"So he sang... Badly... On a float?" Starlight reiterated after Cadance completed her story of how her and Shining met.
"It was simply adorable." Cadance replied with a giggle.
"Was convincing one of his friends to cross-dress equally adorable?"
"Not so much, no. My point is, it was hardly a match made in Canterlot, and neither are you and Sunburst. Most couples aren't. That's an important thing to consider. Unfortunately, I've seen ponies pass up dates and haven't let friendships go to the next level because they're waiting for what they think is their 'perfect match', or because they think they wouldn't be good enough for them, or vice versa. They rarely realize what a mistake they're making until years later, often when it's too late."
Sunburst walked throughout the market as ponies went from shop to shop and stand to stand on their morning errands. The kiosks around the central pavilion were mostly quick-service shops; nothing really suitable for a date, especially a first date. He trotted west to the restaurant district, where all the casual and fine dining was located. It only took him inquiries to the hosts of two restaurants to make him realize something rather important.
He had no idea what Starlight's favorite foods were. And what of after a good hearty meal? What would they do around town?
"What am I doing out here?" Sunburst asked himself. Choosing a place to eat would only do him a favor if he knew Starlight's likes and dislikes, which he didn't. Whenever they had seen each other, they had gotten the other caught up on past events; not what was going on in their lives now; or what they liked to do as a hobby when they had a spare moment or two. No doubt Starlight's was spellcasting or something to do with magic.
He quickly realized that Twilight's suggestion of cooking a meal together, no matter how haphazardly, was probably the best decision. The two of them could cook together in the castle kitchen today, and if they wanted, go out for dinner tomorrow. It was better than spending half the morning out here trying to plan it out perfectly. After all, this weekend was going to be over before he knew it. He might as well spend as most of it with Starlight as he could.
By the time he got back to the castle, he immediately smelled hay and hash from the dining room, where Twilight, Shining, Spike, and Starlight were just sitting down to breakfast. Cadance had finished her advisory to Starlight, and had taken over watch of her daughter from her husband.
"Just in time, Sunburst. We were wondering how long you'd be out there." Twilight greeted, as the Empire's royal crystaller took a seat next to Starlight, who was lightly blushing upon seeing him enter the dining room.
"So did you figure out what you'd like to do over the weekend?" Ponyville's princess continued as she served up a plate to Sunburst.
"I did," Sunburst replied, taking a bite and looking over at Starlight.
"Wing it."