He let out a sigh of relief after taking his shower, he really hadn't taken one since about four days before and it felt great to be cleaned again. As he finished drying himself off he wrapped his towel around his waist, mostly out of habit, and went to his room. Though it did seem to be getting a little warmer, it was still late winter and he still needed to wear clothes, and since he was going out to dinner with two of his friends he decided to get a little more dressed up than normal.

"Hmm, can't believe Rarity actually made these. They fit so perfectly, but which ones should I wear tonight?" He asked himself searching through his clothes. "No, not that one, after all this is just a dinner for me and my friends. Don't want to go to fancy for just hanging out."

As he continued his search, he thought he heard someone behind him but he quickly dismissed it as Luna cleaning outside his room. But thinking about Luna made him wonder why it would take her so long to get ready if they were just going out for dinner for friends, especially when ponies didn't normally wear clothes.

But as he thought about it, at least it gave him time to look for a place to eat. Though he doubted he could actually get into some of the bigger restaurants considering what day it was, and from what Rainbow was complaining about they would be out of reservations. At the same time, he didn't really want to go to a fancy restaurant, maybe just a small cafe or something just to get out of the house.

So, after deciding what to wear for the dinner he threw on some regular clothes that Rarity made, which the reason why is because he knew he would be back with enough time to get ready. Though he had to be careful with his shirt, not because it was made out of easy to break material, but for some reason, part of his back seemed to be a little sensitive, and sometimes he would get some pain in his shoulders. He just figured that it was just him working with hundred pound vats full of chocolate, and then there was the fight.

"Hey, uh, Star I'll be back in a little bit!" He called out.

"Oh, and where are you going?" She asked coming out of the kitchen.

"To tell you the truth, I figured I jump off a cliff." He smiled teasingly.

"Haha, that's so funny I forgot to laugh." She said rolling her eyes.

"You gave a fake laugh, so that's good enough for me. But seriously, I'm going to go see what I can find for us tonight." He said making her roll her eyes again a little.

"Alright, well I'm about done with the cleaning. So I'll be getting ready soon." She said.

"Okay, see you later then." He said making his way to the door.

"Oh, and Brandon?" He turned his head to look at her. "Be safe, and if you need any help just call out in your mind and I will come."

"Sure, and we'll talk about that telepathic spell that you seemed to have cast later." He said giving her a smile before getting to the door and leaving.

He was now headed towards the town thinking about all the places he could remember that might not be that busy. Sugarcube Corner wouldn't work, and he knew that most of the more fancy restaurants would be booked up till a year from now, and some of the smaller ones might be closed because the owners are out having dates themselves. But thinking about all of the places he could go, he didn't realize that he was already in the shopping part of town only a block away from where the restaurants are.

"Hey, Brandon do you want to buy some sweets for your sweets?" A vendor called, and he only shook his head.

"No, but do you know which restaurants still have any openings?" He asked after walking over and thinking about it.

"Hmm, well normally they all are pretty booked so getting in at last minute is nearly impossible." The vendor replied.

"I know, but I'm not talking about one of the bigger ones. More like one that would still be open, and doesn't take reservations?" He asked.

"Well, there's always Hairies Buffet. He's always open it seems, but his restaurant isn't very romantic. Now if you want a good romantic place that will accept walk in's this time of the year, then try Little Roses." The vendor replied.

"Well, I'm not really looking for anything romantic. I'm just trying to find a place to hang out with some of my friends, so any other places like that buffet?" He asked already knowing where the stallion was going.

"Oh, well why didn't you just say that? There's Sugarcube Corner, of course, then there's some bar's that are open, then if you just don't want to sit around and drink, there's a place owned by this DJ and she turned it into a dance club. But if you're into just having a nice dinner, then I suggest you try Red Hop. They may not be too classy, but that may be what you want. That restaurant lets in anypony who walks in, and from what I've been told they have great food, and live music." The vendor answered.

"Okay, thank you." He said giving the vendor a smile before walking off, now having an idea of where they were going.

Though as he continued to walk through the streets he couldn't help but now feel like someone was watching him, and following him. He knew he couldn't pick up speed because of his crutches but he did his best to try to lose whoever was following him. But to no avail as whoever was behind him kept getting closer and closer, until she landed right in front of him making him jump.

"Oh, I'm sooo sorry Brandon I didn't mean to scare you. I just saw you talking to that vendor, and I wanted to see what you were doing." Derpy said, giving him a look that did tell him she was sorry.

"Ah, it's fine I'm used to Pinkie doing that to me. As for what I was doing, well I was asking him about any places that we might be able to go without the hassle of trying to get a reservation." He answered.

"So, do you know where we're going tonight then?" She asked, her eyes lighting up a little.

"Yeah, I was thinking about that Red Hop place." He replied, and her eyes lit up even more.

"Oooo, that place is so great! We're still meeting at five right?" She asked in an excited tone.

"Of course." He answered.

"Then I need to go get ready, I only have an hour and a half." She said looking at the clock tower and then jumping up into the air and taking off.

"Huh, guess I should get back. Why does it seem time fly's by now?" He muttered to himself.

Not long after he finally managed to get home, with only about forty-five minutes to spare. Though for him that was still plenty of time, and as he walked through his house he heard Luna in the main bathroom. So he went straight to his room to get ready himself, which only took about twenty minutes. After he got ready though, he decided to wait for Luna in the living room.

But he quickly got bored and decided that a glass of water wouldn't hurt, so once again looking at the clock that hung on the opposite wall he went to the kitchen. He quickly grabbed the nearest glass and went over to the sink. After filling up the cup and gulping it down he set the cup down, and started back to the living room, though he wasn't really prepared for what he saw.

"Oh, there you are Brandon," Luna said giving him a smile before it turned into a frown. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"Um, uh, y-you look..." He stammered a little causing her to blush.

"W-well, thank you. I didn't know where we were going, so I decided to put on something nice. Though, that's mostly because I saw you looking through your clothes and that's what made me want to put this on." She said giving him a smile. "And you look nice to Brandon, but do you really like what I put on?"

"Yeah, you look great." He said giving her a big smile, though his face was completely red from his momentarily stammer.

"Thanks, oh um, look at the time. We should get going if we want to meet that friend of your's." She said looking at the clock.

"Okay, then let's go." He said.

As they walked he kept glancing at her in that dress she wore. He could tell it was from Rarity judging by the gems along the trim, but it was still a surprise to him. But once again him losing himself in thought made everything go by quicker, and they were about to where he told Derpy to meet them.

"So, Brandon, I've heard about this mare before. But I haven't really had the time to meet her, so anything you can tell me about her?" She asked breaking him out of his thoughts.

"Oh, um, well she's a mailmare for starters." She gave a nod to that. "She's very sweet, in a matter of fact she was the one who actually gave me the courage and hope to talk to my friends after what happened."

"Oh, so far she does seem interesting." She said.

"Yeah, but uh, let's see here." He concentrated for a moment. "I believe she has a little filly of her own, goes by the name Dinky I believe."

"You' don't know?" She asked.

"Well, I really haven't hung around Derpy before. So I don't know everything about her, I mean we just recently got a bit closer as friends. Oh, that reminds me. She's a bit wild-eye if you know what that means." He said looking at her.

"Yeah, I know what it means. Poor thing, but hey do you at least know if she's in a relationship?" She asked.

"Um, well I don't think so. I think her last relationship ended with her husband just up and left, at least that's from what I heard from the other's around town." He answered.

"So she was married, and the scum bag just left his wife and daughter alone?" She asked sounding a bit angry.

"Not alone, from what I heard a lot of her friends were there to support her." He said.

"Well, that's good to know at least. Though back in my day, if a stallion left their family without probable cause, they would be treated like the scum of the earth." She spat out.

They walked in silence for a little while, they were still a few blocks away from where they were supposed to meet Derpy. According to the clock tower, they had a good five minutes till five, but the silence killed him a little. So as they made their way he told her where they were going to eat, and she seemed pretty excited.

"So, it looks like we're here. Now, where's Der..." He trailed off again as he spotted the grey mare in a dress that once again made him forget to speak.

"Oh, hey there you are! You must be Star, I'm Derpy nice to meet you!" Derpy said offering a hoof, which Star accepted gladly. "What's wrong with him?"

"He had the same reaction when he saw me, I think he's not used to seeing how beautiful mares can be in a dress," Star said, making both mares giggle.

"Hey, wait a minute. You may be right about me not seeing how good you all look in dresses, but that's not the reason why I couldn't speak." He said breaking out of the state he was in.

"Oh, and then why don't you tell us why when you saw both me and Derpy in our dresses you were stunned silent?" Star asked.

"Because it just caught me off guard." He defended.

"So, it's not because you have a crush on either of us?" Star asked.

"What is it with every one of you thinking I have a crush or something on somepony?" He asked mostly to himself.

"I think I know, it's because you get embarrassed easily," Derpy replied.

"Yes, at least that's what Twilight and your friends have told me so far. But are you sure you don't have a crush on somepony?" Star asked.

"Yeah, I'm sure." He answered.

"Then why don't you look us in the eyes when you say it?" Star asked, both mares smirking.

"I don't have a crush on anypony right now." He replied looking between both mares. "Now, I think before this gets to become even more torture we should head to Red Hop."

As he said that he started to walk, and as he walked past the two mares and looked at them in their eyes again he could have sworn he saw the disappointment in their eyes. But he shrugged it off as them not being able to torture him about it right then. They soon made it to the restaurant and went inside.

"Oh, hello how may I help you?" A mare asked at the front desk.

"Yes, do you have a table for three open tonight?" He asked hoping they did.

"Hmm, well we're pretty full right now. But I think we have a table open for you and your dates." The mare said with a smile, looking between the three of them.

"They aren't my dates, they're just friends. We just decided to hang out together tonight." He said narrowing his eyes a bit.

"Mmhmm, whatever you say, sir. Come with me please!" The mare said grabbing three menus and putting them on her back. "Right this way."

"I have a funny feeling that's not the only one who will think that." He muttered under his breath.

"Did you say something?" Derpy asked.

"Oh, uh, just that I hope that the food here is good." He answered.

"Well, take it from me it is," Derpy said giving him a big smile.

As the mare lead them to their table, he could see that she wasn't lying about being full as they walked by table after table of couples. Though he could feel some stares from some as they walked by, though he managed to hide his discomfort. But as they passed each table he could also hear some music being played, and when he looked around he saw four ponies playing some classical music, at least from what he could tell.

"Mmm, I love this song. That ensemble plays at the Gala every year you know?" Star said smiling.

"Oh, so you've been to the Gala a lot?" Derpy asked.

"No, I've only been there once. Though from what I've been told, that's who plays the music every year." Star answered truthfully.

"Okay, here we are!" The mare that was leading them said. "Now, a waiter will be with you in just a few moments. Please enjoy the music while you wait, and have a good night."

He glared at the mare for a moment because as she said that she gave him a wink, a wink in which he knew meant. But he let it go and sat down with his friends. They started by making small talk while waiting, though mostly about what they might want for an appetizer.

"Hello, I'm your waitress for tonight." A perky voice suddenly said. "Oh, hey Brandon, Star, Derpy what are you three doing here? Are you three on a date?" As he turned around at first his face turned bright red before the color in his face completely drained.

"P-Pinkie, y-you work here?" He asked shocked.

"Well, not normally but Silver Platter was sick so I decided to try out being a waitress for a night! So, are you three on a dater or what? Huh? Huh? Huh?" Pinkie kept getting closer and closer with every word.

"No, we're just having dinner together with friends," Star answered, saving him from having to be the one to explain.

"What, and you didn't invite me or any of the other girls?" Pinkie asked giving him a bit of the stink eye.

"Um, last I checked all of you were busy for today. That and apparently you're working anyways." He replied gulping a little.

"Oh, okie dokie lokie then. What can I start you all with then?" Pinkie asked.

"Hmm, I think I want a glass of Red Wine," Star answered.

"I'll have a glass of White Wing thank you," Derpy said.

"I think I'll just have a glass of water, and I think we all agreed on the Fruit Salad for the appetizer." He said.

"Okay, got it. I'll bring it out to you right away!" Pinkie said before suddenly disappearing.

"For some reason, I think she actually followed us here." He muttered under his breath.

"So, Derpy, from what I hear you are a mother?" Star asked.

"Yeah, I am. I have a little filly of my own named Dinky, she's ten years old this year." Derpy answered.

"Oh, so she's about the age to get her cutie mark then. So, has she managed to get it yet?" Star asked.

"No, but she tries. She even tried to do some stuff with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but that didn't work out. Last time she did, she ended up being covered in tree sap for an entire month." Derpy replied.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders?" Star asked.

"Yeah, they're these three little filly's who try to find their cutie marks by doing different stuff. Most of the time it either ends up with them covered in something, accidentally blowing something up, or one of them getting hurt a little. Though, wonder what they have planned for today?" He asked after explaining.

"Hmm, sounds interesting. So, tell me Derpy, Brandon told me that you were the one that gave him the talk that gave him what he needed to confront his fear." Star said.

"Oh, um, yeah I guess that was me." Derpy gave a nervous chuckle and looked down at the table with a slight blush.

"Don't be embarrass Derpy, if it wasn't for you I don't either one of us would be sitting here with him," Star said giving Derpy a smile.

"Yeah, I guess," Derpy replied looking up at him giving him a smile.

"Oh, that reminds me. You know this doesn't count as your favor." He said.

"Here you all go, Red Wine for Star, White Wing for Derpy, and for Brandon a glass of water. Then here's the Fruit salad you ordered." Pinkie said as she passed out the drinks and placed the salad in the middle of the table. "Now, are you all ready to order?"

"Um, I think we need a few more moments Pinkie," Star replied.

"Okie dokie lokie, I'll be back to get your order!" Pinkie said and once again disappeared.

"So, what do you me this doesn't count as my favor?" Derpy asked.

"Well, because if I would have had dinner with my friends I would have invited you anyways. So me treating you two to dinner right now doesn't count as your favor, so take a little more time to think of one okay?" He asked giving her a smile.

"What is this favor you two are talking about?" Star asked.

"Oh, well you see a-after I talked to him he told me that he felt like he owed me, and wanted to do me a favor," Derpy answered.

"And, well she came over to turn that favor in. As it turns out she wanted to go to dinner with me, so I invited her along with us. Though I would have anyways like I said, and I wouldn't have counted it as me repaying a favor because of that." He replied. "You know, I would have gone to dinner with any of my friends."

After he said that Star gave her a look that he didn't notice, as he was picking the fruit he wanted. Though they continued their talk and ordered when Pinkie came back, but shortly after they ordered they heard some yelling from the kitchen. Then Pinkie ran out and through the front doors in a blur, they just shrugged it as Pinkie being caught.

"She's going to bug me about this for days." He mumbled.

"You know we can't hear you if you keep talking to yourself like that," Derpy said giggling a little.

"Yes, I think you need to speak up if you have something to say," Star said.

"It's nothing, here comes our food." He said noticing their new waiter.

"Here you go, and we are terribly sorry for any trouble Miss. Pie brought you. To make it up, we'll give you free desserts and ten percent off your total bill, is that okay?" Their waiter asked.

"Well, she really wasn't that much trouble. But thank you for your generosity." He said giving the waiter a smile.

"Very well, if there's anything else you need just raise your..." The waiter looked at him and raised his eyebrow. "Uh, paw and I'll be here as soon as I can."

"Thank you again." He said, and the waiter took a bow and left.

"Hmm, free dessert." Both Star and Derpy said at the same time, making him chuckle a little. "Well, let's get eating then we'll order dessert to go, does that sound like a deal?"

"That sounds fine to me, how about you Derpy?" Star asked.

"Yeah, that sounds good," Derpy replied, though there seemed to be something in her voice.

"Hey, what's wrong?" He asked.

"Huh, oh it's nothing really. I was just having fun, and after we finish and order our dessert it'll have to end." Derpy said.

"That's it? Say, where's Dinky at?" He asked.

"Oh, she's at a sleepover tonight, why?" Derpy asked.

"Well, you're just a little bit tipsy and I think my house is a bit closer to here. So why don't you come over and stay the night, don't want one of my friends to get hurt, and is that okay with you Star?" He asked.

"Of course it's okay, you seem like a very nice mare to me," Star answered.

"So it's settled if you want you can stay the night over at my house." He said.

"I-I uh, this is just so sudden. I mean I would love to spend the night at your house, especially if you're okay with it." Derpy started to ramble, blushing like mad.

"Yeah, I insist after all." He replied, and Derpy nodded her head and started to eat, and soon he paid the bill and they all left.

---

"This place is great Bon Bon, but are you sure you don't need any help tomorrow? I mean for the past week you've been having me help out more often than usual." Lyra asked.

"No, go ahead and take the day off and practice your music." Bon Bon replied.

"Alright, but I really wish I could go see how Brandon was doing." Lyra let out a sigh.

"Well, according to his friends he's still recovering. I'm sure he'll be fine, and back at work in no time though." Bon Bon said wrapping a comforting hoof around Lyra's.

"If you say so, but still I don't feel right not visiting him. He must think I'm afraid of him by now." Lyra said.

"Trust me, if he thinks you are afraid of him for defending himself from those stallions, then that means he doesn't actually know you." Bon Bon said.

After that, they smiled at each other and continued to eat their dinner, but Lyra still had a hard time concentrating on anything as she felt guilty for not seeing how he was doing herself. After all, she was his most trusted friend and what kind of friend would she be if she wasn't there for him? But as she was eating and thinking about this, she noticed somepony leaving, and as she looked she could have sworn one was standing on two legs with crutches.

"Was that Brandon?" Lyra asked out loud.

"Hmm, what that couldn't be dear. He's still in the hospital from the injuries he received, after all, no pony can recover from internal bleeding overnight even with magic." Bon Bon said.

"Yeah, guess so. I mean they would probably want to keep him under observation or something to make sure he's alright if he got internal bleeding. But I'm sure that was him." Lyra said.

"It could have been a Minotaur, even if they are rare to see here in this part of Equestria." Bon Bon said.

"Could have been," Lyra said, though she now wanted to check up on him now more than ever.