Shines the Sun

"Now that I've properly assessed your personalities, this time, I want you to speak with each other," Cadance instructed, "I want to know what you love about each other and what gets under your skin."

Harmonic's face tensed up. Cadance could see the disgust through his mane.

"How am I supposed to criticize someone who rescued me from death's door," he protested, "That would be the ultimate betrayal of her kindness."

"Communication is key. Even the smallest things can fester over time, unless you mean to tell me there's nothing you want her to change."

"Not one thing."

"What if she feels differently?"

"She's earned that right."

"You're truly a fascinating individual. In all my years, not once have I heard anyone say that with such conviction."

"I'm sure you've noticed I'm an oddity in many respects."

"That, I have."

Out of nowhere, Atmospheric clenched Harmonic in a crushing embrace.

"I love you...," She whispered, "We've come so far...Please...Don't let the darkness take hold again..."

Harmonic took a breath, calming himself back into a relaxed state.

"Now I see," Cadance muttered, "Your negative emotions frighten her. She's afraid you'll regress back to your old self."

Harmonic returned his bride's gesture.

"I've been fighting so long to let go of that part of myself, but it always finds a way back..."

"When you told me how you felt just now, I could tell you were being honest. Given that knowledge, I believe your anger was warranted. You're extremely protective of your family because they're all you have left."

"You're one of the few people I think actually understand me."

"That's my job."

"Touché."

"Still, she has a point. Being quick to anger under the wrong circumstances is extremely dangerous. Take extra care to keep your temper in check. A hostile disposition is difficult to manage, even for specialists. Take a moment to center yourself and ask if it's worth getting bent out of shape over."

"What if I'm a square and wanna be a cube?"

"Funny guy."

The sound of stifled laughter sent an electric shock through Harmonic's ears.

"Hon, are you...Crying...?"

"I'm sorry," Atmospheric said, "It's been a while since I've had to talk you down. Guess I got a little over-emotional."

Harmonic tightened his grip before releasing her.

"Look at me. It's gonna be okay. I promise I won't let it happen again. I need you to trust me, all right?""

"I do."

"Your eyes weren't meant to be stained with tears. Come here."

Atmospheric wiped her snout, leaning in for a kiss. It was infinitely more gentle than the one before. It was tranquil...Serene...Everlasting...This was Cadance's first insight into how deep their love truly ran...

"Shining never kissed me like that. Who are these two...?"

Before the end of their visit, Harmonic voiced his concern regarding possible codependence issues.

"Relationships like that are far more one-sided," Cadance assured, "You two share a mutual understanding not normally found in parasitic situations. Now that I have all the data, I can say with complete confidence you're a perfect match, and ho-ly crap that feels weird to say."

"What do you mean?"

"Not one single couple I've evaluated up to now has achieved a perfect score. You looney tunes made history today: in my office, no less."

"Holy crap..."

"That's what I said!"

"So...What now?"

"I don't normally follow up on these, but given the exceptional outcome, I would like to speak with your children. If your parenting skills are anything close to your marriage, I might have to close up shop. Once the standard's been set, there's really no need to persist any further."

"Didn't you start this because of Shining? Why give it up?"

"Don't you see? A perfect reading means you taught me something new. My own marriage paled in comparison to what you accomplished with half the effort. Everything naturally fell into place at the right time. It's almost unheard of."

"It's not a one-way street. I'm sure there's more we could learn from you as well."

"I'm skeptical. That's why I'm asking you to humor me: at least for now."

"Okay, but I'm telling you, it ain't as black and white as it appears."

"Time will tell. What are your children's names?"

"Melodic, Hard Core, and Shadow."

"Bring them by Monday."

"Where are you going?"

"Home. I have to stay up all night figuring out what the hell just happened."

Cadance vanished, leaving the couple to question her stability.

"Did we just...?" Harmonic trailed off.

"Yep," Atmospheric concluded, "We broke her."

"Talk about a rollercoaster. Jesus Christ."

"He hands the innkeeper three nails and he asks..."

"Oh, hush."

Atmospheric giggled, still somewhat tense from her previous outburst.

"There's that beautiful smile..."