I arrived at town’s square a few moments later, and decided to ask around to see where Whitewash could be staying. I felt like a fool not to have asked when I first saw her, but it’s not like I can re-write the past. I asked around for a few minutes, before somepony finally told me she might be staying at the local inn. I began to fly on over, but bumped into Miss Doo in mid-air.

“Oh! Sorry about that. I didn’t see you there,” she said, as I got up and helped her to her hooves.

“The blame is half-mine as well. Don’t feel bad. How are you, Miss Doo? I haven’t seen you since you delivered that letter.” Upon saying that, I had occurred to me that she wasn’t wearing her Mail-Mare uniform. Perhaps she was off-duty?

“I’ve been doing really well! How are you feeling, after exploding?” I paused, trying to find the meaning of this statement. ‘Ah, yes. The Sanguine Rainboom. Of course.’

“Technically I didn’t explode. It was more of a “cataclysmic blood donation”. But I’m doing well, thank you for asking.” We both stood there, awkwardly silent. Then Miss Doo spoke up:

“Hey! I’ve got an idea! How about we grab some dinner together?” I thought about the offer, tilting my head sideways, before saying:

“Perhaps. I have some things to do today, but I will talk to you again if my schedule changes… ok?”

“Ok,” she nodded her head, before flying off. She stopped in midair, before saying;

“I will be at my home if you change your mind! It’s the big yellow one across the street from the Post Office!” Then she flew off, without turning back again.

I continued along my course to the inn, finding no other reason to stop. Once I arrived, I immediately asked if a mare under the name of Whitewash had recently checked in. The mare at the registration desk said yes, and told me the room number. As I made my way to Suite 38, I chuckled. ‘Just like Whitewash to find the most expensive place to stay.' I made my way over to the door on the third floor and knocked. I wasn’t surprised when a tall, muscular, unicorn stallion opened the door. I was surprised when he greeted me with:

“Red Storm! Whatcha doing here?” I looked at the stallion sideways. He was slightly taller than me, with a golden mane and a grey coat. He had a Cutie Mark of a Hammer and Anvil. What caught my attention, however, was the fact that this stallion’s eyes were exactly the same emerald-green hue as Whitewash’s. He noticed my surprise, and laughed lightly.

“Sorry for the confusion there, Red Storm. It’s me, Whitewash.”

I could have sworn that my brain had erupted in sparks just then. The Stallion continued, “I am using a gender spell. Technically it’s a veil, but tell that to the mare in my bed! Real enough for her! He (she?) chuckled when a mare limped up to him (her?) and leaned against his (her?) side.

The mare was pale yellow, almost whitish in colour, with a raspberry mane streaked with a lighter shade of raspberry. Her eyes were a yellow-green in colour and she bore a Cutie Mark of a rose.

“Who’s this?” the mare spoke, head resting on the stallion before me. “Some friend of yours, Anvil?”

“Yes, in fact he is. This is Red Storm… you know, the one who raced Rainbow Dash earlier this week? He came by for a spot of tea and-“

“I will stop you there, Anvil. I see you’re… busy, so I will take my leave.” I nodded to the mare before setting off. Behind me, I hear the door close, before giggling mixed with pained screams. Sounds like somepony got carried away with customizing their veil.

As I headed back outside, I felt my stomach grumble. I realized I had never had lunch. Then I remembered Miss Doo. Seeing as my schedule for the afternoon has been cleared, I should go see her now, and take her up on her offer for dinner.

I made my way skywards, because I thought finding Miss Doo’s home would be easier that way. Eventually I found the small house, yellow and just across the street from the post office, just as she said. I walked up to the door and knocked three times. The door swung open and a small purple unicorn filly stood in front of me. She looked at me sideways, before half-turning and calling into the house:

“MOM! You’re date’s here.” I couldn’t help but blush at that statement. ‘Her date? I didn’t mean for it to come across as that…’

The pegasus mare swung around a corner, bumping into a vase, which wobbled before steadying itself. She stood before me, smiling.

“Hi there, Red Storm! This is my daughter, Dinky Doo. Say hello, Dinky.” The filly just stared at me, making me rather uncomfortable. Then, Ditzy shooed her away, before turning back to me. “Ready?” I nodded, and we set off.

We walked through town, headed towards a little restaurant that Miss Doo said had great food. As we walked, I searched my person for bits. I pulled out a hooffull of bits, about 40 or so, which caught the wall-eyed mare’s attention.

“Whoa! That’s a lot of bits, Red Storm! More than I make at least. Where did you get so much money?” I shrugged.

“Inheritance. So where is this place?” She pointed ahead of us to a small building that had various signs of different foods. Some were Germane, some Itallion, and to my surprise, some were from my home place, the Sanguine Kingdom! I was wholly impressed as we entered, and further so when a waiter saw us, and immediately brought us to a table. He then placed two menus in front of us before trotting away.

“This place has the largest selection of food I have ever seen!” I said, looking at the menu in awe. “And the service is very good as well,” I stated, nodding at the waiter. Ditzy just sat across me, smiling wide.

“I’m glad to see you like it here. So, what are you getting? I’m gonna get muffins.” I blinked. Muffins? Ok…

“I think I will get something nice from my home place. Some nice lilies with a side of truffles and sauces. I think the food is the only thing I miss about home.” Ditzy frowned.

“What about your family? Don’t you miss them?”

“No. They are the reason why I left.”

“What did they do?”

“…… Let’s just drop it, alright? I would rather talk about you than my past.” This brought a smile to the mares face again. We then began to talk about our interests, her family, small talk in general. Then the waiter came around, and took our orders. We continued to talk for a while more, until our food was brought over. We ate, talking between mouthfuls, and having a great time.

I paid the bill in full, as a gentlecolt should, and we stepped outside. It had already grown dark, and I offered to walk her home. In fact, I was having such a good time, I forgot we could fly. So we walked back, still chatting. However, when we reached her home, she stopped at the door.

“I had a wonderful time tonight, Red Storm. You’re very nice.”

“Thank you, Miss Doo. I had a splendid time myself.” We stood there, awkwardly at the door for several minutes. Then she turned around and unlocked the door, going in. Right as I turned to leave, she stopped me.

“Wait! Before you go…” I turned around, and was surprised when I received a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for dinner.” She then hurried inside, trying to cover up her blushing, leaving me outside stunned. I quickly shook off the feeling before spreading my wings and taking off, headed back to Fluttershy’s cottage.

'Tonight was interesting. I wonder how Fluttershy’s evening went.’ When I arrived, however, it was apparent I would not be getting any such answer. All the lights were out, and I had to pick the lock with a nearby twig to enter. I wasn’t sure why the door was locked if she expected me back. I entered quietly, locking the door behind me. I went upstairs to find Fluttershy asleep. I climbed in as gently as I could, and received only a slight fidget. As I settled in, the mare wrapped her forelegs around me. I wanted to resist at first, but quickly decided ‘Oh, why not?,’ and spooned her. I quickly fell asleep, and dreamt soundly that night.

Author's Notes:

BTW... this was my first chapter after I had gotten out of the hospital. I was hopped up on pain meds(I still wasn't completely healed), so if anything is amiss, do tell.
Here's Anvil, too, as a random bonus.
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Thanks for reading, chillllldren. This is Red Storm, *WOOOOO!* and you're reading A Sanguine Dawn... no matter how bad it hurts.