I sat with these four ponies who all had such close connections. They were a family. It was nice.
Twilight was telling us about her meeting with the education board. Those ponies sounded intimidating. And then she went on about the construction of her school, which was progressing quickly, but was having a few hiccups.
When she finished, Shining Armor went into detail about a new regime he was testing with the Crystal Guard. He seemed very excited about it. I thought it funny that he kept himself so involved. Then again, he had been Captain of the Guard in Canterlot before marrying Cadance.
Cadance.. She had stayed relatively quiet during the conversation. Flurry Heart was entertaining herself with some napkins, so there wasn’t much need to watch her. No, she sat listening, like me, as the two went on about their newest hobbies and interests. Our eyes met a few times and it seemed we shared the feeling of enjoyment at listening to brother and sister catch up.

“Shining, why don’t you and Twilight go check on our food? I’m famished!”

That broke their conversation for a split second as he smiled and nodded. They got up and moved towards the counter. Cadance watched them go before looking back at me.

“You’ve been quiet since the meeting earlier.”

“I’m not a great conversationalist.”

“Celestia says otherwise. You two seem to talk every chance you get.”

“Well.. I hadn’t really thought of it that way. It’s just that I’ve been pestering her about alicorn stuff.”

She smiled.

“What is it you want to know? I may be young by their standards, but I’m still knowledgeable.”

“I actually do have a question for you. How did you wind up with Shining Armor? I don’t mean how you met or anything. I mean-“

“You mean why am I married with a baby when Celestia and Luna, both as old as Equestria itself, have nopony?”

I closed my mouth and nodded. She turned to Flurry Heart and gave her a kiss on the forehead. That got her giggling.

“I suppose it’s just a part of who I am. I’m the Princess of the Crystal Kingdom, but I’m also the Princess of Love. It was only natural that I would find somepony special to share this part of my life with.”

“This part?”

She looked at me, her smile fading slightly.

“Oh. I’m sorry. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“It’s okay. It’s not something that I’ve come to terms with easily. But that could always change.”

“How do you mean?”

“Shining Armor will already have an extended life because of my magic. But he’ll still eventually grow old. The only thing that may change that is if he agrees to be immortal.”

“The ascension?”

“I thought you’d be familiar with it. You’ve really done your research. Yes. But not the entire process.”

“So just the one spell. Have you mentioned that to him?”

“Once. And only once. He knows the offer is there, but he wants to think about it. It’s a big decision. He’d see a lot of friends pass. Not to mention his parents.”

“That would be tough.”

“There is a plus side. Me, Twilight, and Flurry Heart. We’re going to live a long time. He loves all three of us so much. I feel that’s what will eventually bring him around.”

“That would be nice, knowing you have ponies you love at your side.”

“On that subject, I know you saw me earlier.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You hid your blushing a second too late. Though I’m sure I was the only witness.”

“Uh... I’m really sorry.”

“Don’t be. It was an honest mistake. I never think about the possibility that somepony will be watching when I stare at Shining like that.”

“I’ve never seen a pony look at another like that before. It was..intense.”

“Love can be like that. One minute it’s just being content to be in the same room, the next you have this intense..desire.”

She giggled. I was blushing again. Curse my cheeks!

“You’re still getting used to that aspect of the pony biology?”

“I know a bit. I’ve read plenty about various forms of love in books.”

“The real thing is quite a bit different.”

“I figured as much. I just..don’t know where to start.”

“Is there anypony you’ve seen that makes you melt a little when they walk in the room?”

“I don’t think so..”

“I guess you haven’t been outside the castle much in order to do that anyways. Unless there’s somepony in Ponyville?”

I shook my head. She got a sly grin on her face suddenly.

“The castle?”

“I’ve barely met anyone in the castle.”

“Of course not. Most of your time has been spent with books or the princesses. Dusty old pages and two mares.”

“What? You think that-“

She was laughing now.

“Look. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe you don’t even know yourself. But I would understand if you had a crush on either or both. They’re remarkable ponies.”

“I’d never really thought of them that way. At least..I don’t think I do..”

“Food for thought. Have you thought about going out and looking?”

“Looking for what? What are we talking about?”

Thank you Twilight! She and Shining Armor has returned with the food just in time. They set the plates down, a sea of food now before us. Cadance had that sly grin again.

“Looking for a girlfriend for Shade.”

Twilight looked at me and smiled.

“You want to find somepony? That’s great!”

“Would you keep it down? I don’t need the whole restaurant to know.”

She giggled.

“So that’s why we were sent away Shiny. Shade wanted some advice from the Princess of Love herself.”

“No better resource honestly. Though if I could throw my two bits in, go big or go home. That’s how I got Cadance.”

Cadance laughed.

“You also made a fool of yourself in front of the entire high school. But it was sweet. You were so cute back then.”

“I’m not now?”

“Of course you are.”

She leaned over and kissed him. I looked at Twilight and she was all smiles. She leaned close to me and whispered.

“They’re so lucky. I hope I can be that happy with somepony one day.”

I nodded.

“Me too. I guess we both have to get out there eventually.”

“Easier said than done.”

“Amen.”

We all began eating. I had gotten myself a delicious-looking stack of waffles with berries and cream on top. And a side of fries. I was skeptical of the combination, but upon the first bite together, all doubt melted away. Fantastic!

“So Shade, is there anypony in particular that you’ve wanted to ask out?”

I looked at Shining Armor. He smiled back, waiting.

“Nopony in particular. I just thought I needed to start getting out and meeting mares.”

Twilight chimed in.

“That’s a great idea! There’s plenty of ponies in Canterlot. You know, there are even dating events around the city. It’s called ‘speed dating’.”

“And how do you know about these events Twily?”

It was her turn to blush.

“I’ve not actually attended one! I’ve seen articles in the paper.”

“If you say so.”

He winked at me. It was a joke. I guess no matter how old you got, you still poked fun at your siblings. I turned back to my waffles and fries and continued to eat.

“Shade? I was wondering something.”

I looked at Twilight, curious of her question. She glanced at Cadance and Shining Armor and then back to me. She leaned in, whispering again.

“I’m sorry. I don’t want to pry if it’s too private. I was just wondering if you needed any reading material on..certain subjects.”

I leaned back and chuckled.

“I’m quite alright Twilight. Cadance and I were actually discussing it before you two showed up.”

“You were?”

Cadance smiled.

“Look at you! You’re not blushing. Are you finally getting comfortable?”

Shining Armor still looked confused.

“What did I miss?”

Cadance whispered in his ear and he got a knowing grin on his face.

“Oh. Got it.”

Twilight looked at me again.

“I didn’t realize that was something you were already looking into.”

“I wouldn’t say I was actively looking into the topic, but I had come across a number of books that peaked my interest.”

Cadance leaned forward.

“He just wanted a little advice on where to start. It can be daunting making your first foray into romance.”

“Exactly. Thank you Cadance.”

“I’d never thought to ask Cadance about it.”

Cadance feigned offense at Twilight’s words.

“Twilight! Whyever not?”

Twilight smirked at Cadance.

“The subject is awkward enough without having to remember that whatever experience you have is with my brother.”

Wow. Awkward. At least that’s how it sounded. But it seemed that was the joke as they all started laughing. I smiled, observing this wonderful family. This was what I dreamed of having.

“Wait. You didn’t go into details with Shade, did you?”

That sly grin returned to Cadance’s face.

“Only about foreplay.”

I was not over my blushing apparently..

________________________

Cadance and Shining Armor had to catch the train. Twilight and I saw them off at the station and then began the walk back to the castle.

“Don’t you need to be getting home?”

“The train for Ponyville doesn’t leave for another two hours. There’s plenty of time.”

“Thank you for lunch by the way.”

“It was no problem.”

“I didn’t realize Cadance had such a wicked sense of humor.”

“I didn’t either until a few years ago. She kept that part of herself toned down in case I felt uncomfortable.”

“So it want just me?”

“I’ve gotten used to it now. But once I was just as bad as you.”

“You can’t blame me for being embarrassed.”

“Of course not! You’ve never had romantic feelings before. It’s only natural that you feel a bit funny about the whole situation.”

“What about you? Is there a stallion that’s caught your eye?”

“No. I’ve not had time to look.”

“I guess you still have eternity.”

“Don’t remind me. I’ve had a hard enough time getting used to my alicorn status without remembering how long I’ve got in this world.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“It’s alright. That’s the one thing Celestia didn’t warn me about. The feeling of inevitable loss.”

“Cadance doesn’t seem worried.”

“She has some pretty special circumstances. I was thinking more of my friends.”

“Oh. That’s true. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’ll eventually make peace with it.”

We walked in silence for a few minutes. I admired the city as we passed shop after shop. And then I saw one shop in particular. More specifically, I saw one mare in the shop window.

“Is that who I think it is?”

Twilight’s ears perked up.

“Rarity!”

The white pony turned around in the window and beamed. She ran out of the shop and hugged us both.

“Hello darlings! I was going to come up to the castle to see you both!”

“What are you doing here?”

“I had to come take care of some business for my Manehattan shop. Unfortunately it couldn’t wait. I’m actually on the next train back to Ponyville to help with the school.”

“So am I!”

“Oh splendid! We can share the ride then! Shade dear! How have you been? I feel like it’s been ages.”

“I’ve been alright. A lot of reading honestly. I’d probably bore you.”

“I’m sure it’s very interesting.”

“We’re on our way to the castle. Care to walk with us?”

“I’d love to.”

She fell into step next to me and we all continued on.

“How’s the school coming? Twilight was talking about it in her meeting this morning.”

“It’s looking marvelous!”

“Thanks to a certain pony I presume?”

“Oh stop it! You’ll make me blush!!”

Twilight nudged me. She was starting to get that same sly grin Cadance wore so well. What was she hinting at?

“Have you spent much time with the princesses?”

I turned back to Rarity.

“I have! Celestia has been so helpful. And Luna’s even starting to open up a bit.”

“That’s wonderful. I’m glad they’ve warmed up to you so fast.”

“Shade was just telling me how he’s read through the entire library already. He said his favorite books have been some of the classic romances.”

My head swung around to Twilight. She was putting on an innocent face, but I knew that innocence was hiding a junior Cadance. I was about to tell her off when Rarity caught my attention again.

“I’m not surprised. You always seemed the romantic sort.”

I was shocked! Me? Romantic?

“I... I guess so. The idea interests me. But I’m too nervous to actually go out and meet anypony.”

“Nonsense! Meeting a pony is the easy part.”

“I’m just afraid of embarrassing myself.”

“I suppose that’s true. But embarrassment comes with the territory.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve been embarrassed?”

“Countless times. You can never be totally prepared for it either.”

That’s when I got an idea.

“Rarity?”

She looked at me. I swallowed hard.

“Would you go on a date with me?”

She stopped walking. I couldn’t see Twilight, but I bet this is what she’d been hinting at. I quickly continued.

“I’m not trying to say I’m interested in you. Not that I couldn’t be! You’re a beautiful mare. But I thought maybe we could go on a date to give me some practice? Maybe you can give me a few pointers?”

She relaxed her stance and smiled.

“Oh Shade! Of course I would love to help!”

She gave me a hug and I looked at Twilight. She shrugged.

“Not exactly what I was getting at, but you’re heading in the right direction.”

As Rarity pulled away we realized the practice date would have to wait until later. Twilight still needed to finish her school and would need Rarity’s help in the designs. That was fine though. Rarity promised to come back soon and we would have our date. She seemed excited at the prospect! It made me wonder if she hadn’t been out recently. It was very likely since she was always so busy. I promised myself that I would try to make the night special for her. She deserved it.

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