We all know the story of Shining and Cadence. Cadence babysat for Twilight and ended up marrying her brother. But how did the two meet anyway?
Cadence and Shining were married despite a Changeling invasion, and still carried on after the shadow lord Sombra tried to take over. They have used the power of their love to best any foe, and it's the strongest in the land. But just HOW was this love conceived?
"Nachtlicht! Hurry dear, or we'll be late!" Shining flinched at his mother's sudden outburst of German. "Gee Mom, you think he heard you?", Shining jested. His mother looked over to him and reeled in surprise. "Shining? Why are you here?", she asked. Shining shot his mother a confused look. "'Cause I live here?", he sneered. His mother glared back at her un-amusing son. "No. It's just you're never here when me and your father have date night! Well, I suppose you have to meet Cadence at some point.", she sighed.
"What? Why would you hire somebody if I'm here?", Shining presented. "Well, I guess you're right. I'll call Cadence and tell her she has the night off.", Shining's mother said. "WHAT! NOOOO!!", a small voice yelled from the second story. Shining's four-year-old sister, Twilight Sparkle bounded down the stairs at an alarming speed. Sure enough, she tripped and fell, but this didn't stop he righteous quest to save her sitter. "Please please please! Don't tell Cadence not to come!", she begged her mother. "But Twilight dear, your brother is here, so Cadence doesn't need to come tonight.", Shining's mother told her daughter. "Noooo!", Twilight whined, "Me and Cadence were gonna play together! She promised!" Shining rolled his eyes at his little sister's whining. When ever her voice hit the whiney pitch, the parents were putty in her hands.
Twilight Velvet looked nervous as she stared at the pouting child. Twilight had her puppy-dog eyes going, and it wouldn't take long. Not ten seconds later, Twilight Velvet emitted a sigh of defeat. "Okay dearest, Cadence will still come over today." Twilight's eyes went wide with glee and she began to happily cheer. "Yay! Cadence is coming! Cadence is coming!", she said as she began to spin around the room.
Shining threw up his hand in defeat. No matter what it was, if Twilight got all cutsey-wootsey, she got it. "What's the matter son?", Nachlicht said as he entered the kitchen. He briefly clapped his son's shoulder, and then went back to fighting with his red tie. "Nah, it's nothing.", Shining lied. He did NOT want to have this argument now. "If you say so. Velvet dearest, can you help me with this damned tie!", he spat. Velvet went over and helped him adjust his tie. Shining watched his parents fight with the red piece of fabric, until he was interrupted by a knock on the door. Upon hearing the noise, Twilight's eyes lit up.
Twilight and her mother went to answer it, and left Shining and Nachtlicht alone in kitchen. "You know son, you might like Cadence.", Nachtlicht said. Shining snorted at his fathers statement. "Oh yeah! I'm sure me and Twilie's baby sitter will be the very best of friends", he said. "Oh come on Shining. She's the same age as you, and from what Twilight telles me, she seems very nice.", Shining's father said. Shining shrugged, and heard his sister squeal exictedly.
"Cadence! Cadence! Cadence!", Twilight shouted happily. The new guest, Princess Cadence, bent down to hug the bubbly child. Twilight gave Cadence a look as if to share a silent thought. As if almost on cue, the two began to partake in a silly little dance and song. "Sunshine! Sunshine! Ladybugs awake! Clap your hands and do a little shake!", the said in tandem, ending their dance with a little shake of their butts.
"Cadence! Guess what?", Twilight chirped.
"What Twilight? Tell me.". Cadence replied with a smile.
"You get to meet my BBBFF! Shining Armour!"
Cadence's smile shifted from a forum of happiness into a smirk. "Oh-ho-ho! So I finally get to meet this elusive Shining Armour!", she said. "Yeah! He's in the kitchen. Hey Shining! Come here!", Twilight shouted towards the kitchen. Cadence stood up and waited for Twilight's older brother. Shining walked out of the kitchen, but was intercepted by his sister. "Come here! Come here!", she said, leading him into the living room. She pointed to a kind-looking girl, with shoulder-length, multi-coloured hair. Her eyes were light-pink, and had a warm, motherly look in them. Shining allowed himself to explore the rest of her body. Her arms were crossed under her breasts. C-cup at least., Shining thought. Her hips were narrow, and her legs were long. All in all, a DAYNUM in Shining's book.
Shining just kind of stood there lamely, staring at the girl in his living room. She did the same back, but with a hint of blush on her face. They just gaped at each other for a good thirty seconds, until Twilight interrupted their "staring contest". "Hey! Why are you acting so weird! Say hi to each other!", she pleaded. They snapped out of la-la land, and shifted uncomfortably. "I-I'm, uh, S-Shining!", Shining burst out. He extended his hand to the girl, and she shook it and replied. "C-Cadence." Their hands went back to their sides, and they averted each other's gaze. "Hey Shining! Come here for a sec. I have to give you money for the pizza", Nachtlicht said from the kitchen. Shining silently thanked Celestia and went back into the kitchen,
Shining walked into the room, only to be pushed out of the doorway by his father. "Jeez Dad! What was that for?", Shining snapped at his father. "It was for that", Nachtlicht said pointing at Shining's athletic shorts, which were a little long on him. Shining shot his dad a glare, and looked down at his shorts. He blushed at what he found. Shining's member was pitching a tent from within his pants. "Uh, oh, um...", Shining trailed off. "It's okay son. Listen stay in here, order the pizza, and wait for the storm to pass.", Nachtlicht told his embarrassed son. "Th-thanks dad.", shining said back. His father was leaving the room, but at the last minute, he added: "Don't forget to order a cheese for Twilight. You know she's picky about her Italian."
"Alright. You have everything Cadence?", Velvet asked.
"Yes Mrs. Velvet. Everything will be alright!", Cadence assured.
"Okay. I suppose you've never let me down before. Twilight come give me a hug goodbye!"
Twilight went an hugged her mother, and with that, they left. Shining walked out of the kitchen with his cell phone, and waited to be sure his parents were gone. "Uh, so Cadence, have any preference on pizza?", he asked. Cadence jumped a little, and turned to face Shining. "No, anything's good.", she replied.
"You sure? It's okay if you do.", Shining said.
"Yeah. Don't worry about it"
Shining shrugged and returned to the kitchen to order the pizza
"Caio?", a voice on the other end of the line said. "Uh, hello. Is this Salvatore? It's Shining", Shining said back. Shining heard hearty laughter over the pone. "Ah! Shining! How are you!", Salvatore said to the teenager. "Molto bene, Salvatore. E vio?", Shining replied in Italian. "Hahah! You've been studying! I am well, grazie. So what can I get you this evening? Finally got a date?", the Italian man jested. "Funny Salvatore! Okay, so can I get a medium cheese and a medium pepperoni?", Shining asked. "Why of course you can il mio ragazzo! It will be over shortly!", Salvatore said then hung up. Shining chuckled a little. He loved talking to Salvatore, he was the only Italian Shining knew, and went to his pizzeria after school on Thursdays every week.
"That'll be $25.56 sir.", the delivery boy said to Shining. Shining handed him thirty and let him keep the change. Shining grabbed the pizza, and watched the delivery boy leave. "Shining! Did you get any cheese!", Twilight said to her brother. "Yes Twilie. Don't you trust your BBBFF?", he said to the girl. She giggled a little, and went to take her place at the table. Cadence followed her in, and took a seat at the end of the small, circular table. Shining placed down the pizzas and went to grab plates, and brought them back to the table. He handed them out, and took a seat opposite to Cadence.
They all grabbed some of the Italian food, Twilight being the first, getting some of her super-special cheese pizza. Shining went to go grab some of the pepperoni, but in the process, he brushed hands with Cadence, causing him to quickly withdraw his hand. "S-sorry, go ahead", Shining sputtered. "Oh, n-no, it's okay you go get yours first.", she said. Twilight, who was getting a little annoyed, went and grabbed a piece for each of them and plopped them down on their plates. Shining shook his head at his sister's antics, and Cadence thanked her. "Now can you two at least pretend to be friends! Stop acting so weird!", she said. Oh well,I guess she just dosen't understand romance yet., Shining thought. "Yes Twilight, I'm sorry.", Cadence apologized to the toddler. "Good!", she said, and went back to eating her pizza.
After the all had their fill of pizza, Twilight interjected, "So what're we gonna do now Cadence?", she said to her sitter. "Do you want to play a board game?", Cadence asked. "Yeah! Shining can play too!", Twilight said, and burst out of the kitchen. Cadence blushed a little, and went to follow her.
This is going to be a long, awkward night., Shining thought.
Shining was still seated at the kitchen table, now fearing the events to come. She knew! Twilight was setting us up!, he thought. It would make sense, Twilight was very smart, and he bet she could understand two teenagers liking each other, just by their behaviour. He had to leave the table at some point, and go in there and play. If he didn't, well, he didn't want to expose Cadence to that torture. Shining grabbed the plates on the table, and placed them in the sink. The pizza was placed in the refrigerator, and he went into the living room.
Twilight was removing the game pieces to Chutes and Ladders. Cadence was setting up the game board, and reading the instructions. In all honesty, it was an easy game to play. You roll a dice, and whatever you roll, you move that many spaces. Land on a space with a ladder, you move up, land on a chute, and go downward. The first to 100, wins the game. It was child's play, literally.
"Come on Shining! Are you gonna play!", Twilight said to her brother.
"Yeah Twilie, just hold on a second.", he said back.
He went and knelt by the edge of the coffee table, and waited for the two girls to finish setting up the little game. "So Twilight, which piece do you want to be?", Cadence asked. Twilight wore a face of deep decision, and deliberated for a long time. "I want to be........purple!", she eventually decided. She took her piece and placed it on the space designated "1".
"Okay then, I'll be pink.", Cadence said. That left Shining to make his choice. He was reaching for the green piece, but he had already made a decision. Twilight darted her hand forward and grabbed the blue piece and placed it at the start. "And you can be blue!", she smiled. "If you insist, your highness.", Shining joked. Cadence's eyes widened a little, and she shifted on he knees a little. Upon seeing this, Twilight swatted the back of her brother's head. "Ow! Twilie, what was that for?"
"Be nice! Cadence is a princess, ya know!"
"She is?"
"Yeah, so be nicer!"
Shining blushed a little at his own mistake, and apologized for his sarcasm. Cadence still appeared uncomfortable, but accepted the apology. "Let's start! Can I go first?", Twilight asked Cadence. "Yes, go ahead." Twilight grabbed the dice, and tossed it onto the game. She rolled a four, and moved the little piece of plastic forward four spaces. "Okay Cadence, your turn!"
The game lasted another half-hour. They all happily played together with minimal incident. In the end, Shining was the ultimate winner, reaching space "100" first. "Haha! Yes! Shining Armour wins again!", he boasted. Twilight laughed at her brother's silliness, and let out a might yawn. "Oh, it looks like a certain little girl is a little sleepy!", Cadence joked.
"Nuh-uh, I'm wide awake.", Twilight said sleepily.
"Come on Twilight, it's bedtime."
"Okay Cadence. Can we read a story?"
"Sure. Let's go."
"Shining. You come too"
"I think Cadence has this. Do you really need me?", he asked.
"Yes! You do the funniest voices when you read stories."
"Okay, go get changed, and I'll be right up."
The two girls went upstairs to get ready for bed, leaving Shining alone once again. Yep, she knows!
Shining was summoned to the bedroom when the two girls were ready. He high-kneed it up the stairs, and entered Twilight's small bedroom. She was already under her covers, and Cadence was leafing through the bookshelf, looking for a good book for Twilight. She looked a little distressed, and was frantically searching. "How about The Little Engine That Could?", she suggested. Twilight shook her head in disapproval, and waved to her brother, who had just entered.
He felt bad for Cadence. This wasn't her first time babysitting, but did she always have this trouble finding a story for Twilight? "Here. Let me.", Shining said. He reached under Twilight's bed (where she kept her contraband of stolen goodies), and removed a copy of The Notebook. "You would much rather read this, wouldn't you?", he asked his little sister. "The Notebook? Isn't that a little.....mature for a four-year-old?", Cadence asked in a hushed voice. "Not the first half.", Shining replied, "Okay Twilie one chapter, and it's off to bed."
The next forty-five minuets were filled with the tales of the young Noah and Allie. Twilight was slowly drifting off to sleep, and by the time the first chapter was finished, she was almost out. "Thank you for reading Shining", she said. "It's okay Twilie.", he said back. Shining levitated Twilight's favourite toy, Smarty Pants over to her, and Cadence adjusted the covers. "Nighty night, Twilight", Cadence said. The two sixteen-year-olds walked out of the bedroom, and Cadence turned off the lights. Now comes the weird part, Shining thought.
It was only 8:50, and Shining's parents weren't going to return until eleven. The two of them returned to the living room, and sat on the only couch in the room. It was an aura of awkward silence for a while, the two teens avoiding each other. Shining felt the need to break the silence, and said the first thing on his mind. "S-so, a princess, huh?", he asked. Fucking smooth, Casanova!, he silently scolded. "Y-yeah. It's....not as exciting as you think.", she replied.
"Why not? I would love to be one of the upper class."
"There's just so many rules and things I can't do. I'm lucky to even be a babysitter."
"Well, I want to be Captain of the Royal Guard one day. Do you think that has more strict rules than royalty?"
"No way, being a princess is much worse!"
"Is that a challenge?"
"Sure, you're on!"
Shining was glad Cadence was warming up to him, and she was really an interesting girl. He just hoped that he wasn't acting like a total weirdo. "You can turn on the t.v. if you want.", he said. "No, I'm fine. I would much rather be talking to yo-" She stopped short in mid-sentence. Shining picked it up, and blushed. So she did like me!, he thought. "O-oh, okay, I mean, it's up to you.", he stuttered.
It's time to gather some intel!, Shining mentally shouted. "So, I bet as a princess and all, you always have to put up with suitors.", he said. "Oh, not really. I think that's a stereotype. My parents trust me enough to find a decent guy.", she replied with an odd look in her eye. Shit! She picked up on it! "Oh. Well I'm sorry for asking.", Shining apologized. he decided to push on anyway. "So what's 'a decent guy' to you?", he asked as inconspicuously as he could. He saw the small grin on her face as she answered. "He has to be gallant, kind, strong willed, and respectful. Somebody with a strong heart and quick nerves. Big and strong, and handsome wouldn't hurt.", she said, shifting a little closer to Shining as she did.
"Oh, well you have some high standards", Shining mused.
"Well my man is just going to have to live up to them. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a challenge.", she said, her voice thick with sarcasm, "So what' 'a decent girl' to you?", she said, putting Shining in the hot seat. "Well, I guess she'd have to be nice and gentle, but not afraid to assert herself in a situation. She'd stand by me, not matter the weather, and wouldn't mind being funny from time to time.", Shining replied.
"That's all?", Cadence said.
"Well, it would be a little inappropriate if I talked about what I enjoy physically in a girl, don't you think?"
"Come on, just tell me!"
"Okay. I wouldn't mind nice legs and waist. Tight butt, and decent, uh, breasts. That's a 'DAYNUM' in my official rating system.", he said. Cadence giggled a little, clearly amused by is descriptions. "Well excuse me princess. I didn't know I was that funny!", he joked. "Oh no, it was that you just came out and flat-out told me, no fear at all.", she said softly. Shining soon realized that she was sitting pretty close to him, their hands not even an inch apart. Clever little sneak! Shining cleared his throat, and moved his hand away from Cadence's, trying to avoid some awkward forum of contact.
She took notice of Shining's behaviour, and felt a little indecision. Should I pick on him? But if I did, and he doesn't like me and all, I could ruin this! But what if he does, and is silently egging me on, and I'm missing it. He'll think I'm a royal stiff, and won't want me! "So, t.v.?", she asked. "T.v.'s nice", Shining said as he grabbed the remote.
"Oh, Nachtlicht, that was wonderful!", Velvet said as she and her husband exited their car. "Yes, but I wonder how our little smooth man handled Cadence.", he said with a smirk. He grabbed the house key, and unlocked their front door. Nachticht had to hold in boisterous laughter at the sight. There sat the two teens, asleep! Shining was at the edge of the ouch, his head lolled off to the side, and Cadence's head was on his shoulder. The rest of her body was off to the side. If Nachtlicht didn't know any better, he would've thought that these two were happily dating. "Dearest, come look at this.", he said to his wife who was entering the house.
Her heart melted at the sight. "Daww! Let me get the camera!"
Shining was awoken by a shake of his left shoulder. "Mmmh? What?", he said. His father gestured for him to hush, and told him to look at his other shoulder. Shining obliged his father, and looked.......at Cadence sweetly sleeping on him. "WHAT IN THE NAME OF CELESTIA?!", he shouted out of shock. His outburst awoke Cadence, and she looked up from her "pillow". She had a similar reaction. "O-oh my gosh! I'm so sorry!", she said, clearly startled. She got off of the couch, and took notice of Twilight's parents. "Oh! Mrs. Velvet and Mr. Nachtlicht!", she said, "I-I'm so sorry!"
"For what?", Nachtlicht asked.
"Well, for, uh, using your son for a pillow" Shining blushed a little.
"Nonsense. Do you need a ride?"
"Yes sir."
"Okay, come on Cadence.", he said, grabbing his keys. Shining went to follow her out. Nactlicht exited and went to his car, Shining and Cadence stopped at the door. "Thanks for being cool to me tonight.", she whipered and kissed Shining's cheek. Cadence skipped out the door, and left the love-struck Shining at the door.
Two weeks of bliss had passed in Shining's life. Two weeks since that fateful night. Shining wasn't sure what to think about Cadence's behaviour. He was lost in thought for the remainder of the school days in the year. Come on calender, give me the last week and a half quickly., he would think. His constant thought of his new-found royal friend, made him a bit unpopular with his teachers.
"Mr. Armour. Perhaps you would like to share with the class the events of Nightmare Moon's banishment.", she said annoyed. Shit. "Well Ms. Bloom, Princess Lun-"
"Nightmare Moon, Mr. Armour."
"My bad, Nightmare moon, was displaying evil behaviour and tendencies, and because of that, Princess Celestia shot her up to the moon."
The class erupted into a small laughter, and Ms. Bloom look unamused.
"Mr Amour, would you like to share the correct events of those two years with us?" Double-shit. "I-I don't know Ms. Bloom."
"As I thought, well for the ones who also failed to pay attention, Nightmare Moon's banishment was a premeditated event. Princess Celestia and her council spent over two years deliberating on Nightmare Moon's fate. As they were going to vote, she launched a surprise attack on Canterlot Castle. A great and powerful battle ensued, and because of it, Nightmare Moon was wounded, and banished to the moon."
Shining took in the new information with an annoyed look on his face.
"So Mr. Armour, if you were paying attention, instead of ogling the back of your classmate's head, you would know this critical information.", she said. Ms. Bloom took notice of the look on Shining's face. "Well excuse me, Mr Armour! Did I offend you?", she snapped.
"Can I be honest with you?"
"Please! Enlighten the class with your wisdom."
"Why did you get all bent out of shape when I said 'Princess Luna', not 'Nightmare Moon'?"
"Because that's what she's been officially referred to for the last thousand years."
"But isn't that disrespectful? She was born as 'Princess Luna', so it would be like if I called you, I don't know, Teacher-Lady and not Ms. Bloom."
"Shining Armour, do you wish to against Princess Celestia?", she said with a softer tone.
"What?"
"That's what our Princess Celestia officially proclaimed her as. Anybody of royal birth or decadency would call her. For the hopeful future Captain of The Royal Guard, I would think that you would follow her word without question."
"You don't know shit about princesses", Shining mumbled.
"I'm sorry, what was that?"
"I said I'm sorry for not paying attention, and I'm sorry for disobeying Princess Celestia."
The class erupted into another chorus of laughter.
History class couldn't go any quicker. After his blunder, Shining decided to go the rest of class in silence. As if by Celestia's intervention, the final bell rang, and everybody went to head for home on this fine Thursday afternoon.
"Mr. Armour, come here please.", Ms. Bloom said as he was leaving. Triple-shit.. Shining stopped in his tracks, and a military about-face. "Yes Ms. Bloom?", he said to his least-favourite teacher. "As I'm sure you're aware, your teachers all know of your attempt to get into R.G.B.T."
"Yes I know."
"Well, me and your RGOTC instructor have decided to write you a recommendation, despite your new behaviour the last two weeks."
Shining's eyes went wide with shock. "Th-thank you so much, Ms. Bloom", he said.
"Don't worry about it. Now all you need to do is finish high school, and find a decent benefactor to fund your training.", she said.
"Y-yes, I promise I won't let you down!", Shining said as he left the room. "I'm not done, Mr. Armour!", she shouted. Shining turned back to face his teacher. "Perhaps I was being unfair with the whole 'Nightmare Moon' thing. I apologize for saying what I did.", she said. Shining couldn't believe his ears. His most hated teacher was sitting here apologizing for being wrong and giving him a recommendation!
"It's all okay Ms. Bloom! Thanks a ton!", Shining said as he ran out of the school. It was Thursday, and Shining was going to treat himself.
The tiny bell over the door rang as Shining walked into the pizzeria. "Hey extended family! I'm here!", Shining said as he entered. "Oh Shining! How are you!", a female voice said from behind the counter. The voice was Salvatore's wife, Maria.
"I'm all good Mrs. Maria."
"Please! I told you not to use such formalities when you're with the family!"
"Oh! Right, I'm sorry, Maria."
"Good! I'll get Salvatore!"
She went back to the kitchen to get her busy husband. Shining leaned on the counter, and listened to the clamour coming from said kitchen. "Alright woman! I'm going to see the boy!", Salvatore said as he left the kitchen, "Ah-ha-ha! Il mio ragazzo, Brillante Armatura! How are you this fine Thursday?", he asked.
"Honestly Salvatore, I couldn't be better. Remember Ms. Bloom I told you about?"
"That puttana?"
"Si, Salvatore. You know what she did?"
"Tell me!"
"She and my RGOTC instructor wrote me a recommendation for basic training!"
"Shining! How fortunate for you! For that your order is on the house! Compliments of the family!"
"No, Salvatore, I can't do that. I'll pay."
Shining withdrew his wallet and took the fifteen he was going to owe, and slapped it on the counter. "Shining, you are a generous boy! Be right back.", Salvatore said as he disappeared into the kitchen again.
He came back out not five minutes later with Shining's usual order: two slices of Italian Sausage on mozzarella cheese pizza. Shining's mouth watered at the sight. Salvatore placed the order in front of Shining, and leaned on the counter as Shining ate.
"Tell me il mio ragazzo, how old are you now?"
"Sixteen, will be seventeen in a few months, why?"
"Well, you have been coming to my store since you entered high school, and are a part of my family..."
"And?"
"Would you be interested in a job here?"
Shining stopped eating his food, and even dropped his pizza back on his plate. "Gee, Salvatore, I-I don't know what to say.", he exclaimed. "Well say 'yes' stupid!", Salvatore said back.
"I'll take the job!"
Shining worked for Salvatore since school ended. He was a delivery boy, but made a decent pay: $9.75 an hour. One day Shining returned from a delivery, and was called to a faculty meeting. The entire staff, or more correctly, Family, was gathered in the large kitchen. Salvatore was in the middle of a large circle of people. "Okay people, I have something to say", he proclaimed to the family. The family grew jittery from anticipation. "Here," he said as he held up three rectangular pieces of paper. Shining looked closer at them, and realized that they were much more than that. They were three tickets to The Summer Sun Festival! "Are three tickets to The Summer Sun Festival!", he continued, "And I have no need for them. So I decided to give them away to the employee with the most points on our rating thingy."
Salvatore began to inspect a clipboard, and looked back up. "Shining Armour!", he shouted over the roar of the family, "congrats, they're yours!" He walked over to Shining, and handed the tickets to him. "Good job, and have fun!", he whispered to Shining, "All right! Back to work!"
Shining burst back into his house when his shift ended at 8:00. His father looked up from the television to look at his panting son. "Where's Twilie?", Shining asked his father.
"In the kitchen, why?", Nachtlicht asked.
"No time!"
Shining entered the kitchen, and spotted his sister reading.....The Notebook! "BBBFF, whats 'cheating'?", she asked innocently. Shining facepalmed, and grabbed the book from his sister. "Hey! I was reading that!", she protested. "Twilight, I told you that you are too young for that book! But forget that, I have something for you!", Shining beamed.
"Ooh! Ooh! A present?'
"Something like that."
"What is it? Gimmie! Gimme! Gimme!"
Shining presented the tickets to his sister. "BAM! Three tickets to The Summer Sun Festival!", he exclaimed. Twilight squealed out of joy. "Yay! I always wanted to go!", she said running around the room, but then she suddenly stopped. "Three? That's one for you, one for me, and one for...?", she questioned.
"Well, I was going to let you choose who you wanted."
"Anybody?"
"Yep, anyone you want!"
Twilight grabbed her doll, Smarty Pants off the table, and showed her to Shining. "I'll take Smarty Pants!"
"Smarty Pants doesn't need a ticket 'cause she's so smart!"
"Oh, how about Mommy or Daddy?"
"Oh, Twilight, why don't you choose one of your friends instead of us", her father said from the living room.
Twilight put her hand to her chin to imitate deep thought. Then her eyes lit up, and she smiled widely.
"Cadence! We can go with Cadence!", she said.
Shining's jaw dropped in shock. He was blushing hotly from his sister's request. "Ca-Cadence?", he sputtered. Twilight pouted a little, and said, "You said anybody!" Shining sighed, and admitted defeat. "Fine, you're right. Let's call Cadence.", Shining mumbled.
The phone rang a few times before Cadence answered her cell. "Hello?", she said from the other side.
"Hey, it's Shining."
"What ever happened to the whole 'three days' thing? I gave you my number a month ago."
"Heheh, sorry, I guess I was a little scared. But that aside, you free Saturday?"
"Are you asking me on a date Shining Armour?"
"Kinda, but I'll let somebody else explain."
Shining handed the phone to his sister. She grabbed it with a smile, and began to talk to Cadence.
"Hi Cadence!"
"Twilight, is that you silly girl?"
"Yep! Guess what?"
"What silly?"
"Shining got me tickets to The Summer Sun Festival!"
"Wow really? Lucky you!"
"Yeah, but he had one extra, so he said I could take anyone I want, so I want to take you too!"
"Twilight, that's so nice! Thank you!"
"Yep, you can talk to Shining again!"
Twilight handed the phone back to her brother.
"So, free Saturday?"
"I'll be there."
Shining walked up to the ticket counter with his party of three. "Tickets?", some bored voice said from behind the glass. Shining handed the voice the tickets, and the bar blocking the entrance lifted up. 'Enjoy, sir."
Shining led his sister in to the festival, and watched her marvel at the sights. "Wow! This is so neat!", she shouted. Cadence walked up to them and giggled a little. "So, what's first?", she asked Twilight. Twilight looked around for a second, until she gasped at something in the distance. "Look! Look!", she said pointing to a booth in front of them, "Look at the unicorn!" Shining looked at her desired object. It was an odd shade of purple with navy hair that had streaks. The tail was the same colour, and on its flanks was a weird pink star. "Come on, Shining. Why not try to win it for her?", Cadence said into his ear. Shining shrugged, and walked his party over to the stand.
"Step right up, sir! Shoot the targets, win a prize!", a chubby man said to Shining. "Shoot? With what?", Shining asked as he examined the booth. "You over fifteen kid?", the chubby man said. Shining nodded in confirmation. The chubby man reached under the counter at the booth, and pulled out a black pistol. Shining pushed Twilight behind him, and adopted a state of rage. "What the Tartarus, man?", he shouted at the chubby man. "Easy kid, easy. It's an air-soft gun! You take this, shoot the targets way down there", he said pointing to the end of the long booth, "and win a prize." Cadence took Twilight, and Shining picked up the fake gun. "How do I get the purple unicorn?", Shining asked mellowly. "Easy, shoot all six bulls' eyes, and get the unicorn!"
Shining took a step back from the counter, and raised the gun with one hand. "You'll have an easier time with two hands, kid!", the chubby man suggested. "No. My way!", Shining muttered, and looked down his sights. He took a deep breath, and pulled the trigger six times. Shining heard six "thwaks!", and lowered the weapon. The chubby man went and checked the targets, and returned with a shocked face. "Dang kid! You ever shot a gun before?", he asked. "No. D-did I do good or something?", Shining lied. He didn't want to see how Cadence would react to the boy she liked being proficient in firearms. "I'll say! Six bulls' eyes! The unicorn is yours!", the chubby man said.
He took out a long hook, and removed the stuffed unicorn from the prize rack. Shining handed the prize to his little sister, and watched her laugh with happiness. Shining looked at Cadence, who wore a happy smile as well. She mouthed the word "damn" to Shining, and took Twilight to go explore some more. Shining felt good. Not only did he win a prize for his sister, but he just earned some major points with Cadence!
Boyfriend and Girlfriend (Or The Impossible Luck of Shining Armour)
Twilight spent the rest of the festival think of a name for that purple unicorn. She thought of every name, and combination of names, until she hit a creative roadblock and gave up. Shining noticed his sister's obvious indecision. "Hey Twilie, we can always think of a name later. We should be heading home anyway, it's getting late.", Shining said to his sister. Her eyes went wide with horror. "N-no! We have to stay to see Celestia raise the sun!", she whined, "I really, really, really, really want to see it!" Twilight gestured for Shining to come closer, and she leaned into his ear. "Plus", she whispered devilishly, "you can spend more time with Cadence." Shining went rigid from his sisters reasoning, but then the whole picture came together. "AHA! You did know!", Shining shouted louder than he intended.
Cadence gave him a confused look, and bystanders started to stare at him. Shining gave off a nervous laugh, and told the staring bystanders, "Hahaha, nothing to see here folks." The crowd took his word, and continued along with their business. "Okay Twilie fine, we can stay", Shining said defeated.. Twilight squealed with joy, and hugged her unicorn tighter.
Cadence walked over to him, still wearing that confused look. "Um, what was that about?", she asked with a smirk. "Nothing, it was nothing. You'd think I was crazy.", Shining assured her. She got a little miffed by his response. "Oh no! If you can tell me what kind of girl turns you on, you can tell me why you just publicly embarrassed yourself!", she snapped. Shining rose his hands in defeat. "Okay, fine. If you want to know so bad.", Shining said, "Remember when we first met?"
"Yeah."
"And how Twilie made us do all of that stuff together?"
"Well, I had this theory that Twilight was trying to set us up."
Cadence blushed slightly, and swallowed. "O-oh! But how does she know about romance like that?" Shining grabbed her shoulders firmly, and said, "She got as far as the sex part in The Notebook." Shining shivered a little, and Cadence's eyes shot open. "OH! I see.", she muttered.
"Shining, what's 'sex'?", Twilight piped up innocently. The two teenagers froze up out of fear. Twilight had a cute look in her eyes, screaming to save her childhood from the cruel secrets of nature. "U-u-uh, y-you see Twilie, uh.......it's when...uh.", Shining stammered. "We'll tell you when you're older, okay, I promise.", Cadence saved. Twilight got a little saddened at her denial of information, but it was for the better.
Shining sighed at his sister's saved innocence. Cadence looked back at him, and smiled. Her expression changed instantly as somebody from behind her......'accosted' her. Her face twisted in anger and she turned to face her attacker. "Hey buddy, where do you get off pinching girl's butts like that?", she demanded. She went to slap the guy who did it, but he grabbed her hand mid-swing. "Easy now, beautiful. There was no harm done....yet.", the voice said, thick with arrogance. Shining recognized that voice anywhere. "Hey Sparx! Hands off the girl!", Shining exclaimed at the school's number one ass-hole, Star Sparx.
"Oh look", he said releasing Cadence, "we've got a hero boys!" His posse stepped forward from the mingling crowd. It was a five-on-one fight, but one party had the clear advantage. "Come on Sparx, apologize, and this won't ugly.", Shining tried. "By ugly, do you mean your face when we beat you ass in front of this little brat and beautiful here?", he spat gesturing to Shining's party. Twilight didn't like the way he was talking to Cadence and her brother, so she decided to be brave, like Noah. She charged up a powerful bolt of magic, and fired it right into the genitalia of the bully. He hunched over in pain, and moaned in pain. Shining looked at his sister's satisfied smile with a look of disappointment and admiration. "Twilie! Violence is never the answer!", Shining scolded his sister. Cadence had an opposite reaction. "Hit him again Twilight! Come on, hurt him!", she egged on.
Sparx looked up from his fetel position, and rasped out, "Get that brat!" His boys had no problem ganging up on a small four-year-old, and charged. "Your choice.", Shining muttered, "You want to hurt Twilie, then come at me first!" Shining charged at the four large boys, ready to fight. The first boy he reached was the smallest of the group, and therefore, the easiest to dispose of. Shining went for his knee first, swiping the boy's leg out from under him. As he was falling, Shining spin-kicked him in the jaw, rendering the boy a KO. Flawless Victory, Shining thought to himself. The next two tried to double-team Shining, both flanking him on Shining's sides. Shining went to the left the first, and grabbed the attacker's arm, and twisted it behind him. At the last moment, Shining spun him around, and used him as a human shield. The human shield dropped from the pain, leaving Shining to deal with the other guy. Shining rushed at him, and gave him two quick jabs in the gut, and the finishing uppercut to the jaw. The last boy stopped his charge, and stared at Shining in fear. He backed up a step, and ran the other way. The faint smell of urine hit Shining's nostrils.
Shining stepped over to Sparx, and looked down at him. He grabbed Sparx by the hair and brought him to eye level. Shining stared at him intensely, and muttered, "Run!" into his face. Sparx took the message, and ran away. The human shield, grabbed KO, and they ran after their pussy of a leader. Shining Armour Wins! Fatality!, Shining thought again, Damn I play too much Mortal Kombat.
Cadence walked over with such a comic look on her face. "Come on Twilie, let's go see the princess raise that sun.", Shining said triumphantly.
A large group of people gathered in the clearing set aside for the main attraction. In the from of the crowd, stood a golden altar, where the princess would soon enter. Shining stood around awkwardly in the group of people, paranoid as ever. He was expecting for someone to run up and jump him, or for some goon to grab Twilie and run, or go behind Cadence with a rag and a-
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE WELCOME EQUESTRIA'S OWN, PRINCESS CELESTIA", a loudspeaker interrupted Shining's mild freak-out. The crowd began to cheer wildly, and Twilight was bouncing eagerly. They were at the front of the crowd, and Twilight would be around the princesses's calf if she was able. "Okay Twilie, calm down. You aren't going to miss a thing.", Shining promise his little sister. She stopped her bouncing, but her wild grin never faded. Princess Celestia swept her hand over the crowd, signalling their silence.
"My faithful subjects, I welcom-"
"Celestia! I love you!", some drunk fool shouted over the princess. Shining had half a mind to go over there and teach that fuck a lesson.
"Can somebody go over there and teach that fool a lesson? Guards?", she shouted in the direction of the drunk. The guards, golden armour and spears in hand, escorted the fool out of the festival.
"As I was saying, my faithful subjects, I welcome you to this year's Summer Sun Festival!", she announced. The crowd went into a crazy uproar. Celestia signalled silence again, and the crowd happily obeyed. "Let the day begin!"
She unfurled her mighty wings, white with gold flecking the end of each and every feather on her glorious wings. She gave them a mighty pump and rose to the sky. Her hands glowed their signature yellow, for she was using her powerful magic to bring the sun over the horizon. The gleaming ball of light slowly revealed itself, showering the land of Equestria in it's golden glory. She rose it to it's maximum height, but Shining noticed something was amiss.
Celestia's wings started to faintly glow navy, but it was so slight that the guards didn't notice. Celestia took on a strained expression, and her wings folded up on instinct. She fainted mid-air, and began her one-hundred foot decent to the unwavering earth. Shining saw the problem and burst forward, and onto the altar. The guards didn't notice the random teenager on the stage, and had just take notice of the falling goddess. Celestia didn't slow down, and Shining braced himself for the impact.
The princess fell straight into his arms with a loud THUMP! Shining buckled under the force of the impact, and the two humans fell to the altar. Shining groaned at the pain of the Immortal on his chest as she slowly regained consciousness.
"Ugh, what happened?", she asked looking around.
"F-from what I can understand, you fell", Shining said to the royalty who he just realized had a knee in his crotch. His loins were stirring, and he knew if he got hard, well, he would be Luna's new company.
Celestia looked at the teenager with a surprised expression. She rose up and dusted herself off, and offered a hand to Shining. He waved it away and got up to a chorus of his cracking joints. "Thank you, valiant stranger. I really appreciate it.", she said loud enough for Shining's ears alone. Shining gave a nervous laugh, and was seized harshly from behind. Two of Celestia's guards had his arms pinned behind him, and one of the grabbed a zip-tie. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! There will be none of that!", the princess excaimed. The guards exchanged glances, and released Shining. He turned to them and looked them over with great admiration. "Wow, real guards.", he whispered, "can't wait to be one of you."
Celestia walked him off-stage, and back to his shocked sister, and worried girl friend(Friend who was a girl? Girl-friend? It's impossible to phrase it right.). "Oh my gosh! Shining are you okay?", Cadence said pulling Shining into a warm embrace. Whatever Shining was going to reply, was killed by that feeling of Cadence hugging him. "Wow! It's the real Princess Celestia!", Twilight exclaimed to the royal. The princess smiled, and knelt down to look at the excited child. "Hello little one. And what's your name?", she asked sweetly.
"Twilight Sparkle!", Twilight said.
"Is he your brother?", Celestia asked pointing to Shining.
"Uh-huh! Isn't he the best?"
"Well certainly brave, that's for sure!"
"Thank you, Princess", Shining said to her, flattered by her remark. Celestia nodded, and looked at Cadence with a smirk. "And is this your girlfriend?", Trollestia asked. The two teens began to babble incoherent protests while the princess laughed. "Well, nice pick.", she said to...well Shining never knew. Celestia winked, and went back to her motorcade. "That wasn't awkward at all!", Cadence remarked. "Yeah, come on Twilie, let's go get some ice-cream."
The trio of festival-goers stood along the side of the ice-cream booth. Twilight was sitting on a bench, happily eating her treat, giving the two teens some alone time. They didn't really talk for the most part, but there were feelings that could be felt by both of them. "So..", Shining said killing the silence.
"Soo..", Cadence replied.
"This was a pretty good festival.", Shining remarked.
"Pretty good? Pretty good? You showed off your gun-slinging skills, beat up three dudes after they grabbed my ass, and saved the princess! You have some impossible luck, Shining Armour!"
"Well, I mean, it wasn't really anything.."
"No! It was amazing! I've never met a guy like you before!"
Shining smiled at her. She was adorable when she yelled like that. Shining soon realized what he had to do. he had to be a man one last time today. "C-Cadence, I-"
He was cut off by Cadence slamming into his chest, dropping her ice-cream by his shoe. Some unaware guy bumped into her, forcing her forward. Her hand rested on his chest, and her head on his shoulder. Shining's heart began to race and his breathing went shallow. Cadence looked into his eyes, and didn't move an inch. This was the closest she's ever been to Shining, and she was determined to make it last. Shining felt her hand run over his chest; exploring almost. She was breathing lightly as her face burned red. Then the two shared a mutual thought.
The two leaned in closer and closer, and as they did, time all around stopped. Their lips met in a firm lock, a lock that would not be broken. They shared their time together with racing hearts and raging hormones. Even though the kiss lasted a good ten seconds, an entire lifetime just passed for the two romantics. They stared into each other's eyes again, and were about to lean in for another amazing kiss, but they were interrupted by a happy gasp. A happy gasp from Twilight. "Y-y-y-YOU TWO KISSED!", she exclaimed.
Twilight Velvet had the home phone in her hand, the 9 and the 1 already dialled. Her mind was racing with the worst-case scenarios that could've fallen upon the three children. Her finger was going for the last 1, but a soft click stopped him. It was the front door's lock being opened. The front door swung open, and Twilight walked in. She saw her mother and smiled crazily. "Oh Twilight! Thank Goodness!", Velvet exclaimed, happy to see her kids home and safe. The two teens walked in rather close to each other, and were looking love-struck. "Mommy! Mommy! Get this!", Twilight exclaimed. "What darling?', Velvet said to her over-excited child. "I had the bst time ever! First Shining won me this unicorn!", Twilight said, displaying the toy to her mother, "and then some guys went and grabbed Cadence's butt, so Shining beat them up, and then Princess Celestia fell, so Shining went and saved her, and I got to meet the princess, and...and...and...", Twilight said inone breath. Velvet cast a look of shock on her son, and couldn't believe he did such deed. "Breathe, Twilight, Breathe.", Velvet soothed her child. Twilight took a long inhale and shouted her final sentence. "Shining and Cadence kissed!"
Velvet's jaw dropped then. Her son? Got his first kiss? And she wasn't there? It almost drove to her tears. "So you know what that means!", Twilight announced.
"What dearest?", Velvet asked, unaware of the circumstances of a kiss.
Twilight went in front of the teen and spread her arms wide. "It means", she began, "that they're boyfriend and girlfriend!"
Shining's jaw hit the floor. What is she talking about?! It was only a kiss! She couldn't be serious!, Shining mentally panicked. "Yes, Twilight", Cadence said. "that's exactly what it means!"
Shining couldn't believe it, she was agreeing to date him! "Cadence. Are you sayin-" Shining was cut off by a pair of firm lips against his. "I'm saying yes.", she whispered into his ear. The two stood there hugging for a while, and never wanted to let go.
"Mama? Can you help me think of a name for her?", Twilight asked Velvet as she presented the unicorn to her. Velvet noticed a tag attached to it's foot. "Here let me see.", Velvet said, reaching for the toy. She looked at the tag, and he eyes went wide with surprise. The tag read:
Twilight Sparkle
"Well, look at that, she shares your name. How peculiar.", Velvet said to her daughter. She kissed her good-night and walked out. At the door, she said, "Good night Twilight and Twilight Sparkle."
"Remember what I told you, don't discuss anything of great Equestrian importance in detail, which includes...."
"Civil matters, possible war situations, and any forum of scandal."
"Alright, just be careful boy."
"Got it Dad!"
Shining exited his father's stone grey hatchback, and withdrew the flowers that were at his feet. They had survived the ten minute drive from the florist, and had nary a welt on them. Shining took a deep breath, straightened his shirt, and walked towards the front door of his girlfriend's house. It was a very exorbitant mansion and rivalled Canterlot Castle in size. Shining expected such a large home from Cadence. She and her family were royalty. Her father was also a major contributor to Modern Equestrian Sciences, including the study of The Magical Charge, a force that powers all machinery in the land.
Shining felt his confidence slowly wane as the stone steps of the front door began to draw closer. What were you thinking? Flowers and some nice clothes? You're a mockery to these people! I should just turn around and go home!, Shining thought, much to his displeasure. He had wanted to see Cadence today, but he didn't think that her family would accept him in open arms. Shining turned back to the gate.....only to see that his dad had long since departed for home.
"No turning back now.", Shining muttered, "It's only dinner. That's all. A quick meal and home!" Shining felt a new sense of makeshift readiness, and he continued the short journey to Cadence's front door. He climbed the steps that stole his confidence earlier, and looked at the bronze knocker bolted to the door. With an uncertain gulp, he grabbed it, and brought it to the door three times. He heard some unintelligible voices on the other side of the door. Shining shifted uncomfortably as he waited for the door to open.
A thin man in a suit answered the door. "Mr. Armour, I presume?", he said. Shining cleared his throat and regained his posture. "Uh, yeah. Shining Armour, that's me.", Shining replied to the butler. "Right this way sir.", the butler said. Shining followed him inside, and they walked to the dining hall. "Shall I take those?", he asked, gesturing to the flowers. "Oh, yeah, I'll give them to her before I leave!", Shining said. He handed the roses to the butler.
Shining entered the hall, and looked at the guests already there. Two official-looking people, who he assumed to be Cadence's parents, sat across from one another at the the end of the table. Cadence was at the opposite end with a set place next to her. "Your highness, Mr. Armour has arrived.", the butler exclaimed to the table. Cadence wore a warm smile, and Shining returned the gesture. "Excellent.", the official looking man said, "thank you." He rose from his seat, and walked to greet Shining.
"Hello my boy.", he said, "I'm Cadence's father King Voce, it's a pleasure to meet you." Shining shook his hand and smiled. "Nice to meet you sir. I'm Shining Armour.", Shining replied.
"Ah! Well I knew that. Come. Join us for dinner."
"Yes sir, thank you."
"Oh, and don't kiss Cadence in front of the wife. She can be.......'proper' at times", King Voce whispered to Shining. Shining nodded and sat next to Cadence. She looked over to him, and rubbed his hand under the table. Cadence's mother cleared her voice loudly, and shot Shining a glare. Oh, so that's what he meant. "The soups, please!", she exclaimed to the wait staff. They nodded, and went into the kitchen to get the first course.
"So, Shining Armour, just how old are you?", the queen asked.
"Almost seventeen ma'am."
"Oh, so you must be a very rebellious boy at home, hmm?"
"Dearest, please.", King Voce said to his wife.
"I'm sorry to disappoint, but I'm not that kind of teenager, ma'am."
"Oh really? Because from what Cadenza has told me, you seem like a real fractious boy!"
"I fought those goons because they attacked your daughter, ma'am!"
"Oh cut it with the ma'am malarkey, I can tell you already hate me!"
Cadence slammed her hand to the table, and silenced both of the quarrelling people. "Mother please, control yourself! He has done nothing wrong! Can't you give him the benefit of the doubt?", Cadence scolded. "I sure can.", King Voce said.
The wait staff returned to the dining hall with the soups. "Ah yes! Let's eat.", Cadence said. The waitors put a set of silverware and a bowl of soup in front of Shining. He unwrapped the napkin, and much to his horror, there was two forks and three spoons. FUCK! Celestia please burn me!" "Fuck", Shining whispered under his breath. He looked at the three identical-looking spoons on the table, and started to reach for one, than the other, until his hand just stopped.
"Come on Mr. Armour, aren't you hungry?", the queen sneered. Shining clenched his fist under the table, and wanted badly to punch a wall. It's the second one., Cadences voice said in his head.
Cadence?"
It's the second spoon, dummy. I told you to study!
Hold up, how are you even doing this?
Shining looked down to her other hand in her lap, and saw it glowing blue. Oh.
Get eating. I'm sorry for mother. She can be really horrible sometimes.
Shining grabbed the indicated spoon, and took a sip of the soup. "Yes, your highness, I am hungry, thank your for your concern.", Shining politely replied. King Voce was grinning at Shining over his spoon, silently telling Shining that he was okay.
The first course went by with little incident. Shining finished his soup, and silently waited for the main course. Two more, just another two. You got this! Cadences mother cast a disapproving look on Shining, and she signalled the wait staff again. "The lobster, please.", she said to the staff. Shining looked at her in shock. "What's the matter boy? Can't eat any more?" Cadence patted his shoulder, and looked at her mother hardly. "Yes, he can't eat that! If you would listen to me like father did when I talked about Shining you would know.." "That he's allergic to shellfish.", King Voce fininshed for his daughter.
"Lobster isn't shellfish!"
"Yes it is, dear."
"Well...but....fine, the beef then. Can you boyfriend eat that?"
Shining nodded, and damn near left the house then and there. "And bring me more wine!", the queen shouted. Shining looked to Cadence, and saw her eyes brimming in tears. She was furious with her mother's behaviour. "Hey, look at me.", Shining whispered to her. She looked at him, and put her gloved hand on his.
"I'm so sorry. She's always like this when I have friends over."
"Don't cry, it's alright. Imagine what my RGOTC instructor is like. I honestly expected your dad to be like this."
"No, he practically wants to get me laid and married.", she giggled.
"I'll be fine as long as your mother doesn't try to poison me again."
Cadence lightened up a little, and she never looked away from Shining. They were leaning in to kiss, but somebody dropped their glass on the marble floor. The two looked over to the disturbance, and saw King Voce with his face in his hand, and the queen looking very dangerously at Shining. "Oops! My bad.", she dramatically exclaimed.
"I'm so done with this.", Shining muttered. He placed his hand on Cadence's chin, and brought her back to his eyes. He leaned in and kissed Cadence passionately, right in front of the queen. Cadence was shocked at first, but her eyes eventually closed as the pleasure overtook her. Shining and Cadence separated, and he looked at the queen smugly.
"HOW DARE YOU!", she shouted.
"How dare I what? Kiss my girlfriend!", Shining shouted back.
"You slimy weasel! She is not some object of your affections!"
"But I can't pour my love into her anyway? Why? Because you want her with somebody who is of the same social caste as you? I'm sorry that I'm no prince, but I love your daughter anyway!"
Cadence was staring at Shining in disbelief. You...you love me?, she thought in his head. Shining rose to his feet, and looked at the ground. "I'm....I'm sorry your highnesses. I'll leave now.", Shining apologized. He walked out of the dining hall, and back to the front door.
Cadence allowed the tears to flow freely now. "I hope your happy!", she shouted at her mother.
"Happy? I'm elated that that fool is gone. How dare he yell at a queen!"
"He was sick of you giving him Tartarus! Can you blame him? He just wanted to eat dinner with me, but NO!, he had to put up with your constant....constant....SHIT!"
The queen looked at her daughter with anger, and the king only sighed. "Jenkins. Bring the boy back.", he muttered to the butler. "Right away, sir."
Shining was walking along the path to the gate, tears falling down his face. He was angry, he was embarrassed, and over all, he was ashamed. "Urgh! CELESTIA DAMN IT!", he shouted. He picked up a near-by rock, and hurled it into the street.
"You know.", a voice behind Shining said, "you forgot the flowers." Shining turned to look at the butler from before. "Just say they're from me. I can't go back in there.", Shinning moped. The butler cam to stand next to Shining. "You know, Cadence has never had a boyfriend before. I personally like you a lot.", he said. The butler handed Shining the floweres and a key.
"A key?", Shining asked. The butler nodded. "It's the key to Cadence's room. Chances are she'll be locked in there crying. Go be with her. I will handle the king and queen.",the butler smiled. Shining closed his hand around they key, and gulped. "Alright. Let's go."
"Your highnesses. Mr. Armour has already departed.", the butler said to the king and queen, who were still at the table. The queen snorted, and the king put his head in his hands. "Alright, thank you Jenkins. You can have the night off.", the king said. "Thank you sir."
Shining had made it past the dining hall with out people noticing him. Jenkins exited, and walked over to him. "Third story, door at the end of the hall.", he whispered. He began to walk away, but stopped and returned to Shining. "Oh! And just in case.", he said. He handed Shining a sealed plastic packet. Shining almost dropped it in surprise. "Are you fucking kidding me man?! A condom?", Shining severely whispered. Jenkins only chuckled, and walked away. Shining deposited the protection into his pocket, and went to the designated room.
Shining heard a muffled crying from the room. He pulled out the key, and put it into the lock. "Cadence?", he asked. He opened the door, and saw Cadence sitting on her bed in some flannel PJ's. "Shining? What are you doing here?", she asked him. Shining closed the door behind him, and presented the flowers to Cadence. Her eyes lit up at the sigh of them.
"Oh, Shining, thy're beautiful!", she exclaimed. She went up and hugged him, and Shining went a little rigid. He felt two small mounds poking him in the chest. No bra! NO BRA!, his mental warning system warned. Upon receiving the warning, his member decided to go to attack position, making the whole hug even more awkward. "What's the matter?", Cadence asked.
"N-nothing. Look, I'm sorry about my whole outburst at dinner. I acted like a real fool.", Shining shamefully admitted. Cadence put a finger over his lips to shush him. "I don't care why you yelled. My mom can be a real bitch sometimes. I can't blame you for getting mad.", she said to him. She returned to her bed and sat down. "I was gonna watch a movie. Care to join me?", she asked. She patted the bed next to her.
He sat next to her, only for her to push him onto the opposite side of the bed. Se crawled next to him, and put her head on his shoulder. She smiled and kissed his cheek. "So what do you want to watch?", she asked happily. Shining put his hand to his chin in deep thought. His eyes lit up at a possible idea. "Why not The Notebook?"
The two sweethearts lied on Cadence's bed as they watched the time-old classic romance together. Soon seconds evolved into minutes, and minutes to hours. The two had passed out only half-way through the film, and were snuggling with each other.
King Voce had thought that it was time enough now to talk to Cadence about what had happened. He went to her room, and slowly opened the door. Much to his surprise, the two were lying on her bed, arms wrapped around each other. He finally felt that sense of accomplishment that he had been expecting for a while now. There was his daughter in the arms of a boy who had snuck in to see her. He only smiled as he left the two to their rest. He was leaving, but something caught his eye. On Cadence's night stand was a bouquet of white roses, and a electric blue packet.
He laughed and stole the packet. "I have to get onto Jenkins about dishing these things out." He pocketed it, and walked downstairs. Jenkins was in the lounge, reading a large book. King Voce cleared his throat, and Jenkins turned to look at him. "Yes sir?", he asked. "You had said that Shining Armour had departed, didn't you?"
"Yes sir."
"So why is my daughter up in her room, in bed, sleeping next to him?"
"Perhaps he snuck in through window?"
"Or one butler who happened to like her date let him over my head."
"That's entirely possible sir." He had a small grin on his face.
"Thank you, Jenkins. You're a dime-a-dozen."
"Thank you sir for not firing me."
King Voce turned to leave the lounge, but he was stopped by Jenkins clearing his throat. "By sleeping next to each other.....?", he asked. The question was open-ended and vaguw, but the king got the message and and clear.
"Heh, at least their clothes are still on.", he murmured..
