Chapter 1: Rarity's Stallion (?)

"UGH!" Rarity cried as she looked at her jewel chest, terrified by how empty it had become over the past week. She had been given an order to create several dresses, each defined by their own unique gem. After hours of tireless work she was finished, sending off the dresses just that morning, and as she went to create a new dress for herself, she realized just how many jewels she had used.

"I need to go get Spike!" Rarity said quickly, preparing herself for a jewel hunt. Ever since the Diamond Dog incident she has been taking Spike with her when she went to find her jewels, as a form of protection. At first it was to make the dragon happy, but now, with his latest growth spurt having made him a formidable opponent to anypony courageous enough to try and steal her jewels, he was actually there to protect her. As she left she thought about their last trip for jewels, remembering how Spike risked his own life for her safety...

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"Rarity, get out of here!" Spike shouted as he wrestled the Manticore that had began to attack them. It was unusual to see one so far from the Everfree forest, but it could have been looking for food when it spotted Spike and Rarity. When it had charged towards them Spike dropped the jewels and shoved the Manticore to the side, causing it to hit a rock instead. The Manticore spun around quickly, and charged at Spike, but thanks to his new size and strength he was able to hold it back, but just barely. Spike was loosing ground quickly, and if he couldn't get away soon the Manticore was going to use him as a toy.

"RARITY JUST RUN!" Spike shouted, his arms starting to burn from holding back the Manticore. Rarity watched for a few more seconds, leaving just as the Manticore threw Spike to the ground. As she ran she could hear Spike being thrown around, the Manticore growling happily as Spike let out cries of pain. When she finally got home she climbed onto her bed, and cried. Even though she always seemed to ignore Spike, she did care for him, but it wasn't until recently that she had began to think more of him. Later that night Twilight sent Rarity a message, telling her that Spike was in the hospital and wanted to know she was okay, despite his fractured bones and concussion.

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Rarity sighed dreamily, still thinking about how heroic Spike had been when she made it to the library, hearing a heated conversation going on inside between Spike and Twilight.

"What is Celestia thinking?!" Spike cried, making Rarity worry slightly. He hasn't whined like this since before Shining Armor and Cadance's wedding, something must be really bothering him to make him whine like that, Rarity thought as moved to knock on the door.

Knock, Knock

"I'll get it" Spike grunted, annoyed by Twilight's sudden silence. From the outside Rarity could only guess at what was going on inside, but she still smiled as the door opened. When she heard a surprised gasp from the other side, followed by quick shuffling noises she opened her eyes, which had been shut so she could look happy as can be while smiling.

"Hello?" Rarity asked worriedly, knowing that it had been Spike that had opened the door. He was the only one who would scurry away when she showed up while he and Twilight were arguing. Rarity slowly walked into the library, looking around for any sign of Twilight or Spike. Only finding a white Unicorn sitting at the main table. He smiled at Rarity before pointing a hoof at the bookshelf behind her. When she turned around she found Spike plastered up against the wall, looking at Rarity nervously.

"Uh, hi Rarity" Spike said nervously, giving her a worried smile. He pushed himself off of the wall and laughed nervously.

"What's going on Spike?" Rarity asked sweetly, accompanied by a cute smile.

"Nothing, it's just, uh..." Spike said, looking at the other Unicorn quickly, "You need help finding jewels?"

"Yes, of course Spike, but what was going on?" Rarity asked, giving the Unicorn a look. He smiled and shrugged, making Rarity turn back to Spike with an eyebrow raised. Spike shrugged as well, and started to make his way out of the library. Rarity quickly followed after him, watching him carefully the entire afternoon.

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"We got a lot of jewels today" Spike said while sitting down on Rarity's couch, his legs tired from carrying all of the jewels back to the Carousel Boutique. He groaned as he laid back across the couch, but Rarity's silence worried him.

"Something wrong Rarity?" Spike asked as he sat up, looking over at the Unicorn to find her looking at her jewels sadly. Rarity turned around slowly, looking at Spike with her big sad eyes.

"What happened this morning?" Rarity pouted, trying to use her charms on Spike, knowing they usually get him to speak. When Spike laid back down Rarity walked over to him, worried that something might have changed him, but when she got closer she heard him mumbling to himself.

"How do I tell her what Celestia told me?"

"What did Celestia tell you sweetie?" Rarity asked, putting a hoof on Spike's shoulder, making the dragon jump. He looked over at Rarity, a worried and sad look plastered across his face. Spike suddenly pulled Rarity into a hug, making her gasp in surprise.

"Spike?" Rarity asked worriedly, knowing Spike only does that when something is really bothering him. He pulled back and looked Rarity right in the eyes.

"This morning, well, uh..." Spike said, pausing, but Rarity's smile made him continue, "Celestia sent us a letter saying the six of you were going to get arranged marriages"

"What?" Rarity asked in surprise, "How could she do that?"

"There's an old law from before Luna was banished that lets her put people together" Spike said sadly, looking at Rarity with despair.

"Then..." Rarity started, pausing so she could compose herself, "Who was I put with?"

"Me..." Spike said sadly, shrinking away from Rarity's gaze. Rarity laughed quietly, making Spike look up at her. She just smiled back at him, a faint blush appearing across her cheeks.

"Well, maybe it wouldn't be all that bad..." Rarity said, giving Spike a shy look, "If I'm with you"

"Really?!" Spike shouted, jumping to his feet in front of Rarity.

"Yes sweetie" Rarity said, moving forwards to nuzzle Spike. He laughed nervously as she did, deciding to rub her mane in return, eliciting a moan from her as he rubbed by her ear. Rarity quickly pushed him back onto the couch, and then took her place next to him, resting her head on his lap.

"I love you Rarity" Spike said quietly as her eyes closed, making Rarity sit up.

"And I you" Rarity said, moving forwards to give Spike a kiss on the cheek, closing her eyes as she did so. Although what she wasn't expecting was Spike reacting to her without freaking out. Instead of trying to look away he moved towards her as well, puckering up his lips as he did...

Smooch