> That's Not Quite How He Told It...
>  by Calm Wind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Timeline position: One week after the events of Weight of Responsibility)

(For timeline info, please visit my homepage)

“Cadance and I are heading out.” Twilight looked back into the library as she and Princess Cadance walked towards the front door. “Are you sure you two can handle cleaning up?” She addressed Spike and Shining Armor.

“No worries Twily,” Shining Armor bumped a hoof against his chest, “Just leave the library to Spike and me. Go have fun.” He smiled.

“I never thought I’d see the day my husband is eager do house cleaning.” Cadance laughed as Twilight remained skeptical of her brother’s ability to take care of the library.

“Hey, it’ll be a piece of cake!” Shining smiled and slung a hoof over Spike’s shoulder, “Go have some mare time.” He encouraged.

“Alright, just make sure you do everything on the list.” Twilight pointed to a scroll rolled up on the table. “We’ll be back in a few hours.” She smiled. 

Twilight and Cadance left, leaving Shining and Spike alone in the library.

“Sheesh, I thought Twily would never leave. She needs to loosen up every once in a while.” 

“I’ve gotten used to it.” Spike shrugged as the two turned to the mess in the library. Twilight had recently finished a large study on the stars. Books and papers were strewn everywhere and there wasn’t much room to maneuver. She was embarrassed when Shining Armor and Cadance visited suddenly, but Shining politely offered to help Spike clean up the place so Twilight and Cadance could spent some time together. 

“So, Spike, buddy. What’s first?” Shining used his magic to hover the scroll over to him. He let it unroll, but his eyes widened as the list hit the floor and kept unrolling out across the floor, beneath his legs, and to the wall a few feet behind him. “Oh.”





“I really love it here.” Cadance said as she tipped her head back and let the gentle breeze blow in her long mane. “Ponyville is so peaceful and so normal. I can walk around without anypony yelling ‘there’s the Princess!’” She chuckled.

“Is it really like that all the time in the Crystal Empire?” Twilight asked as they approached a café. 

“More often than not, yes.” Cadance rolled her eyes. “Sorry I sprung this on you so quickly. I just really needed some fresh air that wasn’t being shared by a crowd of ponies around me.” 

“Well I’m always glad to spend time with my sister-in-law.” Twilight smiled as they entered the café, “I just hope Shining and Spike can handle cleaning up. I had a lot of stuff to do.” They walked over to a booth and sat down across from each other.

“Oh I’m sure they’ll manage, I also thought I could get you out of that library for a while. We’re both on a little vacation.” Cadance flashed a warm smile.

“I hope so…”





“Every day?!” Shining looked to Spike in disbelief as he carried a stack of books with his magic.

“Yep. Honestly this list is short compared to some of the one’s she makes.” Spikes commented with a chuckle.

“Jeez.” Shining looked through the stacks and carefully placed the book back where they belonged on the shelves alphabetically. “I guess it was good Cadance took her out then. Sounds like Twily could use a little sunshine herself.” Shining shook his head. 

Spike sighed as he finished dusting off some of the shelves that had accumulated. He had been thinking a lot recently. For a while actually. Half a year to be exact. What was he dwelling on? When Rarity came to the door and was standing next to a fancy looking stallion. He didn’t get the details, but Rarity was clearly trying to make a very good impression with him. Spike had been trying to ask Rarity about it, but he chickened out every time. 

“Something on your mind little guy?” Shining tapped him on the head as he trotted by, “You’ve been dusting the same spot for a whole minute.” Spike blinked and noticed that the part of the shelf he was dusting was practically sparkling.

“Oh, whoops, eh, just thinking about… Somepony.”

“Somepony?” Shining lifted an eyebrow and smirked. “Somepony special?” He nudged spike as he grabbed a broom. Spike didn’t answer. Instead he thought a little more before turning to Shining.

“Say Shining… When did you and Princess Cadance, well become a thing?” He asked out of the blue.

“Twily never told you the story?” He looked at Spike eagerly as he swept the floor. “Our first date was pretty nuts.” Shining caught spikes interest. 

“No, she never told me.” Spike rubbed his chin, “It was strange?”

“A lot of interesting stuff happened, wanna hear about it?” Shining twirled the broom in his magic and set it beside him to lean on.

“Sure, we’ve got time while cleaning.” Spike was legitimately interested. Things were already weird with him being a dragon and having a crush on Rarity, a story about a weird first date sounded like something he might relate to some day.

“Alright, listen up little dragon, it all started when I finally decided it was time to ask Cadance out!” Shining grinned as he went back to sweeping.





“Thanks.” Twilight nodded a pony placed two cups of tea down on their table. Cadance took a sip and winced.

“Ooo! Hot!” She yelped and let her tongue hang out. Twilight giggled. 

“They don’t make tea very hot in the Crystal Empire?” She asked. Cadance nodded while waving her hoof towards her mouth.

“We usually have chilled tea. It’s warm, but it’s not hot like this.” She explained as she softly blew air into her cup. Twilight glanced over to a nearby table and perked up when she saw Applejack sitting down. She waved over to her friend. Applejack spotted them and waved back. She looked like she was going to come over to their table but stopped and turned as Thunderlane walked into the café. Twilight watched as the two embraced before sitting down and taking orders. 

Twilight smiled, and then sighed as she turned back to her tea, looking slightly down. Cadance noticed immediately. Twilight’s demeanor had changed quickly.

“Something wrong?” She tipped her head to the side. Twilight quickly looked up, then back down.

“Oh, it’s nothing.” She said plainly, her ears drooping.

“I know that look Twilight. You can’t fool your old foalsitter,” Cadance smiled, “What’s wrong?” She asked again. Twilight glanced over at the table with Applejack and Thunderlane before turning back to her tea.

“I dunno, I just feel a little lonely sometimes.” She said quietly. Cadance lifted an eyebrow. 

“Lonely? You have lots of great friends Twilight!” She said in confusion. 

“No, I mean…” Twilight paused as Cadance looked over to the table with Applejack and Thunderlane and caught on.

“Ohhhh.” She figured out.

“All of my friends have been finding love interests lately… Well not all of them. I don’t think Rarity is seeing Fancy Pants, I think he’s married. I’m sure Pinkie Pie and Braeburn are just good friends.” She looked over at the table with the couple again. “But Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash have found good stallions.” She looked over to Applejack. “Even Applejack found one. I never thought I’d see her finding the time off the farm for one. I don’t really have any stallions to interact with, love or friend…”

Cadance listened as Twilight spilled her feelings. She looked again over at Thunderlane and Applejack before turning back to Twilight and smiling. 

“Don’t worry so much about it Twilight. I’m sure there’s a stallion out there for you.” She assured her. Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Kinda easy for you to say, you had my brother from the start.” She huffed. Cadance shook her head.

“Actually, not really.” She giggled, “You don’t always find love Twilight. Love has a funny way of finding you first.” She nodded. “I knew your brother for a long time before we got together, but it wasn’t until our first date that I knew I had a keeper.” She kept giggling to the point where she had to set down her tea. Twilight looked at her with interest.

“Shining has told me about your first date. I recall it being pretty interesting.” Twilight smiled. “I wanna hear it from your perspective.” She asked. Cadance finally stopped giggling.

“Oh it was such a strange night, but it was one I’ll never forget.” She leaned back. “It all started when he finally built up the courage to ask me out.”





MLP: FiM
That’s Not Quite How He Told It…
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 1:





(Shining Armor)

So there she was Spike, looking after my sister as always, and as usual looking as beautiful as can be. Even when she was younger she had beauty to match Celestia’s. 

And there I was, young, determined, and my eyes locked on target. I had a genuine princess taking care of my little sister. Any stallion who passed up a chance like this would surely not be a true man.

I had a lot of good ways to ask, so many it was hard to pick which one she’d swoon the most at. But I had one in mind as I approached. She would love it, and there was no way she wouldn’t accept.





(Cadance)

It was just another day of me taking care of you, Twilight. You were jumping around, yelling and playing full of energy as always. Shining had just come home and I knew something was up because he was standing around the corner of the wall, looking at me for a good five, maybe ten minutes. He wasn’t hiding very well, if that’s what he was trying to do.

This was a few months before Shining enlisted in the royal guard mind you. He hadn’t buffed up yet from all the training. He was also a tad clumsy, but always endearing and very friendly.

I was on the verge of looking over and telling him to come out of hiding, but he finally stepped out and walked towards me slowly. The poor thing looked scared to death, he was almost shaking.





(Shining Armor)

“Lovely Cadance,” I said as I approached. She was quickly drawn in, “Are you free tonight? I’m not, you’re beauty has me completely trapped.” I grabbed her hoof softly and held it up. She loved every word. 

“Such a charmer Shining,” she said, “I most certainly am free.”

“Then how does dinner and a movie sound?” He wasted no time. Once you get ‘em hooked, Spike, you gotta reel ‘em in fast.

“I’d love to, handsome.”

I knew she’d say yes. It was a fine start indeed.





(Cadance)

“Um… H-h-h-hey C-Cadance.” He stumbled over his words. His face was completely red. I had noticed for a while that he liked me. He was always a little nervous around me, even though I was always over at your house. I had a feeling something like a date was coming because he was having such a hard time speaking.

“Yes Shining?” I smiled warmly, and tried to look as friendly and welcoming as possible.

“Would you… Um, I was wondering… if we… I mean you… ah what I’m trying to say is…” he just couldn’t get the words out, he was so nervous I could almost feel him shaking from three feet away. He finally stopped and took a deep breath, “Would you like… to go out… with me? Sometime? Maybe… uh… dinner? Or a movie? Or…” 

I got up, walked over to him, and lightly pressed my hoof over his mouth. I was sure he’d never stop if I hadn’t. He took it the wrong way though and pulled away, quickly turning and walking back the way he came, speaking a mile a minute.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to I understand I didn’t mean to bother you while you were taking care of twilight I’m sorry it won’t happen again I’ll just go upstairs now and…”

“Shining!” I yelled his name as I teleported in front of him. He froze solid when I appeared, but I was giggling. “I would love to.” I said with a smile. He tried to say something back, but his voice cracked higher than anything I’ve heard in my life. 






(Shining Armor)

I was so ready for the night of our date. Finally: I had viewed such peerless beauty from across my living room for so long. It was time to make her mine. I had a nice reservation set up at one of the best restaurants in Canterlot and finally had a reason to use a nice suit I bought a while back for a special occasion.

The mares go crazy for a sharp dressed stallion. A good looking stallion and a nice fancy meal were on her schedule and I was ready to give her the best of both. As for the movie, there was a new horror film out at the time, “Nightmare Night 4”. 

Take note Spike, a lady loves a man that can protect her. I planned to show off my steel nerves at the movie and comfort her if she got scared. Afterward I figured we could go for a nice walk before I took her home and ended it with a romantic kiss. It would be the perfect night.

The doorbell rang right on schedule as I pridefully made my way down the stairs. I took a quick shot of breath spray, pulled a rose out of the vase next to our front window, and answered the door promptly. 

Man she was a sight. Her princess beauty accompanied by a dress fit for royalty. I swear she was emitting light because I had never seen a mare prettier in my life. All the more reason I had to make this the perfect night for her.

“Hey Cadance, you look beautiful tonight.” Always, always, ALWAYS, compliment their appearance first. Some mares put hours into looking their best. You want them to like you? Step one: acknowledge their incredibly long preparation. And boy she looked beautiful. 

“Why thank you Shining.” She said while batting those pretty eyelashes in my direction. Her dress was mostly white, fitting nicely to her curves, and hanging all the way to just above her back hooves. She had a white laurel headpiece fastened around her head. I quickly plucked the flower of the rose I so conveniently had and fitted it beside her ear. 

“We’ve got a long night ahead of us. Let’s be going.” I offered her my arm and our amazing night had officially begun.





(Princess Cadance)

I showed up right on time. I was pretty excited. I always thought your brother was cute, but he was always so timid. I never expected him to ask me out. I wore my favorite white dress and laurels. I didn’t know where we were going, but I wanted to look my very best for him.

I knocked on the door, and soon after heard a lot of bustling inside. It was a mixture of Shining yelling and your mother yelling back to him. After a minute, your father finally answered the door.

“Hello Cadance,” he greeted politely, “you better come on in, Shining is still getting ready.” He admitted.

“That’s quite alright.” I stepped inside and heard Shining’s voice coming from around the corner in the living room.

“Mom, it looks fine!” He said.

“No Shining, you have it all crooked! Here, let me fix it.” I heard your mother say. I peeked around the corner and saw your brother wearing a suit your father always wore. Your mother was helping him get the tie right, because as she said, it was terribly crooked. I backed away so as not to embarrass Shining. I couldn’t help but giggle a bit at it all. Your parents were in on it too. If he was getting so much help they must’ve known how badly Shining wanted to ask me out. I waited patiently as he finally came round the corner with a rose in his mouth. 

“Er…” His jaw dropped when he saw me, letting the flower fall on the floor. “Um, uh… ehhhh HI!” He finally got out as he forced a smile and tried not to show nervousness. 

“Hello Shining.” I greeted him with the same smile I always did. “You dropped your flower.” I added while laughing.

“Huh? OH! Right! Heheh!” Shining picked up the flower and handed it to me. “A… uh… pretty flower… for a pretty… mare?” He said clumsily and smiled very wide again. 

“Why thank you.” I took it, plucked the tip of the rose and fastened it to my laurel head piece. “It’s lovely.” 

“Yeah! It… uh, it is!” He agreed with me less than a second after I finished. This was going to be an interesting night indeed, but your brother was such a nice stallion. I didn’t care that he was overly nervous. It only meant he really liked me.

“You two better move it. Your reservation is in twenty minutes.” Your father suddenly said from the hallway.

“OH CRAP!” Shining yelled directly into my face. “AH! S-sorry! I mean… let’s be off then!” He showed me the door.

“Shining!” Your mother whispered loudly from the hall beside your father. She made a motion with her hoof, lifting up to her side. He blinked and flinched.

“Oh! Right.” He offered his arm to me. I took it with a smile. Suddenly you popped out from behind your parents and yelled,

“Big brother, are you and Cadance getting married?!” With the biggest and starriest filly eyes I have ever seen. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a pony’s face turn redder than your brother’s face did right then and there before quickly leading me out.





“Hmmm.” Twilight lifted an eyebrow as Cadance paused.

“What is it?” Cadance asked as she took a sip of her tea. Twilight shrugged.

“Oh nothing. Please continue.” 


---To Be Continued---

> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

MLP: FiM
That’s Not Quite How He Told It…
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 2:





(Shining Armor)

The walk to the restaurant was slow and romantic. I strode with pride, Cadance planted firmly to my side. I couldn’t help but smile as ponies admired us. 

Was I lucky? Yes. Not every stallion is blessed with a beautiful princess that watches over their little sister. But at the same time it was my spirit and urge to succeed that would win Cadance’s heart.

It wasn’t a very long walk, but I offered my body for her to lean on. Ladies love a stallion who can support them Spike. No matter how tough a mare may appear, deep down there is a delicate flower. Hell, even if there isn’t, you treat them like there is one. A stallion with a manly presence and gentle touch will make any mare swoon.





(Cadance)

We had to rush to make the restaurant on time. It was a long walk away and we only had fifteen-twenty minutes to get there. Shining was already walking too fast because of how nervous he was. He was practically tugging me along. 

I tripped over my dress once or twice but he was so jittery that even a slight sudden movement from me made him stop, turn, and ask if I was okay. I assured him I was fine at least ten times during that little jog.

He was killing himself. It became obvious that he was worried about annoying me too. That wasn’t the case of course, but he was already extremely nervous. He had this terrible look of dread on his face after the tenth time he asked. I had to do something about it. When we reached the restaurant I stopped him before we went in.

“Shining.” I suddenly spoke up before he could open the door. He yelped and shook his head before turning to me, holding his breath. I giggled at him and used my magic to clamp his nose shut so he would be forced to take a breath. “It was very sweet of you to keep checking on me.” I assured him. 

It was truly how I felt. Shining wouldn’t be so over protective if he didn’t hold me in such high regard. Your brother’s nervous mannerisms always appeared more as sweet gestures than they did annoyances. He was really worried about making this night special, but just being himself was already making it just that.

“Thank you.” I smiled at him

“Heh, sure, no problem.” He replied while blushing out of his ears.





(Shining Armor)

I’ll tell ya Spike, I really outdid myself with the restaurant selection. Chateau de Chariot, one of the most popular fancy restaurants in Canterlot. I had to pull a few strings to get a reservation, but it would be worth every bit spent for Cadance. 

The place had an atmosphere like the Canterlot royal palace itself, with dim lighting, medium to high ceilings, and spectacular glass chandeliers. 

I led Cadance to our table and helped her into her seat before taking mine across from her and gazing into her eyes. Eye contact is important Spike. If you are always looking into a lady’s eyes you don’t even have to tell her you are interested. Cadance was a lot of fine mare to look at, but EYE CONTACT. REMEMBER THAT.

The restaurant was known for quick, but excellent service. We were still too young at the time, but oh how I wish we could’ve shared a nice glass of wine. Not like I needed any liquid confidence, but it would have added to the moment. 

Another thing is to know your mare up and down. Know her likes and dislikes and such. I knew they served one of her favorite foods there. Alfalfa kissed with a dash of Clysdalian dressing and sprinkled with diced strawberries. I picked it out for her when the waiter took our orders, and even made sure to explain the special way she likes it done.

I earned about a million coltfriend points there. I knew she loved it.





(Cadance)

I will admit. I was amazed Shining had gotten a reservation at Chateau de Chariot. When I asked he confessed that Aunty Celestia had found out about our date while talking to your parents and offered to get us a reservation. He seemed a little embarrassed about it, but who would turn down a chance to dine at one of the finest restaurants in Canterlot?

We were led to our table and it took Shining a moment to let my arm down. I think he was either really enjoying having me close or he was afraid he wouldn’t get another chance. He was about halfway around the table as I went for my chair before,

“Oh!” He quickly turned and scampered back around to pull my chair out for me, but I was already sitting down. He accidentally pulled my chair out from under me and I fell on my flank. 

I thought his head was going to explode, he looked absolutely mortified.

“I—, SORRY! I didn’t mean…” He of course tried to explain himself. It’s a good thing I started giggling at him. I was more than certain he was seconds from making a break for the exit. I reached my hoof towards him and smiled. He stared at it dumbly for a second before realization hit and he helped me up.

“You were just trying to pull my chair out for me,” I said while rubbing my hoof gently on the bottom of his chin, “no harm done.”

“Aye yai yai…” he let his head hang despite my reassurance. Twilight, your brother is so darn cute when he’s flustered. This may sound devilish of me, but I was actually enjoying it.

“Here,” I pulled the chair back over and pushed it in, “go ahead.” I pointed to it. I felt obliged to let him be a gentleman. He had clearly been coached on what to do. I didn’t want to deny him the chance. He pulled the chair out, keeping his eyes averted the whole time, and gently pushed it in as I sat down. “Thank you.” 

“Yeah, I mean, you’re welcome.” His voice was full of shame. He sat down and didn’t look at me, but I kept looking at him. Your brother was a charmer in his own special way. He looked and sounded so depressed, like he had completely screwed up everything already. Little did he know, it was just the opposite.





(Shining Armor)

It was definitely by far one of the finest dinners I had ever eaten. Cadance had enjoyed it immensely as well. Part one of our date was a rousing success. I was out of the gate strong and well on my way to a first place finish.

While the meal was a highlight, I made sure to spend more time focusing on her.

“You look really good in that dress,” I told her, but mind you, kept looking into her eyes.

“I’m glad you like it, it’s my favorite.” She said back to me while sighing contently.

“I think you’re your giving your Aunt a run for her bits. Celestia better watch out, you’re even prettier than her.” I kept it going. A mare can never get enough compliments.

“Oh stop.” She waved her hoof at me while giggling. “I’m nothing compared to Aunty Celestia.” Also, never let them get away with modesty. You want a mare to like you? You make her feel like the most beautiful mare in Equestria.

“I wholly disagree. They should put you on those stain glass windows in the palace.” I fired back. Oh how that made her blush. I was on a roll. I would do anything to make her smile. 

We sat for a little while longer, but it was time to get to our movie. The bill was a little steep, but like I said, it was worth every bit for her. That’s another thing Spike. No matter what she says, never let a mare pay for anything on a date. Cadance fought me on it, but I insisted. The night was for her, and for me to treat her. 

Once we were all paid, I made sure to offer her my arm again before we made our way out.





(Cadance)

The food was incredible, but it wasn’t the smoothest dinner. It took Shining a little while to just look at me again. I didn’t mind, I wanted him to get as comfortable as possible. He was clearly trying his hardest to be the best stallion he could be for me. It may not have been going very well, but it was the effort that counted.

“You… um…” he suddenly spoke up as we were eating. I was surprised he had spoken at all, but don’t get me wrong, I was happy he did. “You look…” He was trying to find the right words. “You like, beautiful… in that dress.” He finally said. I’ll be honest. It made my heart flutter when he said that.

“Why thank you, it’s my favorite dress.” I said back, admittedly blushing a little. 

“You, uh…” He continued. There was more? Oh how I loved to hear him compliment me. “You’re definitely related to… Celestia. You’re very hot—, D’AH I MEAN, pretty.” I caught the clear slip up, but I knew what he meant. Plus he was a stallion. I know how stallion’s minds work. 

“You look very handsome yourself.” I made sure to compliment back. “That’s a very nice suit.” He was definitely distracted by my compliment, because as soon as I said it, his fork knocked over his bottle of tartar sauce and it spilled all over his suit.

“Aw MAN!!!!” He just sat and stared at it before frantically hovering a napkin over and trying to wipe it off. “My dad is going to KILL me!” I just looked away and tried to hold in fits of laughter. Oh Shining… so sincere, but so clumsy.

We finished out meals in silence. Shining was clearly very embarrassed. The first part of our date wasn’t going very smoothly for him, but there was plenty time left for him to pick himself back up. Either way, I still was enjoying myself and him.

“Thanks.” Shining said unenthusiastically as a waiter handed him the bill. I didn’t even try offering to help pay, because I knew he would turn me down. I didn’t have any bits on me already because I knew he’d want to pay. He read it over and set it down before reaching into his suit pockets. Then his eyes grew three sizes. That wasn’t a good sign. 

He pulled at his pockets until they were inside out, then groaned.

“Oh noooooooo…” He whined and let his face fall against the table. 

“Forgot your bits?” I asked with a sigh. 

“Yes…” He mumbled against the tablecloth. I was legitimately feeling bad for him now. Sure I was enjoying the date regardless, but I had a feeling that at the end of this, I’d be persuading him not to jump off a cliff.

“Don’t worry about it.” I assured him and called over one of the waiters. As I said, I didn’t have any bits on me, so I told them to send a tab to Aunty Celestia along with an explanation.

“I’ll pay you back, I promise.” Shining said as he sighed, lifted his head, and rested his chin on the edge of the table.

“It’s fine.” I shook my head.

“No, it’s not. Please, let me pay you back.” He pleaded. I couldn’t say no to those eyes or those sincere words.

“Okay.” I smiled at him, “but no rush, I’m not going to be a tax collector on you.” I looked over at the clock on the wall. “What time does our movie start anyway?”

“Huh?” Shining looked to the clock then jumped up from his seat. “Ah! It starts in ten minutes! C’mon!” He quickly came around the table, but stopped dead in his tracks when I got up. “Uh actually, no, let’s not rush.” He suggested, not wanting to drag me along again. 

“It’s alright Shining,” I realized I’d be reassuring him a lot throughout this date, “I don’t care if we miss a little bit of the movie. Tonight is about us spending time together right?” He blinked and smiled sheepishly.

“Y—yes, it is.” He agreed. 

“Then let’s take it at whatever pace we like.” I got up and the two of us walked towards the exit. Halfway he flinched and quickly held his arm out. I giggled and took it as we left.





“This is rich.” Twilight giggled as she finished her tea.

“That’s twice now.” Cadance set her tea down and eyed Twilight quizzically. “I get the feeling you’ve heard a different version.”

“Just keep telling it. I’m loving this.” Twilight smiled as she rubbed her hooves together and leaned towards Cadance. Cadance rolled her eyes, wondering what Shining had told Twilight.

“Okay…”


---To be Continued---

	

> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

MLP: FiM
That’s Not Quite How He Told It…
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 3:





(Shining Armor)

It was a nice calm walk to the movie theatre. I knew I was doing something right because her grip on my arm was getting tighter. Nothing is better than knowing a mare is having such a good time with you that she won’t let go.

We made it to the theatre with plenty of time to spare. I picked up the tickets I reserved ahead of time and we were ready for a good scary experience. I’m quite the horror movie veteran. The reviews claimed Nightmare Night 4 was the scariest movie to date, but I was up for the challenge.

And what better way to show manliness than to not flinch at all with a mare clinging to your side? Bring it on.





(Cadance)

At first I was worried about getting movie tickets after Shining forgot his money. But he had apparently reserved those to. He may have been bumbling around a bit, but he had prepared well. 

We took our time and arrived five minutes after the movie started. I had recalled Shining being a fan of horror movies. I had seen my share of them myself. They never really scared me. I usually ended up laughing at how silly they were.

I had a feeling Shining chose a horror movie to look tough. Colts will be colts after all. The date had already been rough on him, so I figured I might play it up a little and act a little scared. 

He led me into the theatre and we took our seats right as a pony got its head lopped off. It was so over the top I had trouble keeping in the laughter.





(Shining Armor)

The reviews weren’t kidding. There was some freaky stuff going on in the movie, but I could take it. Despite her delicate appearance, Cadance had and still has a pretty tough exterior. She held up pretty well for a while despite how gruesome the movie was.

I held strong. A lady loves a stallion with steel nerves. It didn’t take long before she clung to my arm. I leaned into her to give off more of a presence, to let her know I was there and watching over her. 

Ladies love that kind of thing. Take my word for it Spike.





(Cadance) 

It was far and away the most ridiculous horror movie I’d ever seen. It wasn’t so much scary as it was exaggerated with everything. After an hour into the movie, there had been so many gruesome scenes that nothing else would surprise me.

I took note to lean into Shining and hug his arm. I wanted him to feel like I was scared and he should protect me. Funny thing was he was actually shaking! He jumped slightly and forced himself to stop a few seconds after I grabbed him. 

I stole a glance at his face and he had a very determined look in his eyes. Every time something “scary” happened I felt him flinch a little. He was clearly a little shaken, but he didn’t want to show it. I hugged his arm tighter and faked a little yelp when something popped up on the screen. Shining looked at me before taking a deep breath and glaring at the screen.

Yes I was faking it, but I wanted him to feel better. It had been a rough night so far despite how nice he had been to me. He deserved to feel a bit empowered.





(Shining Armor)

“Eh, I’ve seen scarier.” I shrugged off the movie. “It was a little scary, but nothing I couldn’t handle.” Never show fear Spike, it’s a one way ticket to a mare being skeptical of your manliness.

“It was a bit frightening.” She said as she clung to my arm even tighter. Two parts down, two more to go. This date couldn’t have been handled better. “So now where to?” She asked. It was time to slow it down. We had out meal and our fun. Now we could have some romance.

“I was thinking of a quiet walk through Cherry Blossom Park. It’s a nice night, I can’t think of a better place to take a pretty mare.”

“Oh, that sounds lovely Shining.” She smiled at me as we walked down the street. 

Cherry Blossom park is a great place to bring a love interest. It was also perfect timing because the cherry blossoms, that the park is named after, were in full bloom. The sun was setting, but the rising moon was full and sure to shine a soft glow down on the park. 

It was a little bit of a walk. The park was across town, and we had to pass through a part of town that wasn’t quite the best. Oak Valley. I wouldn’t call it a bad neighborhood, but it wasn’t always known for being “safe.”

As we turned a corner, I don’t know if I could call it good or bad timing. An old earth pony mare was walking down the street. A shady looking unicorn ran past her and used his magic to pull her saddle bag right off of her.

“SADDLE SNATCHER!!!!” She yelled out as the unicorn came right towards us. Now, this was before I had joined the royal guard, but it was only a few months before I was to begin my training at the palace, so I had been doing a bit of practice on my own.

“Watch out Cadance!” I gently pushed her aside as the shady unicorn approached. I used my magic to create a small wave that undercut his legs. He lurched forward and I grabbed him around the neck. With a solid pull I yanked him to the ground and forced my weight down on top of him. I quickly used my shield magic to nullify his horn, encasing it in a small aura.

“Shining!” Cadance yelled as she backed away and watched. She looked around and called out for help. “Help! Help!” She called out. Luck would have it that two pegasus royal guards were passing overhead. They heard Cadance’s call and quickly dove down. 

“Citizen! We’ll take it from here!” They assured me as they got down and restrained the unicorn’s limbs. I nodded to them and stood up while grabbing the old mare’s saddle bag. I walked it back over to her.

“Here you go ma’am.” I hovered it back over and placed it on her back.

“Thank you young man,” she smiled and gave me a hug before going on her way. 

“Shining!” Cadance ran up to me and threw her hooves around me. “Are you alright?!” She looked over me, face wrought with concern. I smiled and nodded in assurance. 

“I’m fine Cadance. I’ll be doing this kind of stuff as a guard anyway. Thought I’d start a little early.” I joked with her.

“Just don’t worry me like that!” She clutched my arm. 

“I promise I won’t, at least tonight.” I added with a chuckle before we continued on our way to the park.





(Cadance)

“Interesting movie huh?” I asked as we left the movie. Shining looked a little flustered, but he quickly regained himself afterward. He even remembered to offer his arm before leaving this time. A good stallion catches onto things quick Twilight. Your brother was always a fast learner, even if his first few steps ended with him tripping over himself. 

“Yeah!” He answered. “I wasn’t scared at all!” He proudly stated.

“I never asked if you were scared.” I teased him a little. He averted his eyes and was clearly thinking about how to follow up. I giggled and gave his arm a squeeze. “I’m just teasing Shining. It was a rather gruesome movie.” 

“Oh, yeah, haha.” He blushed and looked down. Still so nervous and embarrassed, but still so cute in the process.

“So where are we going now?” I asked. He didn’t answer at first. “Shining?”

“AH! I wasn’t scared!” He suddenly blurted out. I couldn’t stop the giggle fits. “Oh, I mean, what?” 

“I was wondering where we’re going?” I asked again. He took a moment to think.

“Oh! I was thinking we could go for a walk in Cherry Blossom Park?” He suggested. Cherry Blossom Park? He had definitely thought this out. Cherry Blossom Park was a well known spot for couples, especially on the night of a full moon like this one. 

“That sounds lovely!” I hugged his arm tighter, but then I remembered something important. “But don’t we have to pass through the edge of Oak Valley from here?” I pointed out. Oak Valley wasn’t the best neighborhood. We would only be skimming the outer edge of it, but it didn’t mean the road was safe.

“Hmm, that’s a good point.” Shining looked down. We could’ve gone around, but the path to avoid Oak Valley would take almost half an hour. We wouldn’t get to spend much time in the park if we took that long. “Nah, we’ll be fine. We’ll be on the edge of it for only a few minutes. What’s the worst that could happen?” He puffed his chest out. 

“Alright.” I agreed with him, but I would keep an eye out.

As he said we would be on the edge of Oak Valley for less than five minutes. Too bad something DID happen.

We had hit Oak Valley and passed by it with no problems at all, but right before we were out of the neighborhood’s range, we heard an old mare cry out as we turned a corner.

“SADDLE SNATCHER!!!!” She yelled out. We came around the street corner and a shady unicorn holding a stolen saddle bag ran head first into Shining. His arm was ripped free from my grip and the two fell into a heap on the ground. The saddle bag flew up into the air and I caught it with my magic.

I looked down in alarm as the unicorn began wrestling with Shining as if he had intentionally tried to get in his way. 

“Shining!!! Get off him! Get off him!” I yelled while smacking the saddle bag on the unicorns head. I reclined as Shining took a hoof to the face RIGHT before a royal guard on patrol came screaming down from above and tackled the unicorn off of him. 

The guard had the unicorn subdued and whistled for backup as I rushed up to Shining. I helped him sit up as he wobbled and groaned. His suit was all dirty from rolling around on the ground and his nose was bleeding very lightly from being punched.

“Oh dear… Shining…” I gave him a hug, but he just shook his head. 

“I want to go home.” He whined as he rubbed his nose. 

I could not think of any way this date could have gone worse for poor Shining. He had kept strong despite everything that happened, but this was straw that broke the camel’s back. 

But he had tried so hard for me. I didn’t want him to give up. 

“Shining, let’s go to the park.” I suggested as I got up and handed the saddle bag back to the old mare.

“Why? Things are just gonna go bad there too.” He was extremely depressed. All the embarrassment stacking up and being punched in the face on top of it. 

“No,” I took a chance, leaned down, and kissed him lightly on the cheek, “It won’t.” He looked at me in surprise, with a blush blending in with his slightly bloody nose. I used my magic to grab the handkerchief out of his coat pocket and dabbed the small trail of blood. I refused to let it end like this for him. He had been so sweet to me and deserved better. “This is still our night. Please Shining? For me?” He sighed and slowly stood up.

“Alright…”





“I can’t believe you two got married after all of this.” Twilight chuckled as they left the café. 

“Oh it got better from there.” Cadance smiled as they began their walk back towards the library.

“Still though…” Twilight giggled.

“He told you a different story didn’t he?” Cadance rolled her eyes.

“Well…”

---To be Concluded---

	

> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

MLP: FiM
That’s Not Quite How He Told It…
By: Calm Wind

Chapter 4:






(Shining Armor)

I couldn’t have written it better Spike. Not only was it the perfect night for a moonlit stroll, but we also got lucky. Cherry Blossom Park was relatively clear. There were a few more couples, but there was more than enough space for the two of us to have privacy.

The park was a large open field with three paths. Two that ran along the outer edges and one that ran through the middle. The outside paths were lined with trees thick with pink and white blossoms. There was a pond on the far end of the park. I could see it from the entrance despite being far away because the fireflies were out over it. 

I led Cadance along the outer edge, making sure to take it slow and steady. We stopped beneath a tree in full bloom that was set right beside the bond and sat down against it to take a load off.

“It’s such a nice night.” Cadance spoke up as she leaned into me.

“That’s only because you’re here.” Whenever you take a lady out, THEY are the reason everything is perfect. Make sure you always let them know that.

“You are so sweet Shining.” She sighed and nestled her head into my neck. I took her hoof in mine gently.

“These cherry blossoms remind me of you,” remember Spike, there’s no such thing as too much flattery, “a special flower that brings beauty to something that would be drab otherwise. Without the blossoms, it’s just a tree, but with them it is a beautiful sight.” I rubbed her hoof gently. “Without you, I’d just be sitting in a park, with you I feel like I’m floating on clouds with an angel.”

“Aw, Shining, you’re gonna make my face explode if you keep this up.” She joked as she acknowledged how much I was making her blush.

“I’m only being honest.” I said before we sat silently and watched the fireflies over the pond. We simply enjoyed each other’s company. The date had gone so well and only one last thing remained. If I could hit a perfect score, it would guarantee I’d be seeing her again on many dates to come.

Relaxed and satisfied, we both eventually stood from the tree. It was getting late. I had to get Cadance back to her estate beside the palace. It was time to end it on a high note.





(Cadance)

It really couldn’t get much worse Twilight. Shining was a mess. He had blundered so many times on a night he clearly put a lot of thought into and then got tackled and punched on top of it. I felt so bad for him. 

He had been steadfast and adamant through the mistakes, and that’s what I was loving about him, but it ended at the punch. I didn’t blame him for the way he felt, but I wanted to see it again. I wanted to see that fire rekindled in his eyes that had kept burning despite all the misfortune. 

His perseverance is what I found myself attracted to. I was so drawn in by it, that instead of giving up when it faded, I was desperate to get it back. That’s why I pleaded him to keep going with it. I didn’t want the night to end. Not on a note like that after how hard he had tried.

He didn’t speak at all as we walked to Cherry Blossom Park. I didn’t mind though, I just wanted him to be happy again. We weren’t the only couple who had the idea of coming to the park late. In fact there were quite a few couples. 

While the cherry blossoms were beautiful, my eyes were drawn to the pond at the far end of the park. I could see the little glowing lights of fireflies. 

“Let’s go sit down over there.” I suggested while pointing. Shining just glanced briefly and nodded before coming along silently.

There was a tree planted conveniently near the pond. We took our time down the path and sat down against the tree. I leaned against him as we gazed out over the pond. The fireflies danced about above its surface.

Now you were wondering why I married him Twilight? Well from here till the end of the date was when he officially won my heart. 

“I’m so sorry Cadance.” He finally spoke as he tucked his legs in. I was startled that he said something before I did. I had been thinking about how to make him feel better, but he took the initiative. “This had been a terrible date.” 

“Shining…”

“You probably think I’m a big idiot.” He said. I would NOT have it. 

“Shining! No!” I leaned off of him and grabbed his head, turning it to me. “Why would I think that?” He looked at me like it was obvious.

“Well I’ve done nothing right from the get go. I was late getting ready, I pulled your chair out from under you, I forgot money, I was a wimp at the movie, I decided it would be fine to cross a bad neighborhood, and on top of it all I got beat up in front of you. It sounds like a lousy date to me.” He sounded so frustrated. He had completely given up. I wanted the other Shining back.

“And?” I looked at him sternly. He blinked and stared.

“What?” He turned his head to the side.

“Did I pick up and leave, Shining?” I crossed my hooves and leaned down while looking up to him. 

“Uh…” He looked away, but I quickly reached up and turned his head back to me.

“The date has been a bit rough, but I’m still enjoying it because of you.” I admitted. Seeing him all down on himself was killing me. I had to let him know what he was doing right. “Things went bad, but you kept trying to make it the best night you could. Now you aren’t and it’s making me sad.” I pouted.

“Wha? Ah! Sorry! I didn’t mean!” That did the trick. He instantly tried to figure out how to fix things. His frantic reaction made me smile.

“Yes! That’s the Shining I want!” I beamed and hugged him as he froze in place with his hooves up. 

“Buh?” He sat still and stared forward. “Oh.”

“See what I’m saying?” I winked.

“Gee, if I had known that…” He looked down at me and blushed. “Sorry for being such a downer just now.” 

“I forgive you.” I said as I put him at arm’s length. I blinked as a firefly came between us and gleamed a few times before landing on Shining’s nose. “Look! The fireflies have forgiven you too!” I joked while giggling. The fly on his nose glowed brightly a few times before lifting off again. Shining started chuckling. It was the first time I heard him laugh naturally all night and it really made my heart swell. 

He looked at me, still blushing, but smiling as we sat back against the tree. I noticed his arm hovering towards my opposite shoulder. I looked up at him, but he pulled his arm back quickly. 

“Shining…” I giggled. “I don’t mind.” I assured him.

“Really?” He still looked unsure.

“Yes, in fact.” I scooted forward and put myself in front of him before leaning my whole body back into him. It took him a second to relax at my forward move. “I like this more.” I said as I nestled myself into him.

“Ha…haha…” He laughed nervously. I couldn’t see him, but the tone of his awkward laughing suggested he was so happy to have me like this that he just didn’t know what to say or do.

We sat still and quietly for a while, but I thought I was going to squeal when I saw him slowly put his arms around me. He had won my vote of confidence by never giving up, and now he was breaking out of the shell? He could salvage this date yet.

“C—Cadance?” He suddenly said my name. The extreme stutter was back. I hadn’t heard that since he asked me out. That meant it was something he was nervous about saying. 

“Yes Shining?” I eagerly waited.

“You… really don’t hate me?” Crash. At least initially. I rolled my eyes, but because he was being silly. 

“Of course I don’t Shining.” I answered as I hooked my hooves with his over my stomach. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief. I found it amusing that he wondered such a thing after I willingly put the two of us in our current sitting position.

“C-c-cause I…” He caught my attention again. “I… really like you…” He forced out. Now mind you, I had picked up on this long before this night, but for him to have the courage to say it, especially how bad the night went? It made my heart flutter.

“I like you too Shining.” I tipped my head all the way back on his chest so he could see my eyes and smile.

Now here, Twilight, is where he came through with flying colors.

“No, I mean, I really…really like you.” He said as he gave me a slight squeeze. I blinked and turned so I could face him a little better. “Cadance I’ve… I’ve always liked you. The first day you showed up… to take care of… Twilight, I…” He kept pausing wincing as if he was butchering it terribly, but it was his nervous broken speech that made me love every word, “I had never seen a more…beautiful, kind, and caring mare… in all my life, and… I never have since… I just… I just wanted you to know.” It looked like his whole body was going to turn red, but he had won, I was sold.

Let me tell you Twilight, something you’ll need to get used when you are anywhere else besides Ponyville is that, as a princess, you’ll get a lot of praise for everything. I’ve been kissed up to more ways than I can count, even when I was younger. Sooner or later you can tell when praise is false or forced. Unfortunately nearly all of it always is.

Shining’s stuttering confession was the first time in my life that anypony had said words like those to me and they felt real. I’d been called beautiful, I’d been told I was kind and caring, I’d had stallions confess “undying” love for me all in the past. But Shining was different. He may have felt his nerves, blunders, and klutziness had ruined everything for me, but he couldn’t have been more wrong. It made his sincerity shine. He was nervous to say all those things because he really wanted me to know how he truly felt. It touched me deeply, I loved it.

“Aw, Shining… that’s so sweet of you to say.” I turned completely around in his arms and gave him a long tight hug. I think I surprised him because he flinched, again. Sometimes the sweetest stallions are the ones who are most vulnerable. 

I looked up at him as a cherry blossom fell from the tree above us. He reached up and caught it in his hoof. I watched as his eyes seemed to fill back up with confidence. 

“These cherry blossoms remind me of you.” He began. Oh I was ready for more. Knowing his affection was true and real had supercharged me. Any compliment from this point on would have triple the effect on me. “Because…” He paused, his pupils shrinking. “Because…” He repeated.  He clearly hadn’t thought it through. “Uh… because… they’re… pink?” I could almost hear his brain screaming at him. His face was still full of confidence but his eyes looked mortified. I lost myself in a fit of giggles. Your brother was so clumsily endearing it made my sides hurt.





(Shining Armor)

I walked her back home and all the way up to the front door. She had had a dreamy look in her eyes since we left the park. For me, that meant game, set, and match. She had a great time.

“Tonight was wonderful Shining.” She said as she let go of my arm and turned to face me. 

“It was my pleasure to treat such a fine mare to a fine evening.” I said with a bow as she giggled.

“And you are such a charming gentlestallion.” She added with a wave of her hoof and a look in her eyes that caught my attention. I moved closer to her.

“A gentlestallion who would never forgets to kiss his mare goodnight.” I said as brushed a hoof against her cheek.

“Oh Shining…” She wanted it just as much as I did. She closed her eyes and leaned in. I did the same.





(Cadance)

We left the park soon after that. Shining had come through with flying colors, even if it wasn’t the most graceful process. He had won me over with his honesty and perseverance. 

We stopped in front of my front door and I let go of his arm. 

“Well here we are.” He said as he looked away and rubbed the back of his head. “At your house, cause the date’s over, and uh… I hope it wasn’t too bad.” He continued awkwardly. I giggled at him and looked at him sternly, but with a smile. 

“Shining, stop it. It was an interesting night, but you made it special.” I said while rubbing a hoof on his shoulder.

“I guess.” He looked distraught. “Well it was nice being with you, I should get home, we should probably not go out again, I’ll just screw up more and—” He just wouldn’t stop berating himself, so I decided to shut him up. 

“Shining…” I grabbed his chin with my magic, yanked him back towards me, and firmly planting my lips against his, kissing him with enough passion to get my point across. It made him jitter so much it looked like he was being electrocuted. I pulled away and smiled at him. He was completely stiff, eyes wide, mouth agape, and a quiet, continuous high pitched squeak was escaping his throat. “I really like you too.” I admitted, returning his affection from the park. “You’re a very sweet stallion and I’d love to go out with you again.”

“Eee~” his voice cracked again.

“Goodnight Shining, I’ll see you tomorrow at your house.” 

“Aaa~” He still couldn’t speak. What an adorable, lovable goofball I had fallen for. I smiled at him and entered my house. Out of curiosity I went over to the window beside the door and looked out. As Shining walked back towards the road he began leaping in the air and hoof pumping victoriously. 

Only your brother Twilight. Only your brother could mess up a date so badly and end up making the mare fall in love with him. 





“Awwwwww.” Twilight cooed as Cadance finished.

“And that’s how it all began.” Cadance said as they approached the front door of library. Twilight was lost in a fit of giggles, again. Cadance sighed and shook her head, “I have a feeling our stories don’t match up at all.”

“Yeah, that’s not quite how he told it.” Twilight chuckled as she waved a hoof. She reached for the door knob.

“How did he tell it?” Cadance asked with her eyebrows and ears flat. Twilight opened the door.

“So she and I stood there outside her house, kissing for a good ten minutes,” Shining’s voice came from inside. They both blinked and looked in to see Shining smoothly moving around, making many hoof motions, and talking to a wide eyed Spike. “We finally broke apart and she stared at me with seductive eyes. ‘Come in, nopony else is home.’ She offered. ‘I thought you’d never ask’ I replied while bouncing my eyebrows. Now it was officially the perfect first date Spike. Every single aspect went exactly how I wanted. Now on top of it, or on top of her I should say, I was about to score—”

“A-HEM!” Cadance cleared her throat loudly as she and Twilight entered. Shining’s eyes widened for a moment, but he showed no other reaction. 

“—the winning goal!” He made a kicking motion. “If I could make this shot, our team would win the championship!” He smoothly segued into something completely unrelated. Spike blinked and tipped his head in confusion. “We’ll finish the story later Spike, I gotta put some things upstairs.” He grabbed a random pile of books and headed for the staircase, but a magic aura yanked at his tail and pulled him back.

“Oh no you don’t!” Cadance pulled him over to her by the tail.

“Oh hi honey!” He put on a fake grin and waved. 

“Don’t you ‘hi honey’ me buster.” She scolded him. Twilight was busy rolling on the ground, laughing her hooves off.

“I was just telling Spike a little story! No harm done.” He kept trying to play it off. Cadance surrounded him completely with her magic, and gently forced him to the floor. She walked a circle around him and sat down on his back.

“Well Twilight, here’s the moral of the story.” She began as Shining sighed beneath her. “You’ll know you’ve found the right stallion when he puts every fiber of his being into trying his hardest for you. Shining kept trying and trying and trying for me despite all the bad things that happened. It was his pure and unwavering dedication to me that I fell in love with.”

“Aw, shucks.” Shining said from below her.

“But stop making up stories, dear.” She glared at him. He quickly nodded.

“Yes honey.”

---The End---