I walked into Sugar Cube Corner and was nearly tripped up by two small bodies. Mrs. Cake leaned over the counter.

“Careful you two!”

I watched the twins continue running, chasing each other.

“They grow up fast.”

Mrs. Cake shook her head as she watched her children.

“They grow up too fast.”

“Tell me about it. I used to be able to carry both of them on my back.”

She smiled.

“You here for your order dear?”

“Yes! Is it ready?”

She pulled a small box from under the counter.

“It took a little longer than I thought, but I think it turned out well!”

She opened the box and I took a peek.

“You've really outdone yourself. It’s perfect!”

“I don’t know about that, but it is very pretty.”

I set a small bag of bits on the counter. Mrs. Cake looked at me in shock.

“Shade, that’s too much!”

“You said it took longer, right? For your time, and your artistry. I insist.”

She looked at the bag and shook her head.

“I couldn’t. We agreed on the price already.”

“And I feel you deserve more. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

She smiled.

“I think I do. Carrot used to bake me sweets all the time when we were dating. It meant the world to him what I thought of his recipes.”

“Does he still do things for you?”

“Favors and gifts change as you get older. Especially when you’re married with two little ones. Sweets turn into cleaning up the shop after a big order or getting the kids ready for bed. It’s the little things that really show how much you love somepony.”

“Do you think my gift is too over the top?”

“Oh goodness no! I think Rarity will love it.”

She giggled at my surprised expression.

“Pinkie Pie might have let it slip about you two. She’s a very lucky mare to have somepony that cares so much.”

“Thanks.”

“You must have a special night planned if that’s the centerpiece.”

“It’s the first time I’ve done an informal date night. The other times were special cases.”

“Every date night is special. I’m sure you’ll do fine. What do you have planned?”

“A homemade dinner and stargazing.”

“That sounds lovely!”

“I hope she likes it.”

She put a hoof on my back as we walked to the door.

“Don’t worry dear. She’ll love it.”

————————————

I walked into Twilight’s castle and made my way towards the kitchen. I needed to refrigerate this thing. And I couldn’t have Rarity finding it too early. I entered the kitchen and found Spike with a bowl of gems.

“Oh. Hey Shade.”

“Hey Spike. I just need the fridge.”

He went back to his gems. I knew things were a bit awkward between us. He’d found out a few days earlier that I was dating Rarity. I knew he had a crush, but I also knew that Rarity loved him like a little brother. I’d never tell him that of course. I didn’t want to break his heart.
That had been a sore subject for Rarity to talk about. She was very sweet to him, to the point of slight flirtation. It’s just the way she is with stallions. Or male dragons in this case. I didn’t mind. I knew she meant nothing by it. But that was a little harder for Spike to understand.

“How’ve you been today?

He looked up from his gems.

“Alright. Twilight’s been busy with her curriculum, so I’ve had a lot of time to myself. I guess I’ll have even more when you start helping her with the paperwork.”

“I’ve still got ten days. And I’m sure she’ll find plenty for you to do.”

“Honestly? I don’t mind. All that paper gets boring really quick.”

“What will you do with all that free time?”

“I don’t know. Read? Work on leveling my O&O character?”

“I’m sure you’ll find stuff.”

“So...how’s Rarity?”

“She’s doing fine. She’s busy teaching a class.”

“Yeah. I don’t see her very often since the school opened. I guess it’s no surprise she met somebody else.”

“Spike-“

“I’m not mad you know.”

“I wasn’t-“

“Can I finish?”

I closed my mouth and nodded. He sighed.

“I know I don’t really have a shot. But..she’s my first crush, you know? And she’s my friend too. I really love her. Maybe nothing will happen, but I can’t help how I feel.”

I sighed.

“I didn’t plan any of this. It just sort of happened. And I especially never meant to hurt you. I know Rarity doesn’t want to hurt you either.”

“I know. I just thought you should know how I feel.”

“She loves both of us. Maybe not in the same way, but she does love both of us.”

He sniffled and wiped his eyes.

“I’m just...going to take these to my room.”

“Spike?”

He looked at me, his eyes tearing up. My heart ached a bit for the little guy. He really did love her. I sighed.

“I hope we can still be friends.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

With that he left the kitchen. I had to take a deep breath. I felt like Spike had just literally shared his feelings of unrequited love with me. It hurt. And I felt guilty that I had had some part in those feelings.
I walked out of the kitchen and made my way towards Twilight’s study. I knocked and opened the door.

“Shade! It’s so good to see you. You took your bandages off!”

“Yeah. I was sick of them.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Hmm? Oh. I just ran into Spike.”

“Oh...is everything okay?”

“As okay as it can be. I’ll do my best to give him space.”

“He’s young. A first crush is not something easily forgotten.”

“I can only imagine.”

“What brings you here? You should still be resting.”

“I wanted to do something for Rarity. She’s done so much for me recently, so I wanted to give her a date night. A quiet one. You know..since I’m still recuperating.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly and darted to my forehead for a brief second.

“So what does that have to do with me?”

“Do you have some star charts? I thought we could stargaze tonight.”

Her suspicion melted away as her eyes lit up.

“Oh! That sounds fun! Of course I have star charts. I could even teach you the constellations.”

“Don’t you have a curriculum you’re still working on?”

“Oh yeah...still getting used to being Head Mare of a school.”

I smiled.

“I’m sure you’re doing fine. You’ve got all your friends helping out. Speaking of which, do you know when Rarity’s next class gets out?”

“In about twenty minutes.”

“Perfect!”

———————————

I raced through the halls of the school. Rarity’s class would be getting out in just a minute. I turned a corner to the correct hallway as the bell rang. A group of students came pouring out of one of the classrooms. I’d never seen such a diverse group before! I skidded to a halt to keep from bowling them over.

“Sorry!”

I walked around them. They all gave me funny looks. Except for one. A young changeling! She looked at me in surprise.

“Excuse me?”

Wow. She was kind of quiet. I looked down at her.

“Yes?”

She turned to the group.

“Go ahead. I’ll catch up.”

The rest of the students moved on as she turned back to me.

“I didn’t know there were any old changelings left. Have you come to attend the school?”

I smiled and shook my head.

“No. I’m here to see Rarity. And I’m actually only half changeling. My name is Shade.”

“My name is Ocellus.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Nice to know I’m not the only changeling around.”

A young hippogriff stuck her head around the corner.

“Ocellus! We’re going to be late!”

“Oh. Okay. I’m coming. It was nice to meet you Shade!”

I waved as she ran off.

“You too.”

“I’m glad she met you.”

I turned around to find Rarity at the classroom door.

“She has her friends, but I think she misses having other changelings around.”

I smiled.

“She seems like a sweet kid.”

“They all are.”

I followed her into the classroom. There was fabric everywhere.

“I’m guessing it was an intense lesson?”

“Oh I’m just teaching them quilting basics.”

“I didn’t know you could quilt.”

“It’s not too far off from dressmaking. So what brings you to my class?”

“I just wanted to say ‘hi’ and see when you were taking lunch.”

“I could take it now honestly. I don’t have another class for an hour.”

“Really? That’s great!”

“I brought some lunch though. I’m not sure there’s enough...”

She pulled out a sack and opened it.

“I have a sandwich and an apple.”

“That’s okay. As long as I get to spend time with you.”

She passed me the apple. I smiled.

“Thanks.”

We sat in silence for a few minutes while we ate. As the last bit of apple slid down my throat, I looked at the clock.

“When does your last class get out?”

“Three.”

“Hmm....I can’t have you in the boutique until 7.”

“And what am I supposed to do for four hours?”

“That’s up to you. As long as it doesn’t involve the boutique.”

“What exactly are you planning? I don’t want you to overexert yourself.”

“I’ll be fine. Nothing extreme. I promise.”

“It’s awfually romantic of you. A secret date night.”

She scooted closer to me. I smiled.

“I want to show my appreciation for my favorite nurse.”

“Stop it! You really don’t owe me anything.”

I stared into her eyes.

“I owe you everything.”

She got quiet and locked eyes with me for a minute. We just stared at each other, like we were looking for answers to unknown questions. She leaned forward and kissed me. We sat there,at her desk, and kissed for a few minutes.

“Am I interupptin’?”

We broke apart instantly and straightened up in our chairs. Applejack was standing in the doorway.

“Good thing I got here when ah did. A classroom?”

I chuckled.

“We were just kissing Applejack. Do you really think we’d be that reckless?”

Rarity pouted and whispered under her breath.

“I was hoping to find out..”

I swallowed hard. Why did she have to say something so hot? Applejack walked into the room.

“I was just comin’ to see if you wanted company for lunch Rarity. I didn’t know you were..occupied.”

“That’s alright darling. Shade actually has some errands to run anyways. I’m sure he needs all the time he can get for our date night.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Oh ye of little faith. I’ll be just fine.”

I stood up and walked to the doorway.

“It was good seeing you AJ. I’ll see you tonight Rare.”

“Love you!”

I smiled.

“I love you too.”

———————————

I grabbed my package from Twilight’s kitchen and ran back to the boutique to set everything up. I had borrowed a table from the nearby café and set it in the middle of the main room. The curtains were drawn and the lights were low for ambiance. In the kitchen I was looking over my meal options. I wanted this to be perfect.
I settled on a pasta dish and began gathering the ingredients. There was a lot to do still! I needed pasta, bread, and salad. The salad! I’d completely forgotten to get the lettuce!

“Of all the things..”

I left the boutique and made my way to the grocer. Please let there be a fresh head of lettuce waiting for me!
I picked up my pace and turned a corner. I ran straight into Pinkie Pie. We both fell over, but my head landed against the cannon she’d been pushing. As my head connected with the cannon, I felt a lightning bolt fire across my brain. I fell straight to the ground and shuddered. Pinkie’s eyes grew big as she realized what had happened.

“OhmygoshShadeI’msosorryIdidn’tevenseeyouthereareyoualrightyouhityourheadrightonmypartycannonandyoujusthurtyourheadtheotherweekandnowyou’rehurtagain!!”

I laid there, waiting for the pain to pass.

“I’m...okay.”

“I’m soooo sorry!!”

“Just give me...a minute.”

She sat down next to me.

“I didn’t break you, did I?”

“No...just a bad headache.”

My body involuntary twitched.

“Maybe I should get Twilight...”

“Please Pinkie. Just give me a minute.”

I slowly sat up as the pain subsided. I took deep breaths to regain myself. Pinkie looked sad.

“I hurt you.”

“It’s not your fault Pinkie. I should have been looking where I was going.”

My eye was twitching. I covered it with my hoof.

“Are you okay? You’re twitching a lot.”

“I’m fine. My body is just getting over the brief shock. Where are you taking that cannon anyways?”

“Oh! It’s for Maud’s one monthiversary of having a boyfriend!”

“I’d completely forgotten she had one.”

“Yeah. I still don’t know what she sees in him, but I’m happy for her!”

“Well I don’t want to delay you.”

“You’re sure? I can help if you need.”

I smiled.

“I’m fine Pinkie. Go surprise your sister.”

She smiled back and began pushing the cannon around the corner.

“See you later!”

I sat against the building for a while longer. I could still feel my muscles clenching up. It was like my entire body was being electrocuted. And my eye! It had never been this bad before.
I sat there for a good twenty minutes. I used my meditation exercises to relax my muscles. Once I could move my legs, I stood up and began walking slowly.

“Care to explain?”

I froze.

“You have a knack for popping up today. Don’t you AJ?”

Applejack walked over.

“Somethin’s wrong still, isn’t it?”

“It’s just-“

My body twitched for a second.

“A side effect of my surgery. It’ll pass as I get better. I just need to make sure not to slam into any more party cannons.”

“Does Rarity know?”

“I don’t want to worry her.”

“She’ll get more worried if she finds out you kept it secret.”

I nodded.

“I know. I’ve just been trying to figure out how to talk to her about it. But it’s honestly a minor thing. Nothing serious.”

“Being stuck on the ground for twenty minutes isn’t serious?”

“Nope.”

I started for the grocer again.

“I’ll see you later Applejack.”

I paused, looking back at her.

“You won’t say anything, will you?”

She shook her head.

“It’s not mah place Shade.”

“Thank you.”

——————————

The dinner was almost ready! And I’d taken a few minutes to study the star charts Twilight had dropped off. I now knew all the constellations and where to find them in the sky. Tonight was going to be great!
I looked at the clock. I had fifteen minutes left. I double checked everything. The table was ready. I had a blanket by the door for when we went out for stargazing. The food was ready to go. That should be every- Oh! I went to the fridge and pulled out the small box. I carried it to the table and pulled the flap open. I carefully removed the content and set it in the center of the table.
A timer went off in the kitchen. I ran to pull the bread from the oven. That was the last of the food. The bread went in a basket on the table, the salad was tossed and ready, the pasta was drained, and the sauce was hot! Now I just needed Rarity.

‘Knock knock knock’

Wow. Talk about timing. I hurried to the door and opened it. Rarity was standing there, smiling.

“Alright. I think I’ve waited long enough.”

“Close your eyes.”

She looked at me for a second before slowly shutting her eyes. I took her hoof and led her into the room, putting her in front of the table.

“Okay. Open them.”

She did.

“Oh my! Look at this!”

“Too much?”

“No!”

She turned to me.

“It’s absolutely darling!”

She kissed me and looked back at the table. Her eyes fixed on the centerpiece.

“What a beautiful rose!”

“It is, isn’t it?”

She leaned in and sniffed. Her head jerked back in surprise.

“Is that..chocolate?”

“I had Mrs. Cake whip it up. Pretty amazing, huh?”

“Are we allowed to eat it?”

“The petals break off for that very reason. You really think I would get you chocolate you couldn’t eat?”

I pulled her chair out and beckoned her to sit. She tucked into the chair and I went into the kitchen. I brought out the bread basket and the salad bowl.

“Goodness, you really went all out.”

“This is just the beginning.”

I dished up the salad and we dug in. I was so glad I’d found fresh lettuce! And the bread wasn’t half bad either. Rarity smiled as she chewed on her food.

“This is good!”

“I was afraid it wouldn’t turn out.”

“What’s on the menu for the main course?”

“I’ll go grab it.”

I hurried into the kitchen and dished up the pasta, pouring the sauce over. I carried it out and set it in front of Rarity.

“Ooo! This looks yummy.”

“I hope it tastes as good as it looks.”

She took a bite and chewed for a moment. She looked thoughtful as she judged my work. I sat there helpless. When she swallowed it finally, a smile formed on her face.

“Perfect.”

I sighed in relief and sat down to my own plate. We talked about her day at school. It sounded fun being a teacher. As we finished our food, she sat back and sighed.

“That was delicious.”

I pulled a petal from the chocolate rose and offered it to her. She slowly leaned forward and took it with her teeth. It disappeared into her mouth and she smiled.

“Mmmm.”

I stood up and stretched.

“Ready for the next activity?”

“There’s more?”

I grabbed the blanket by the door and threw it over my back.

“Care for an evening stroll?”

“I’d love to.”

We left the boutique and I led her to the spot I had chosen out in the meadows. I put the blanket out and we laid back, looking at the stars.

“What do you think?”

“It’s lovely.”

“I even learned the constellations.”

She scooted closer.

“Show me.”

I began pointing them out. With each constellation, I felt her getting closer and closer.

“And that one over there is...”

She was pressed against me and I smiled. My head turned to her and we kissed. It seemed like eternity passed as we laid there beneath the stars. Of all the perfect moments today, this one was the best.

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