady has her ways, Spike,” she giggled in response. “Tell you what, let's go find some gems, and then I'll go invite one of the others over tonight. We can skip the picnic so you can head back and prepare dinner.”

“Skip the picnic?” Spike said in disappointment.

“Rarity leaned in close and whispered in his ear, “I promise I'll more than make it up to you later.”

Spike shivered as he wondered what Rarity could possibly have in store for him.

They collected gems in silence that day and were quick to head back to Ponyville.