It had been a full day since the incident in the mines, Spike was physically present but still emotionally unsure of the situation. He still managed to complete his duties to everypony's satisfaction but anypony could tell something was bothering him. Shining was still working out a few details for the date he had promised the dragon but knew it would need to be soon. He approached Spike after the days business had been concluded.
"So, you ready for that date I promised you big guy?" Shining asked the gloomy reptile. Spike immediately brightened but adopted some skepticism to replace the funk.
"Are you sure you wanna do this? I'd understand if you didn't want to do this. You got me back out of the mine, that's enough really." Spike said not looking directly at Shining. Shining was a bit annoyed at the dragon's attitude.
"Now come on, I told you that we were going to give this a go and I meant it. You're a great guy, hay if I had been looking and I knew you felt that way I would have asked you myself." Shining said placing a hoof on the slumping dragon's shoulder. Spike looked at him still a bit unsure but his mood had been repaired somewhat.
"We have reservations for The Diamond Mesa, it's supposed to be the best restaurant in the Crystal Empire." Shining said further brightening the dragon's mood.
"Are you sure you wanna spend that many bits on me? I've heard that place costs a mint." Spike said with a raised brow.
"Well, they told me they were giving me a discount because it would be great publicity for us to eat there." Shining said happily. Spike was genuinely excited but withheld his giddiness.
"So, when are the reservations for?" Spike asked
"Well... they were booked solid for awhile so we could only get in tonight at seven." Shining said rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof. Spike's eyes grew wide & he quickly turned to the clock on the wall, it read four-thirty.
"Dammit! I'm a mess! I need time to get ready!" Spike yelled out as he took flight to his chambers.
"That was unexpected." Shining said to himself as he trotted off to his own chambers to prepare.
At six thirty Shining walked up to Spike's door. He knocked on the door and waited for a moment. Spike opened the door a moment later, dressed to the nines. He was in a fancy black suit, a pale pink shirt underneath, and a lavender and lime green tie with a golden clip.
"Where did you..." Shining asked awkwardly.
"Royal tailor." Spike said adjusting an amethyst cufflink.
"We have one of those?" Shining said genuinely surprised.
"Yes, and your surprise sheds some light on why he was so eager to do this rush job for me." Spike said with a chuckle. Shining was sure to visit the tailor more often. He wore the same drab red uniforms every day out of habit. It would be nice to have something different.
They adjourned to the restaurant and arrived just on time as it wasn't far from the castle. The place was quite a sight, the illuminated sign was beautiful and the building itself was shined to a remarkable luster. Shining and Spike stepped into the restaurant revealing that it was even nicer inside. The walls were brilliant white marble and there were beautiful silver accents everywhere with diamond chandeliers above each table.
The head waiter noticed their arrival and motioned for them to follow him. There was apparently a special VIP room. It was mostly the same, though there was an amazing mural depicting the liberation of the crystal ponies. Spike and Shining were the only ones currently in the room and were seated at the largest table. The waiter handed them each a menu and took their drink orders before being on his way. The awkward silence was almost visible in the room.
"So... this place is really nice huh?" Shining said in an attempt to break the ice.
"Yeah, they had a really nice wine selection too." Spike said attempting to contribute.
"Aren't you like 19? How do you know about fine wine?" Shining asked now genuinely curious.
"No drinking age for dragons, takes three times as much to effect us anyway. Plus I played assistant for Celestia and Luna while Twilight didn't need me. They may seem regal and perfect but when they cut loose they drink like fish. Immortality breaks inhibitions I guess." Spike said chuckling at his memories of princesses acting out of character.
"Seriously? Celestia was always so prim and proper when I was around her." Shining said chuckling in disbelief.
"Seriously, you know somepony since you were born you learn things nopony else knows. Like where Twilight keeps her more risque' romance novels." Spike said as the awkwardness dissipated.
As the night continued on the two actually figured out they had a lot in common. The two had actually never spent a long period of time alone since they were both young. They chatted the night away through dinner and until the restaurant closed. Neither of them had any complaints, everything had gone quite smoothly. At the end of the night they headed back to the castle.
"You know, that was a really good night. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't wanna do that again sometime." Shining said rubbing the back of his head with a hoof. Spike smiled brightly for a moment before answering.
"I'd like that." Spike said happily as they parted ways for the night.