Dear Countess Coloratura, the letter you’re about to read after this is for a friend of your friend, Copper. I don’t mean to be informal or overstepping, but I was wondering if this could reach Midnight Star, one of the ponies that was with you for Princess Celestia’s grand tour stop in Manehattan. Thank you.

- Commander Soarin Skies of The Wonderbolts

Soarin tucked it into the envelope, and smiling, wrote down the letter to the cute unicorn he had spent time exchanging conversation with in Canterlot.

Dear Midnight Star,

It’s me, Soarin. You know, the Wonderbolt you met in Manehattan and hung around with for a bit after our derby in Canterlot.
Anyways, I’ll make this short. You’re sweet and have taken some time to get to know me. Kind of rare these days.
And I like to think we got along pretty well, and I hope you feel the same.
So once Coloratura gives this to Copper who will give it to you since I don’t know where you live... write me back an answer to this:
Want to grab dinner with me sometime? As a date. I’ll be in Canterlot in about a week for a couple shows and an interview. You can show me a good restaurant if you want, I don’t usually eat there too often.
Anyways, address is on the envelope and I hope his reaches you and I hope you say yes.

-Commander Soarin Skies of The Wonderbolts

Even though they had talked informally, he still felt weird about signing the letter with just his name. They weren’t close enough yet, even though they got along.
Still, he really hoped she said yes.

Dear Commander Soarin Skies,

It’s Midnight. You know, the unicorn you met and watched your derby in Canterlot with her excited friend who has a crush on you. Copper, not me.
Okay, fine, me as well. I like you too.
So I’ll meet you in Canterlot after your evening show on Friday, if that’s alright. I’ll take you to my favourite restaurant, which don’t worry, has pie. Yes, you read right. Any kind you want, and they’ll make it. Especially since you’re a celebrity. Seriously, no joke. Also, don’t worry about dressing too fancy.
I have to go, but I’ll see you soon.

Sincerely, Midnight Star

Soarin pumped his hoof in the air as he read her letter, confirming that he had a date with the pretty unicorn. She was nice and they got along and they both had a love for pie. He kind of liked her. And now they had a date.
He could do this. He was moving on.

“How do I look?” Soarin asked, turning to Spitfire and Lightning Streak.

Spitfire shrugged. “You look good. Very handsome.”

Lightning squinted and brushed a few piece of fluff off Soarin’s shirt. “There you go.”

“Thanks.” Looking in the mirror, he smiled to himself, feeling just a pang of nerves hit him. He had gone on plenty of dates before with plenty of girls. But he genuinely liked Midnight Star, and wanted to make some sort of impression.

He looked good. He knew he did. Dressed in a crisp black, short sleeved button up shirt, and had gelled a little of his mane to the side, mares would be attracted for sure. “Okay, I can do this,” he told himself, nodding once more and walked out the door, only to pop his head in a moment later and give his two friends a sheepish grin. “Thanks. I’ll see you guys later.”

“Don’t be too late, we have to get up early for a photoshoot tomorrow!” Spitfire called as he disappeared from sight.

Lightning nudged his captain. “Think he’s secretly over-the-top nervous?” he asked.

Spitfire chuckled. “No way. Only a certain rainbow haired mare could make him over-the-top nervous.”

Scanning the area from above, Soarin squinted as Celestia’s sun started to begin it’s descent and under the glare of light, he spotted a blue pegasus talking to a light pink unicorn, one that looked very similar to Midnight.

He hovered closer and could catch small hints of words.

However, he recognized the voice coming from the pegasus. Landing on the ground, Soarin walked over and cleared his throat. “Uh, Midnight Star? Is that you?”

The two mares looked in his direction, and he felt himself relax as a pair of light green eyes made contact with his own. “Hi, Soarin. You ready? I was just talking to Rainbow Dash here.”

Soarin shifted his gaze to Dash, who was still in the form fitting, standard Wonderbolt uniform. He met her look at the exact wrong— and right— time. Luna’s moon rose ahead, and shone right into those brilliant magenta eyes, still lighting a torch in Soarin’s heart.

“She was just asking me where you were,” Dash explained. “You guys are hanging out?”

Soarin nodded and instead focused on Midnight, who had a silver casual dress on, her mane left the way it usually was. “Yeah. We have a date,” Soarin said.

He watched her reaction as carefully as he could, and was slightly disappointed to only see her smile and nod, perhaps a slight tic to her jaw. “Sounds nice. You two have fun.” She checked her watch and flapped her wings. “Shoot, I gotta meet AJ and Rarity. See ya,” she called, flying into the night sky.

Midnight turned to Soarin and smiled shyly. “You ready to go?”

Tearing his gaze away from the stream of colours, Soarin nodded. “Lead the way, Ms. Star.”

She just smiled. “Alright, this way Mr. Skies.”

“Hoof’s Galore?” Soarin read, stopping outside the restaurant. It had taken them about ten minutes to walk, and they had both been awkward and shy about saying anything to one another. He hoped they’d be able to have a proper conversation at dinner. He wanted to know what made her special, what made her unique.

“I know, it sounds like a place where you get a hooficure,” she giggled.

“So it really is a restaurant? You aren’t tricking me into a spa night?” he teased goodheartedly.

A small smile made it’s way into her pink face. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Come on, I’m hungry.”

“Me too.”

They headed inside and were immediately greeted with a waiter. “Good evening ma’am, sir...” His grey eyes widened as he realized who Soarin was. “Oh, um...”

“Can we just act like I’m anypony?” Soarin questioned, offering a bit of money.

The stallion shook his head. “Of course, no need for money, sir. Right this way, please.”

Soarin bowed his head gratefully. “Thank you... um...” He glanced at the name tag. “Thank you Grey.”

“Not a problem.” He let them be seated at the small, private wooden table and handed them two
menus with his telekinesis. “Can I interest you in any drinks?”

Soarin bit his lip and asked, “Do you have any non-alcoholic apple cider?”

Grey wrote it down on the notepad. “We sure do, and for you miss?”

Midnight shrugged. “I’ll have some iced tea, please.”

“Right away, I’ll be back in a moment.”

“Thanks,” Soarin replied, turning his attention back to the mare.

“So, our first date,” Midnight said and instantly frowned. “Sorry, that’s a stupid thing to say.”

He waved a hoof. “It’s fine. I mean, you are right.”

“What if ponies think this is a date?” Soarin asked, glancing nervously around.

Dash looked up from her menu. “Honestly Clipper, I thought I’d be the nervous one about doing this. We’ll just say we’re friends, which isn’t a lie, right?”

Soarin glanced around at all the ponies in Sugarcube Corner, mumbling and looking at them.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a bouncing pink pony with a cheery smile on her face entered the room, mysteriously being able to balance a tray of colourfully iced cupcakes on her head.

It was their first outing after they slept together and started this “friends with benefits” thing. “Right,” he agreed.

Dash noticed and offered a teasing smile. “It’s gonna be fine. It’s not like this is our first time hanging out in public.”

He let out a huff of air through his nose. “I guess you’re right.”

She grinned. “Of course I’m right, but if it makes you feel better...” She let her eyes wander around the room until they landed on one of her best friends. “Hey, Pinkie! Over here!”

The pink pony skipped over to them. “Hey Dashie, hey Soarin. What can I get for ya?”

“Cider and apple pie, please.”

Pinkie’s blue eyes lit up. “Of course! My pies are great, too bad Dashie here doesn’t like them.” She scribbled it down and faced her friend. “What about you, Rainbow Dash?”

“Uh... chocolate shake, please,” Dash answered, then beckoned for Pinkie to come forward with her hoof. “Pinks, what are all the ponies that are looking at us saying?”

Pinkie looked and shrugged. “Eh, mostly wondering why you’re here instead of some fancy place, or if you’re out on a date.”

“You mind telling them we’re not?” Soarin asked. “Don’t need ponies getting the wrong idea.”

Dash nodded in agreement.

Pinkie Pie was called by Mrs. Cake and started to leave, but she turned to the two. “Sure thing! I’ll be back in a few minutes!”

“So,” Soarin began once their drinks were placed in front of them. “How was your day?”

Midnight shrugged. “You know, same old same old. Custom making a lot of designs today, guess I’ll have to go to the caves and try to find more gems for my upcoming necklace order. I gotta make seventy five within three days, it’s gonna be crazy.” She shook her head and took a sip of her drink. “How about you? That was a pretty spectacular show you put on there,” she complimented.

“Thanks. My day, huh? It was mainly just that. Some practice runs, are some lunch, signed autographs and took pictures. It can get kinda repetitive, it’s a little boring after a while,” Soarin admitted.

Midnight tilted her head. “Really? I like the routine of doing the same thing most days. Keeps me grounded.”

Unlike Dash. Surprised and a little disappointed by this, Soarin covered his reaction with a nod and smile. “Well you’re doing something different tonight, aren’t you?”

She grinned, leaning a little closer. “Well sometimes certain ponies are worth it.”

He felt his cheeks heat up at the praise, although it was more from the comment, not the pony it came from. “You sure are charming,” he joked.

“I’m trying,” she confessed, a shy smile appearing again.

He liked her smile, he decided. They continued to stare at one another, hints of polite, gentle smiles on their muzzles.

“Ahem,” a male’s voice interrupted. It was Grey. “Have you decided on your meal?”

“Oh.” Midnight blushed a little and scanned menu, pointing to something on it. “I’ll have this, please.”

Grey nodded and looked at Soarin. “And for you?

He bit his lip, trying to make a decision. “Grilled salmon, please, with mashed potatoes and gravy.”

“You got it. I’ll be back as soon as possible with your food.”

“Here you go, Miss Dash and Commander Skies,” the country waitress said, setting two plates of chicken linguine down, steam coming out of the bowl. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks!” Rainbow exclaimed, eagerly digging in.

Soarin did the same and smiled when the creamy pasta hit his tongue. “This is really good.”

“I know!” Rainbow replied through a mouthful of food.

Soarin smirked and pointed to her chin, which had thin line of alfredo sauce dripping from it. “Might wanna take care of that, Dashie.”

Her eyes sparkled as she wiped the sauce off. “You too, Commander.”

He frowned and wiped at his chin with the napkin. “Better?”

She shoved a hoof in her mouth to keep from bursting into giggles. She shook her head no.

He tried again and asked her with his eyes. No again. He tried again and again until Dash removed her hoof and leaned over, quickly snatching the bit of sauce off the middle of his nose.

Soarin bit his lip. “That’s embarrassing,” he muttered.

Dash took a much more careful bite of her dinner and chewed quickly. “It’s okay, Soar. I for one got a lot of joy out of it.”

He chuckled. “Anything to please you.”

She rolled her eyes and kicked him gently under the table.

“Hey! No violence,” he pouted.

“Aww, little Soarie can’t handle that?”

He played along. “No he can’t.”

“I’m sorry then,” she fake apologized.

And again, they smiled at one another.

He was always happiest when with her.

“Yours good?” Midnight asked, taking a bite of her veggie sandwich.

Soarin nodded, savouring the flavour of the perfectly cooked salmon and creamy gravy sauce. “Can’t believe I haven’t heard of this before. I’m gonna have to tell all the ‘Bolts about this place!” he responded enthusiastically, spearing some vegetables with his fork.

“Thank goodness. I was beginning to worry this place wouldn’t suit your tastes, food wise. You’re probably used to very fine tasting food,” she guessed, looking at him questionably.

He shrugged. With the solid floors, beautiful paintings, and beautiful rustic look, Soarin actually would have considered this place to be too fancy for his tastes. He was the exact same as Dash when it came to things like these— preferring something lively, rowdy, and full of genuine character than a quieter, slightly more upscale place like this. “Midnight, I survive on cafeteria food a lot of the time. This meets beyond my tastes,” he chuckled.

Midnight smiled, obviously relieved. “Guess I still have a lot to learn about famous ponies, huh?”

Soarin shrugged, pushing his plate away, unable to eat anymore. “I’ll give you some lessons, don’t worry,” he assured jokingly.

“Thank you so much,” she laughed and finished her sandwich. “By the way, I don’t mind paying for dinner,” she offered.

Soarin shook his head as the waiter came over. “All finished?”

“Yeah,” Soarin told him. “We’ll have the cheque, if you don’t mind?”

Grey nodded as he picked up the plates with his magic. “Sure.”

“Hey, don’t worry, I’ll pay,” he said to Midnight who was in the middle of getting her wallet out.

“No, it’s fine, I mean, I showed you the place and just cause you’re a guy doesn’t mean you have to.”

They looked at each other, biting their lips.

“Alright fine, let’s just pay for our own,” she suggested whilst smiling.

“Sounds good to me.”

They walked back in silence, Soarin still unsure of what to say to her. She was an impressive mare, owning her own business and still having the grace of a Canterlot pony while being more down to earth then most unicorns who came from the capital city were.

It wasn’t until they reached the outside of Canterlot Castle that Midnight spoke. “I-I’m sorry, about tonight.”

Soarin blinked. Did she not have a good time? “Why?”

She blushed and avoided eye contact. “Well it was just awkward and I was kind of nervous and I couldn’t think of anything to say so we just sat there it seemed like and I didn’t want you to think I was boring or that I didn’t care,” she rushed out. “I do want to get to know you, because I like you.”

His heart cheered at her confession.

Soarin laughed a little and stepped closer, feeling the slight warmth of her body. “It’s all good. Honestly, I think second dates are the better ones.” He winked.

He felt accomplished when her green eyes lit up. “So, a second date?” she asked softly.

Soarin chuckled, tentatively touching her shoulder. “I’d like it. And then we could practice not being awkward together. It’ll be better,” he promised. “And yeah, a second date. Because I like you too, Midnight.”

Seriously, he truly did. Again, she was sweet and cute, elegant and classy, and so what if they liked different things? Opposites attract, right?

Faster then he could comprehend, Midnight reached up and placed a short kiss on his cheek. “I’ll send you a note with my address tomorrow, then. And we’ll find time.”

He grinned and nodded. “Yeah, that sounds nice.”

She started to walk away, a slight bounce to her step. “I look forward to it!” she called, and with a flash of her magic, she was gone.

As he flew into the north wing, Soarin realized that Dash had not been on his mind in the last part of the night, and inwardly cheered. Maybe getting over her was possible.

He was so excited about the possibility that he didn’t notice that said pony was right in front of him, and he crashed right into her.

“Hey, what the...?” Dash steadied herself and relaxed when she saw who it was.

takes place during S9 E3, (Uprooted.) Dash is only in this one as a fantasy setting.

tell me how you feel about Midnight so far too :)