Equestria At War - In the Shadow of the Sun

Shining's second theory for Gonelove's invitation was ever-so-slightly intensifying in its belief. At first, he wondered why the meeting was agreed upon to happen in the evening, and in public. But what really got him anxious was the fact that of all places, it ended up being one of Crystal City's most expensive and well-regarded restaurants. The kind that left Zesty Gourmand's career's integrity under question when she gave a four and half star review, for it was considered too harsh.

The dress code had forced Shining into one of his nicer black suits - albeit he put on a slightly more strict and no-nonsense style. He was in a minor shock to see that Gonelove instead adopted a still-formal, but much more relaxed and leisure-styled white suit. The stallion met Shining by the door, and stepped in with him...

Filling Shining with more worry was the fact most tables were for two, and currently seated couples with candlelit dinners.

Gonelove was a stallion of self-awareness, giggling in a soft, feminine manner as he opened the menu. "Love and hunger are one in the same, aren't they?" He mused outloud. "If you're infatuated with somepony, might as well go to the place with the best food - no?"

"No--" Shining stopped himself. "I-I mean, yes - sorry - just, didn't get the...idea, well - in what you said...at first."

This coaxed another giggle out of the other unicorn. "Cute." He whispered. "So, I think we can go for their famed onion soup, first. Then there's the lovely south Wingbardian Pasta you simply must try. To end, I think we can end on a sweet note with crème brule. Oh, and let's enjoy some red wine. I see a nice little bottle of semi-dry that's quite well known in Aquileia."

Shining was left blinking as he felt like he was treated a bit like a mare in an older and more conservative time period, barely having the option to choose for himself. Then again, Gonelove was the one who insisted heavily on paying for everything, so all Shining could do was go with the flow.

"How's the, uhm...investigation?" Shining asked. He hoped that reminding Gonelove that this was a business meeting - not a date - would shake off the other stallion's...disposition.

What Shining wasn't aware of is how much Gonelove loved his job, and that business and pleasure were one in the same for him. Why couldn't this be a business date, after all?

"Good, good. Jigsaw pieces aligning and making shapes." The inquisitor smiled warmly. "With the help of Aurora's Counterintelligence, she determined that the attack may have been done with the help of foreign clandestine elements. Makes sense based on the route they travelled - they most likely came from Jagged Hope, where they killed some Solarist black ops. They're believed to potentially have been involved in the recent crisis in Fillydelphia too. For now, we're determining what they were seeking, who gave them Chrysalis' location, and who they came in contact with."

"Oh...?" Shining faked fear as interest, as the expensive wine was poured into their glasses. "And...Any idea what country they're from...?"

"Could be Griffon Republic." Gonelove shrugged. "...Could be Vartai - we heard Starry Night has been leading some spooky, spooky clandestine force we can't get a bead on...However..." Gonelove smiled as the waiter poured wine for him. "Aurora's been a dear, and helped provide substantial evidence that it is none other than our little disobedient ugly duckling. New Mareland - and its main black ops; the SIB."

Shining did not like this one bit. He had to relay this info to Cadence. "I...see..."

A bit of time passed - and the food arrived. Shining kept up small talk regarding the investigation - nothing was as worrying as the previous statement, but he knew for a fact that Gonelove could've been on their tail.

"How is life with Cadence these days?" Gonelove smiled.

"E-Excuse me?" Shining coughed as he nearly choked on the food.

"Busy and stressful, I'd assume." Gonelove sighed. "Being married to the princess of love has its benefits. I can imagine the affection she gives you, the attention...bed-breaking sex." He chuckled. "But that must've been in times when her status isn't that of a vassal to somepony like Daybreaker. I've paid a visit to the Crystal Heart - to check if its temporary destruction which served to cause the blizzard could lead to any clues. And I noticed...it's not as...lively as I remembered, when I first came to this city." He chuckled - very emptily.

"..." Shining wasn't sure what to say - anger brewing somewhere deep within, but anger he had to contain at all costs.

"...The princess of love is losing her groove. Her "mojo", as the kids say." Gonelove sighed. "Now all she can think of is how to manage her new life - to cope with her daughter being away, to somehow meet Daybreaker's demands. I assume the stress and pressure changed her, quite a bit. I'm right - aren't I?"

"Sir, I--"

"No, just Gonelove."

"...Gonelove, I..." Shining sighed. "I love her, no matter what...I--"

Gonelove shot him a look straight into the eyes - and silenced him. Shining sat like a deer in headlights.

"Shining Armor..." Gonelove started. "You're a gorgeous stallion. One of the best I've laid my eyes upon. But I clearly see that in your eyes and mannerisms there is confusion, desperation...fear. I wonder what it's related to..." He said, toying with his food using his fork as he softly - but repeatedly stabbed it.

"..."

Gonelove's eyes trailed back up to Shining, and smiled. "I wonder if maybe you know you're in danger. Maybe that something might happen to put you in hot water. But it doesn't need to happen, no matter how much you think it will..." Gonelove said, hoof going to place itself on Shining's. "...Be with me. And I promise that no matter what happens, I will not let harm come to you. Even if that harm should come from me. You understand what I mean? After all..."

There was a sickening pause that made Shining's head spin.

Gonelove giggled. "An organization such as the Floral Heart could only be run by such a small, small number of ponies in this country."

Shining blinked. His fear - he tried his best to mask it as confusion. A lack of understanding. "I...I don't get it. B-Be...w-with you?"

"Cadence can't be a partner as good as she could've been if she knew how to handle her stress." He said. "I have wealth and power too - if that's why you married her. I'll take care of you. Protect you. Cherish you and shower you with attention..." He softly cooed. "You'll be mine, and mine alone. Sure, there will be moments I may get a bit...rough - I don't hide my anger issues. But I'll always make it up for you..." He softly said. "Come with me. It will be the best for the both of us. Please."

"I-I..." Shining gulped, almost choking. "I, uhm...d-don't play for the other tea--"

"I know you're bisexual, so don't play that card." Gonelove chuckled as his hoof slowly, gently wrapped around Shining's. "Crystal City's worst kept secret, as it may be. Be honest. Please, Shining Armor."

...

...

"...No." Shining firmly said. "...I'm sorry, Inquisitor - but what you're saying isn't appropriate. What you're saying is really, really wrong. I love my wife more than anything, and you're making me feel really uncomfortable. So, I'm sorry - but no."

...

...

Gonelove stared at Shining Armor - and Shining nervously gulped. It was an uncomfortable gaze. Was this really going to be his end?

And then, Gonelove gave a warm, patient smile, before chuckling.

"O-Oh my, Shining...I'm...so sorry." Gonelove laughed awkwardly. "You're right, I...Really acted disgustingly. I apologize for acting like a pig, I...Truly don't know what's gotten into me. I suppose it's been hard to think rationally with all this recent exhaustion...Apologies again, Captain." The unicorn frowned awkwardly.

Shining was a bit more surprised by the sudden turn in attitude, making him stammer. "I-It's, u-uh...okay? Let's just, uh...forget about it an enjoy the food, yeah...?"

In return, Gonelove only offered a soft, cute smile.

Thoughts raced in Shining's head as he continued to eat...That smile looked...too kind.