//------------------------------//
// 4. Apology 
// Story: Chance Meetings 
// by cierragp 
//------------------------------//

Soarin still felt guilty. Why was he always too quick to jump to conclusions? What he had done was not forgivable at all. 

At least he sent in the flowers. That much should help a little at least. If anything, he just hoped that she knew that he cared, even if he was absolutely horrible. Had she never forgiven him, he would've taken it. What he had done, after all, was no small thing. 

He sent a note too. 

Meet me at seven at the pavilion in the royal gardens if you are still willing to forgive me. 

I was an ass. Please forgive me. I understand if you don't and I won't ever force you to. Just stay well and stay happy.

Please, please, don't blame this on anyone else. If you have to, blame it on me. 

Soarin

He hoped it was enough. 

Too much time spent musing in his room? Maybe, but he had a good excuse. Even Spitfire stayed away. 

He packed a sandwich, hay fries, and pie. Well, no one could say no to pie. 

It was ten minutes of waiting before she came, stepping softly and eyes red. Not that it was hard to notice, either. Her face was slightly puffy and her mane flattened to cover more of her face. 

"I'm sorry, Dash, I really am." He looked down. "I was horrible."

"You were." She rolled her eyes. "Out of all the ponies that could...you...you..." Her breath hitched and she faced away to avoid letting him see the tears. 

"Tell me it's all better." He wrapped his hooves around her, then his wings. It felt right. 

There was the distinctive coldness of water. Were they tears?

Without a doubt, he knew they were. 

Soarin felt the weight on his heart double. Or triple. It was hard to tell. 

What had he done? If anything, he was not rational as he liked to pride himself in. 

"I'm sorry. I don't know how to make this easier for you." He lowered his head. 

"I don't either." She muttered, sniffling, her back shuddering. 

"You saved my life two times." He said. "Three times, if you count the pie." He winked. 

"Four times. I didn't whack your sorry butt for this. I showed remarkable restraint." Through the tears, she smiled.  

"I'll let you, but just let me live after."

"You're not worth it. Eh." 

"Ouch, do you have any idea what you're saying?"

"Of course I do. Did you not?"

"I..."

"Well of course, because ponies who look nice generally used all their energies on primping." She leaned against him. "Too bad you still need that pedicure."

"Pedi...what?"

"Nevermind. Not important."

"Please tell me it has nothing to do with torture."

"It has everything to do with torture if Rarity is around. Can't avoid one with her around."

"Ouch. I guess, well friends. I swear that Fleetfoot has never stopped putting nasty things in my things, and getting Spitfire riled up about my messiness." Soarin shrugged halfheartedly, still holding Rainbow. 

"Guess we're even.  I should have a talk with Fleetfoot." Rainbow replied drily, curling up. "Besides, this is comfy as hell. Damn, never thought ponies made such nice cushions."

"Glad you're happier. I can't stand watching you cry. It's horrible. And knowing that it was me who made you cry is worse." Soarin sighed.

"Maybe next time just not jump to conclusions..." Rainbow glared at him. "At least I don't."

"I don't want to make excuses, but there was evidence. I'm sorry, Rainbow, for doubting your integrity." Soarin looked away. 

"So? I get it. It just hurts, okay?" Rainbow snapped. 

"Rainbow, please, I never wanted to hurt you." 

"Your intention is not my concern. Really, I thought being high up would make you more reasonable." Her face softened. "I wish you knew me better."

"Same." Soarin let a smile escape. "Then tell me, what is your favorite color?"

"Red," Rainbow replied. "You?"

"Blue. Favorite food?"

"Cider. It's not food...but it's good. You?"

"Pie." 

"Could've guessed that one." She laughed. "Hobby?"

"Sleep."

"Doesn't look it."

"I know I know, but can we please not delve into that? You?"

"Sure. Flying."

"Favorite uh, I've ran out, sorry." He smiled sheepishly. 

"Eh. I'm awesome. You know that."

"Guess I do." He smiled. "Forgive me now?"

"Sure. But it's late. Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow."