A yelp escapes your throat as the comb tugs against another ball of red hair.

Taking a breather, you look at your handiwork so far. While it’s not quite at the same level as Sombra’s personal groomers, you have managed to make yourself look somewhat presentable for tonight’s pleasantries. It has been a frustrating process; especially when you don’t really like looking all girly. Sombra was insistent on keeping up appearances, maybe he just liked a pretty face.

You look to the box placed on the ground next to your dresser. Its bright red, matching your mane and eyes, with a smooth black bow tied around it. Using your magic you tug the ribbon away and lift the lid to reveal a well-designed, red cocktail dress. Another frustrated sigh escapes you. You surround it with your aura and lift it into the light. Stunning, but does it really fit you?

If it were for anybody else you wouldn’t bother, but you know how much this first evening means to Warm. As a friend it’s your duty to go and give her emotional support.

Hair first, dress later. It’s still messy despite your obsessive combing, with some wayward strands escaping from the orderly waves that did stay in place. You need to do something different. A black band lies on your dresser, as of yet completely unused. A burst of inspiration strikes you as you bunch up the scruffy area into a messy little bun that lies at the back of your head. You pull down two sides to frame your face. Elegant, but wild at the same time.

Happy with your new hairdo you move over to the sofa where you laid the dress. You take extra care not to crease the thing as you slip it on which is an easy task when it’s designed with handless wearers in mind. You trot to the full body mirror and nod in approval. You have to admit that you look pretty good.

A knocking on the door alerts you to the time. You’re cutting it close and you can’t miss the grand opening. Taking one more look over and straightening everything out you feel a swell on confidence in your chest. You walk over to the door and open it, giving a greeting to the servant behind it. He smiles and tells you that Sombra awaits downstairs.

You thank the stallion and head out. You have to ignore the stares of those manning the doors of the palace, it makes you feel self-conscious and not in a good way. After a short trip you’re back to the stairwells of the opulent lobby, down below Sombra fidgets in an oddly modest suit and bow tie. Perfect ammunition to tease him with later, you think to yourself.

You descend the stairs, the clack of your hooves against the floor bringing his eyes up to you. He seems nearly taken aback by your presence. “Don’t tell me you’re nervous about this?” you ask stopping at his side.

“I am a King, as always I am composed and calm.”

“You look like a nerdy teenager going to prom,” you scoff.

“You were the one who insisted on making this an event,” his eyes roam up and down your body before sticking on your face, “No makeup?”

“I have the dress and hair, don’t push your luck.” He laughs and begins walking to the door. Initially you struggle to keep pace with him but you eventually manage to settle into a rhythm as you walk down the dark streets of the Empire.

“I didn’t mean any offense, you look lovely,” he assures you.

You feign shock, “A compliment? Where’s the real Sombra?”

“I hope you aren’t going to be like this all night,” he grumbles, shaking his head.

You nudge his side playfully, “I’m just kidding Sombra; and you need to lighten up once in a while. We’re going for a nice night out, for a dear friend, after all.”

“Beating around the bush, Rose? This is more like a date than anything else.” You shake your head and titter at him.

“It’s only a date if I want it to be. You were the one who insisted that we get dressed up.”

“It was actually War-“

“Oh look, we’re here,” you say, intentionally cutting him off with a glare. He gives a bemused smile and looks away awkwardly.

In front of you is a familiar looking tavern, the very same that you had used just a few weeks ago to hide from Fury, and apparently the bar that Warm and her missing brother used to run. It’s funny how things work out sometimes.

The place looks much nicer now, with freshly installed glass windows and cleaned crystal shimmering under the lamps lining the street. It’s amazing what a little elbow grease can do to make a tavern look inhabitable again. A large crowd has gathered outside for the grand re-opening, mostly brought by the promise of the King personally overseeing the celebrations.

Warm had received help from the crown for her contribution to the war effort. That was the official story at least, in reality you used your sway with Sombra to give her some monetary help and after tonight, a reputation fit for royalty too. You had come down a few times to look at the progress the work ponies had made. It seems you put a bit of fear into them too as when you were nearby they began working that much harder.

They’re all well dressed in their own suits and dresses. You breathe a small sigh of relief knowing that you aren’t going to be overdressed for the night. (Though it does beg the question, when attending an event with the King, how dressed is overdressed?) All eyes turn to the both of you and the muttering begins.

You can catch a few words among the bustle, a lot of them complimenting Sombra and you for your appearance. “What a good couple, they look nice together,” one uninformed mare says to her partner. You shudder to think.

The door is held open by a guard who you nod to as you pass. Tonight is going to be different than usual, Warm has put together a little guest list for her first shift. Partly to make sure that she isn’t overwhelmed by a flood of customers, but also to make the place seem a little more high class than it really is.

You’re greeted by a beaming waiter stood behind a little podium. The bar floor is fairly busy, with waiters going to and fro to deliver orders to stuffy looking nobles. Warm decided to turn this place into more of a restaurant than a traditional tavern filled with rowdy drunks. The bar has remained in place, but next to it is a new counter with a window into a brand new kitchen.

The walls have been painted a warm red colour, and new carpeted floors complete the rustic look with intricate patterns and images of historic events. The atmosphere is a far cry from the cold, abandoned dust bin you visited back when Sombra was still dead.

He ushers you both to one of the booths lining the left wall. A little card on the round table tells you that the table has been reserved for the night for the King. You slide into the booth and sit near the back while Sombra sits on your right. “Nice place isn’t it?” you say, wanting to strike up some conversation.

“Indeed, it’s a nice break from that dining room for certain.”

The awkwardness only gets worse from there as you both sit in silence while the chattering of the other patrons goes on around you. It’s like you’re on a real date, complete with the averted eyes, nervous glances and the snubbed conversation. You jump as two menus are placed on the table by a waiter, who nods to you and pulls out a small notepad and quill.

“What would like to drink, my lord?” he asks Sombra. He picks up the menu and peruses the options, humming to himself as he tries to decide.

“I should try something new, give me a hard cider,” he concludes handing the menu back.

“And your date?”

“I’ll have the same,” you say rolling your eyes at the mention of it being a date. He nods, bows, and then backs off to the bar where he places the order. Sombra makes eye contact.

“You didn’t correct him,” he points out.

“What’s the point? It’s going to be the big news tomorrow anyway,” you mutter, playing with a beer mat. True to your word you can see a paparazzi looking through the window and furiously scribbling down notes. No doubt they’ll be publishing that in some kind of gossip rag. Do they have those here?

Two frothy wooden mugs are placed onto the table, the waiter pulls out another pad. “Are you ready to order? We also have a special platter for our grand opening with a range of our available menu on it, if you’d prefer.”

Sombra notices that you aren’t paying attention and orders the platter, specifying that he hopes it’ll be substantial enough as a full meal. The waiter assures him that it will be enough for two ponies and heads back to the counter where he stabs the paper onto a little metal hook and rings the bell. A tray is passed to him as he heads out of sight to another area of the building.

“You’re scared to admit it aren’t you? What is there to be afraid of?” the King asks, shifting in his seat.

“I’m not afraid of anythi-“

“Here you are dressed and prepped and sat with a stallion in a nice restaurant. So why are you keeping up this illusion that you don’t want to do this?”

Ouch.

“Don’t act like you don’t know why,” you hiss, leaving it at that. Mood thoroughly soured, you don’t say another word until the food arrives. Sombra seems to notice how bad he fucked up and keeps his mouth zipped.

The platter is covered with a wide variety of food, some hot, some cold, a bit of savoury and sweet. Just about anything you could want. The waiter lays out two plates and two sets of cutlery. “The chef’s compliments,” he says as he returns to the counter. You pick out a bit of everything, wanting to see what’s on offer.

Sombra focuses mainly on the warm stuff. You aren’t sure what a lot of it actually is, but that isn’t going to stop you from trying it. You scoop up some of what appears to be mashed potato and blow on it to cool it down, before slipping it into your mouth. It’s a distinct taste, familiar but with a spicy aftertaste that tickles your mouth. You take a sip of the cider to wash it down.

Sombra plays with his food for a little bit, poking some greens around his plate like a scolded child who isn’t allowed to have desert. You don’t understand what’s got him to act like this, when before he was more than happy to speak ill of you. You decide to break the silence.

“Why the long face?”

He looks up and sighs before bringing a piece of lettuce to his mouth and shoving it in. He chews for a moment while never breaking eye contact, before swallowing it whole. “What do you mean?”

“You look like you’re beating yourself up over something, that isn’t like you.”

“I regret plenty of things, I just don’t show it.”

“It’s the small things isn’t it; you think you pissed me off.”

He nods and swallows another forks worth of food. He dabs his lips with a serviette and clears his throat. Noticing his cider he lifts it to his mouth via magic and takes a deep drink of the amber beverage. He slams it back down on the table.

“You’re angry with me,” he says, a statement, not a question.

“A little bit, I’ve always been mad at you. I’m just used to it by now.”

“I don’t want you to be angry with me.”

“Then stop saying things that piss me off, that would help. Why can’t we stay in each other’s company for more than five seconds without you bringing something up and making it all weird?”

Sombra stares for a moment. His eyes shy away back to the table and he eats another forkful to distract himself.

“Hello!” a chipper voice greets; Warm trots towards your table, dressed in a white chef’s outfit and red scarf. “It’s good to see you guys again.”

“Hello Warm,” you and Sombra reply simultaneously.

“You’re looking good Rose, that dress really goes with your eyes.” You blush and thank her for the compliment, before asking if she’d like to sit down. “Sorry, I’ve got a lot on my plate at the moment for this rush of customers. Just wanted to see how my esteemed guests are doing.”

“It’s very good Warm,” Sombra says dabbing his muzzle with another napkin. “It’s a nice change from the palace kitchen.” Warm glows at the praise.

“How have you been doing anyway, we haven’t seen each other in a while,” you ask. You had to stop coming down for a week while the renovations were complete. Warm wanted to keep the grand opening a surprise for you.

“Good, good. A little stressful right now, but we’ll get into a groove eventually. It’s pretty busy tonight because of you two. Good for publicity though,” she shrugs.

“The ponies here might be looking for something that reminds them of the old days before the fighting started. I’m sure everybody’s very eager to get back to normal.”

“Indeed, the next food harvest is almost ready, so I can end the rationing soon. The reconstruction efforts are also going along nicely, I expect them to be done in a few months,” Sombra elaborates.

“Well I’d better get back to the kitchen before somebody burns the place down, feel free to come in here anytime you two,” with a wave she walks back through the swinging doors. A hasty exit, did Sombra say something that she didn’t like? He seems to be just as confused.

Filing that weirdness away for the moment you go back to chowing down on the wide variety placed in front of you. Thankfully Sombra seems to be letting you cool down before he starts opening his big mouth again. It gives you the time and space to have your fill; you flop back against the cushioned seat and let out a breath. That was some good stuff. You might have even eaten a little too much.

“No room for desert then?” Sombra teases in his monotone voice.

“I’ll live without it,” you say picking at your teeth.

Sombra finishes soon after. “Very good, we should come here again.” He flags down one of the waiters, who rushes over to serve the monarch. “We would like the bill please,” he smiles. The waiter nods nervously and heads to the counter where he speaks with the pony manning the till.

He comes back empty hooved, “Miss Warm has said that tonight’s serving would be free for the both of you,” he stammers. Sombra’s lips thin out as he reaches into his coat pocket and brings out a rather large bag of bits, placing it on the table.

“Well, you could say that this is a charitable donation for the good service,” without giving him chance to argue he stands and walks out forcing you to hurriedly thank the waiter and leave. He stops a few meters away from the restaurant and waits for you. “You can never win can you? You try to give them money for their work and they don’t want to take it.”

“How much did you give them?”

“I left one thousand bits, as a gift and tip for the workers. I want to encourage this kind of business.”

“Everybody will think that you’ll give them money now, not the best way to run a shop,” you chide him. “So, you don’t have anything else planned for the night.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that you’d like to stay in my company.”

“Don’t let it go to your head,” you groan. “You’re going to be in the doghouse for a long time.”

“And once I’m out?” Sombra smirks.

“I’ll consider it.”

It’s a nice night, oddly humid considering that the empire is located in the frozen north. Many of the ponies have left the streets but a few remain, talking in little groups and trading goods between one another. Some of them bow to the King, but he pays them no mind. The palace leg soon comes into view. Despite the awkward start you enjoyed the evening out. You hope that Sombra stays true to what he said and goes to Warm’s place more often.

He opens the door with his magic and waits by it, closing it behind you as you pass by. “Well I suppose that’s it for the evening, not unless you have anything else in mind,” he declares stretching in place. He lets out a yawn and shakes his head. You nod and begin the trek back to the bedrooms, up the stairs, down various corridors and finally round the corner to the long, door filled hallway.

Sombra stands there silently like he’s waiting for a kiss. You chuckle and open the door, only to be stopped when he puts a hoof on the frame and tails you in. He stands by the door and watches as you lift the dress from your body and release your hair from the black band, returning it to it’s now even more scruffy state.

You sigh and sit down on the sofa, kicking your hooves up and melting into the silk pillows. “So, do you have something to say?”

Sombra nods humbly and steps into the room. “I would just like to thank you, not only for the night out, but for also saving my life and the lives of everypony within this city. I have to admit that when I first brought you here I wasn’t expecting much, a mild curiosity to experiment with using cross dimensional magic.

“But I would be a fool to say that you haven’t found your way, so to speak. You proved yourself to be increasingly capable up to the point where you brought a stallion that you hold deep contempt for back from the dead. That isn’t something many ponies would be willing to do. So once again, thank you for being here.”

Having said his piece he backs away and begins to close the door again. You call for him to stop, wanting to say something before he leaves. “It wasn’t a problem.”

Sombra stays for a moment expecting more, but when he realizes that it was all you had to say he quickly makes himself scarce. The door clicks shut, leaving you in a darkening room illuminated by the orange lamps placed around the room. You lie down on your back and cover your heavy eyes with an arm, not wanting to make the effort of walking to the much more comfortable bed. Still the couch will make do for a night.

The fireplace in front of you glows slightly, the dying embers of a fire once lit fading away into nothing.

Author's Notes:

The end.

Nope, I'm serious, that's it, you can all go home now.

But for real, I'd like to thank all of you for reading this disaster from start to finish. I've made plenty of mistakes throughout, and there will probably be a few in this chapter too. Despite this, I think this is my best work. Not only is it the longest, but the most complex as a result. I hope everybody else liked it as much as I did when writing it.

Let's talk about the story itself. I might have noted this before, but the original intent for this story was a generic TF smut fic where a second person character becomes Sombra's consort. You can see this early on with the out of place masturbation scene. But as I developed the idea, I realized that I could do something much more interesting with the scenario I had created.

Here are some other changes:
An extremely early concept for this story involved Sombra coming to Earth and teaching at a university, where he would meet a talented student doctor who he would take to work for him, teaching him blood magic and gradually turning him into a pony. This is where the "Blood Rose" name came from. I scrapped this idea because it was dumb and shit.

I later changed it completely, making it much more generic early on. I scrapped the human element almost completely beyond the first few chapters. Not only does Rose act as a self insert vehicle (a remanent from the smut fic days) but also as a complete newcomer to the world and conflicts making her the perfect protagonist.

Aside from that many plot points were set in stone early on. You may have noticed a healthy dose of foreshadowing in nearly every early chapter. The book on changelings, the sets of armor in the mages room, Rose suddenly being hungry despite eating the food that Silver delivered, the fact that no other character knows who Silver Shield is or interact with him at any point.

Also: Why didn't Rose get with Sombra at the end?
Because I feel like it would cheapen Sombra's development. Despite all the progress he has made to getting in the good graces of Rose, they both still have a lot of things to work out between the two of them. I didn't want the end to be Rose gets the stallion and saves the day, but I still wanted to leave it open to interpretation. As you can tell from the chapter, it's still very much possible.

Here are some special thanks:
Fourpony for consistently pointing out my errors in the comments. (Not even being sarcastic, thank you for the corrections.)

Tulip for his cool ass sketch.

Everybody commenting on the story, your feedback and reactions are part of the joy of writing and I always like hearing what you have to say.

The guys from /ptfg/ reading here and in the thread.

And for everybody else, thank you for reading.

I'm not done, because as we all know the ride never truly ends. I'll be moving onto new ventures soon, including a complete reinvention of my first (admittedly terrible) effort, Adjustment, and other one shots. If you're interested in people being changed into colorful ponies/other fauna from Equestria be sure to follow me, as transformation is totally my thing.