I took to being at Celestia’s side every day. I’d give her information every once in a while, but in reality we just talked. Even as she was dealing with official business. One day I was helping her review reports and she couldn’t help but crack a joke every few minutes. I’d fired right back at her every time and we laughed for hours. And somehow we finished the review too. With my knowledge and her experience, we never fell behind on anything. I came close one day though.
I received a letter from Rarity three days after I’d written her..

My dear Shade,

I’m so happy to hear that you’re well. And you’ve been given such a prestigious position! You have to tell me every detail over dinner. I’ll be in Canterlot a week from today, checking the venue for the upcoming fashion show. Let me know if you’re available.

Rarity

She wanted to go to dinner. That thought alone kept distracting me all day. Celestia took immediate notice.

“Shade?”

“Huh?”

“I asked if you knew of a potion that could stop limbs from falling asleep.”

“Oh. Uh... Not that I can recall. That would be great though!”

“Alright. What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing! It’s just uh... I got a letter.”

“And what did she say?”

“What? You think you just know who it is?”

Her brow arched. I rolled my eyes and sighed.

“Fine! She asked me to dinner in a week.”

“Ah. So you’re nervous. And excited.”

“Yeah. I believe Pinkie Pie once called it nervi-cited.”

“And what has you feeling that way?”

“Well...I don’t know if it’s a date or not.”

“I see. And you’re worried about misinterpreting it.”

“Exactly! What if I play it too casually? Or if I make myself a fool by thinking it’s more than what it is?”

“Why don’t you just ask her?”

“Am I allowed to do that?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“I’d have to agree with the princess on that. Honesty is best.”

We both turned to look at the pony at the other end of the table. I stiffened up and let out a nervous laugh.

“Sorry about that. We were talking about repainting the exterior of the castle, right?”

———————————

I sat down to dinner and instantly regretted it.

“Did Shade tell you he got a letter from a certain somepony?”

Oh no. What was happening? I tried to say something, but my mouth wouldn’t work. Luna smiled at Celestia.

“I assume you mean Rarity?”

Why? Why was my personal life up for discussion?

“Who else? She’s invited him to dinner in a week.”

Please stop.

“That’s marvelous! But wait...is this just dinner? Or is it..”

“He’s not sure. I told him he should ask her.”

“Is that wise? What if he asks and it tips her off that he has feelings for her?”

I finally got my mouth to work.

“Thank you both. Must we discuss this over dinner?”

They both looked at me. I honestly think they had forgotten that I was there! They began laughing. Celestia wiped a tear away from her eye.

“I’m sorry Shade. You have to understand how nice it is to have something besides royal business to talk about.”

“Does it have to be my love life though?”

“Love life? A rather grandiose term since you haven’t had a date.”

I whipped around and glared at Luna. That only caused her to laugh more. Celestia put a hoof on my shoulder.

“I’m sorry we’re having this much fun at your expense. We often have to entertain ourselves.”

“I’m so glad I’m your personal clown.”

Luna was calming down now.

“Don’t take us too seriously Shade. Celestia is right. Perhaps you should just ask her.”

I sighed.

“Thank you. Honestly you two! Did the ascension stunt your maturity?”

Celestia grinned.

“I don’t know and I don’t care to know.”

And they were laughing again.

———————————

I thought long and hard over how to respond. I consulted everything I had on memeory; romance novels, books on etiquette, and even a dating basics manual. I began to craft my response. All in all it took a couple hours, but I felt I had gotten it just right.

Dear Rarity,

Sounds like a date! I’ve been dying to try the new restaurant on 3rd. Does 7 o’clock sound good to you?

Shade

I looked it over and nodded. I made it sound casual, but I had also subtlety included the word ‘date’. I felt it was simple enough. Now I would just need to see how she responded.
I had the letter sent and felt a lump in my throat afterwards. Had it been too casual? Now I was freaking out! I paced back and forth in my room for twenty minutes. What would happen? How would she respond?
A flurry of magic rushed through the window. I watched as it solidified into a scroll and snatched it from the air. Tearing it open was easy, but for a few seconds I couldn’t bear to look at the writing. Eventually, I looked down at the slanted cursive.

Wear something nice. We’re celebrating after all! I’ll see you next week. I’m looking forward to our date.

My eyes locked on the last word. Slowly, my lips curled into a smile. I was going on a date.

——————————

Celestia suggested a tailor in town and sent me along with enough bits for a nice suit. She’d been very happy for me when I told her it was officially a date.
I walked down the street, a smile on my face for the whole world to see. The tailor’s shop was up on my right. I looked in the window display and marveled at some of the pieces they had. Should I go for a tuxedo? No, too fancy. Just a nice suit. Black with a blue tie maybe..
I stepped into the shop, a small bell on the door jingling as I entered. A unicorn appeared from the back room.

“Welcome to Fabrique! How can I help you-“

He paused as soon as he saw me.

“Uh...Hello.”

“Hello. My name is Shade. Princess Celestia told me this was the best place to get a suit?”

That brightened his demeanor.

“Of course! Come! Let me see what I can do for you!”

I was put up on a short pedestal and he began measuring me.

“Hmm.. You don’t have normal dimensions do you?”

“I’m a little off.”

“I suppose changelings do have different proportions to ponies.”

I didn’t bother to correct him. I didn’t want to have to explain to the hundredth pony why I wasn’t a changeling.

“Think you can manage?”

“Of course! If the princess thinks I can do it, then it will be no problem.”

“Have you ever made clothes for..somepony like me?”

“Not exactly, but it doesn’t seem like you’re not too far off from a larger stallion frame. So! What are we looking for?”

“I have a date. I want to look my best.”

“Oh! A special somepony?”

“I guess you could say that. This is our first official date.”

“Say no more! Bobby Pin will take care of you my dear boy. You will shine like the sun!”

Fabric flew at me so fast I didn’t know what way was up. I was going to suffocate before I even got to dinner! I couldn’t see my reflection in the mirrors. Then I started feeling needle pricks. I didn’t tell, but I sure flinched a lot. This prompted Bobby Pin to continue saying ‘hold still’. What was he doing with all this fabric? Was this how Rarity worked?

“There! She won’t be able to resist you!”

The fabrics disappeared. I looked in the mirror. I was wearing a white shirt and black jacket. Both were fitted snuggly against my body. There wasn’t a tie, just the top unbuttoned.

“Oops! Silly me. You need neckwear. Let me see..”

He began rummaging through drawers and tossing ties around the room. I tried to catch his attention.

“Uh.. I was thinking something in..blue?”

He stopped and looked at me. His confusion melted away as he stared at me.

“Of course! To bring out your eyes! Why didn’t that occur to me in the first place?”

He found a shiny, blue bow tie and wrapped it around my neck.

“Perfect! Your lucky lady will take one look at you and swoon!”

“I hope not. I don’t like to eat alone.”

He got a good laugh from that. I paid him more than he asked. I insisted on a generous tip.

“I couldn’t sir!”

“You’ve made me look like a million bits. It’s the least I can do. Thank you.”

I put the money on the counter and left without another word. I glanced back to see him waving to me.

“Good luck!”

——————————

The week flew by. I had attended meetings with Celestia, read over documents, and even provided Luna some counsel on some dreams. I was fitting right into my new role as an advisor. Even with both of these crazy alicorns poking fun at me, I was getting more and more excited for the date! When the day finally came, I couldn’t hold still all day. Celestia had had to send me to my room because I was bugging her with my pacing.
When he time came, I put on my new suit and admired myself in the mirror for s few minutes.

“Not bad.”

I said goodnight to Celestia and Luna and started for the restaurant. I arrived several minutes early. I turned to a nearby window and checked my reflection. Mane, check. Tail, check-

“I think you’re good.”

I jumped at the voice and whipped around. And then I froze.

“Wow..”

Rarity was wearing a beautiful, red dress. It sparkled in the moonlight. She’d put her hair up in a different style. I felt underdressed for how amazing she looked.

“You look...stunning.”

She blushed a little.

“Thank you. You look handsome as well.”

She brushed a hoof across the front of the suit.

“It’s beautiful work. Ah! Here’s the tailor’s mark. Oh it’s one of Bobby Pin’s! He makes wonderful pieces.”

“Yeah. He did a good job. But it’s nothing compared to your dress! Did you design it yourself?”

“Yes I did. I’m so happy it turned out well.”

“It turned out beautifully. Shall we go in?”

She nodded and I led the way inside. I had already gotten us a table and the host led us to it as soon as we entered.
I pulled out Rarity’s chair and helped her sit before I went to my own seat.

“Still a gentleman.”

“Thank you. And you’re still a wonderful dinner partner.”

“We haven’t even eaten yet.”

“I’m sure that won’t change my opinion.”

“Oh! You must tell me everything! I didn’t even know here was such a position with-“

I set my hoof against her lips. She looked at me in surprise. I quickly looked around and settled back into my seat.

“I decided it’s best if as few ponies as possible know. It keeps me out of the spotlight and allows for some anonymity.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was supposed to be a secret.”

“It’s not really. But it does add to the mystique.”

“That’s true! Did you know there’s already rumors floating around about you?”

I smiled.

“Watch.”

I turned around to the couple behind us.

“Excuse me. I’m sorry to interrupt your evening, but I’ve been hearing everypony talking about their right hoof. Is there some custom I should know about?”

The stallion smiled and shook his head.

“No, no, no. They’re talking about The Right Hoof. He apparently works for the princesses and makes big decisions.”

“Really? Who is he?”

The mare chimed in.

“Nopony knows! He just showed up one day and moved into the castle. Before anypony knew it, Celestia gave him the position!”

“That’s pretty sudden.”

“I know! What kind of pony can just waltz in and become such an influential figure in Equestria without ever being seen by the public?”

“Outrageous! It’s as if he’s a phantom! Thank you for telling me. I’ve felt out of the loop all day.”

I turned back to Rarity. She was trying not to laugh. She leaned in and whispered.

“You’re absolutely wicked!”

I grinned.

“Only for you.”

A waiter came by and dropped off some water and bread while we perused the menu. Rarity kept glancing at me. I finally buckled.

“Do I have something in my teeth?”

“No! I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

“You’re just so..confident know.”

“Thanks to you.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do! Our last dinner really stuck with me.”

“I’m glad I’ve been able to help.”

“You’ve helped me a lot over the years. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay you for everything you’ve ever done.”

“You always speak from the heart, don’t you?”

“I prefer to speak truthfully. A habit I picked up after I moved to Ponyville, but before I lost my magic.”

“So that nopony had a reason to mistrust a changeling.”

“Exactly.”

“So you never tell lies?”

“Besides the little white ones? Never.”

“Really? Then may I ask you a few questions?”

“You may.”

Wait... Where was this going?

“Do you consider this a date?”

“...Yes. Don’t you?”

“Yes I do. I just wanted to check on your end.”

“Okay.”

“Did you feel something at the end of our practice date? As we walked to the station?”

“Yes. It’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before.”

“That’s good. I had hoped it wasn’t just me.”

This was going better than expected!

“Next question.”

She paused a moment, as if thinking weather she should ask it or not.

“Do you find me attractive?”

A soft smile crossed my face.

“I think you’re the most beautiful mare I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

She blushed.

“I have...one more.”

“Anything.”

“Careful with that word.”

“I mean it.”

She got quiet. She was acting shy. She had the smallest smile as her eyes met mine.

“Do you want to kiss me?”

Every last alarm in my head went off. Had she just asked me that?! Every fiber of my being screamed ‘YES!!!’. But I pulled it back as fast as I could. I couldn’t act suddenly. I didn’t want to ruin it.

“I do. But I don’t want to take advantage of you so soon. I’d rather wait for the right moment if I’m going to kiss you.”

She seemed surprised at the maturity behind my answer. But her smile was still there.

“You really are a gentleman.”

The waiter reappeared to take our order. I opened my mouth to ask for the salad, but stopped. Something was off. I didn’t want to spend my evening here. I wanted this to be special. I closed the menu and looked at the waiter.

“Could you give us another minute?”

The waiter nodded and disappeared. Rarity looked confused.

“I thought we were ready. What’s wrong?”

“Do you trust me?”

Her brow furrowed as she tried to guess my motives. My grin got the better of her as she smiled again.

“Yes.”

“Let’s go.”

I stood up and offered her my hoof. She took it and stood, following me through the tables. We exited the restaurant and I started down the street.

“Where are you taking me?”

“If we’re going to have dinner, it’s going to be a one-of-a-kind meal.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s a surprise. Though I should warn you. We might be overdressed for this particular venue.”

———————————

I stood at the counter mixing ingredients in a bowl. Rarity was watching me from her seat.

“Nopony has ever made me dinner before. Especially not in a kitchen like this!”

“One of the perks of knowing the chef.”

I’d brought her to the castle’s kitchen. Butter Whisk was already gone for the night so we had the place to ourselves. I’d gotten busy preparing one of my favorite dishes; grilled cheese. It was a simple dish, but I had tinkered with some extra ingredients to find an amazing flavor. I was getting the mix ready to season the bread.

“I hope you’re not disappointed by my meager offering. I’ve not learned to make anything too complex yet.”

“I haven’t had grilled cheese in years! And I definitely haven’t had it the way you’re making it. What exactly is in there?”

“Trade secret I’m afraid.”

“Aww! Can’t you give me a hint?”

“It’s something tasty.”

She rolled her eyes at me.

“Why the sudden change?”

“I just felt like doing something a little more heartfelt for you. Paying for a meal just didn’t cut it.”

“That’s awfully romantic of you.”

“I feel that-“

I stopped. There were hoofsteps heading this way! I stored my mix below the counter and whispered to Rarity.

“The pantry.”

Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. She followed me to the pantry and we hid inside. Luckily it was big enough that it could have fit ten ponies in it. I left the door open a crack and we listened.

“Where are the spoons?”

“The spoons should be in the third drawer from the left. Unless they’ve been moved again. And the bowls should be in the second cupboard.”

“We don’t need bowls. It’s ice cream.”

“You’re really going to eat a whole quart by yourself?”

“Unless you hog it.”

“Rude!”

I couldn’t believe my bad luck. Celestia and Luna were taking over the kitchen! Rarity leaned closer to me.

“Should we leave? It’s just the princesses.”

“That’s why we have to stay. If I come out of the pantry with you, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“You’ll be in trouble?”

“Worse. They’ll tease me for weeks.”

“You’re kidding.”

“No!”

We were interrupted as the conversation outside the pantry continued.

“Do you think he’s having a good time?”

“Shade? I’m sure he is.”

“He’s lucky to have found somepony like Rarity.”

“I thought it would happen sooner or later. He told me about how much she helped him during the worst of his nightmares.”

“So that’s why his dreams calmed down. Were they seeing each other?”

“No. Not like that. She taught him how to meditate. And they talked quite a bit. It seems like they formed a strong bond before he ever had feelings for her.”

Rarity looked up at me and smiled.

“I wonder what they’re up to now?”

We’re stuck in your pantry.

“You’re not jealous, are you Luna?”

“Of course not! Not of them anyways. It’s the date itself. I’ve always wanted to go on one. We never got the chance to woo stallions in our younger days.”

Woo?

“Woo? A bit old-fashioned, don’t you think?”

“You know what I mean.”

“I do. But at least we have each other. And this Rocky Road.”

“Here, here.”

I turned to Rarity and whispered.

“This might take a while. I don’t know what to do.”

Rarity was still smiling. In the small amount of light, I saw her move closer. I felt my hair stand on end. She leaned forward until her lips touched mine. An electric shock went through my entire body. Fireworks went off in my brain. My legs turned to jelly. The only thing I could control was my mouth. So I returned the kiss. It felt amazing! So much warmth passing between us. It was pure bliss.
We stayed like that for several seconds, our lips moving against one another. When we finally broke apart, we just stared at each other. And then we kissed again. This time there was more behind it. I don’t know how long we were kissing for, but at one point I noticed how quiet it had gotten in the kitchen. Celestia and Luna had left.
I peeked out to the kitchen. The coast was clear. We exited the pantry and returned to the table. I pulled out my mix and turned on the stove. Rarity watched me the whole time as I made two grilled cheese. We didn’t speak. We didn’t have to. We just sat and ate our sandwiches, our hooves brushing against each other under the table.

If anyone is confused by some of the plot concerning Rarity and Shade’s relationship prior to Canterlot, refer to the chapter ‘Time Heals All Wounds’.