//------------------------------//
// 8. Finale: Chances 
// Story: Chance Meetings 
// by cierragp 
//------------------------------//

"What were the chances?" Rainbow asked suddenly.

"Of what?"

"Us."

"I don't know." Soarin shrugged. "But it happened."

"I know that, Soarin." Rainbow smiled. "Except that it baffles me too much that I am the Wonderbolt and you are not. Still the chances of both of these things? It's called a miracle."

"I love you and we both know that is almost enough." Soarin lay his hooves on hers. "The feeling is mutual."

"Your silly little assumption is very correct." Rainbow curled up next to him. "Now, I don't have any shows the next week. We need to go to the cafe again. And we need to prank the paparazzi."

"Hell yeah." Soarin grinned. "But first, here is a little something for you."

He reached for a box Rainbow had never noticed before. It was a lovely burgundy, the wrapping shimmering like little stars. 

"Soarin!" Rainbow exclaimed. "You have no idea!" 

It was a little lamp that played all too many memories. Those first days in Ponyville...her competing career...her first day as a Wonderbolt...the Gala, all those things that she never wanted to forget. 

"I asked your parents and your friends." He grinned. "They know you much better than I will ever do. Some things you might not want to tell me, and that's perfectly okay. I just want you to be really happy for once."

Tears rolled down her cheeks. 

"Don't cry." Soarin coaxed. "You know how much it hurts for me to see that."

"These...are tears...of...joy," She choked. "Soarin...these aren't...tears of...pain."

"Still. Ouch." Soarin joked. "I spent months getting this together and I get tears? Hey, at least I deserve a kiss."

"You do." She pecked him on the cheek. "But still, tears of joy. Can't beat that."

"Of course. I learned my lesson on your opinions." He laughed. "Don't contradict your marefriend. Don't think of yourself smarter than you actually are."

"Maybe, but you know about this more than I do."

"Except that it's also your birthday."

"WHAT?"

"It is. Rainbow, check the calendar."

"Oh. Wait. It is?"

"Yeah..."

"DAMMIT! I need my brain. Soarin, you know that."

"Why else would they opt to let you take a vacation? You know Spitfire."

"Uh, because I am a piece of shit?"

"More like insufferable." Soarin ruffled her hair. "You're the best the way you are, you know."

"Of course I'm awesome. Everyone knows that."

"Psh. Beat me."

"Sure." Rainbow grinned wickedly.

"OW! You know I haven't exactly worked out lately. Shouldn't spar. " 

"I can tell. You're getting fat."

"I'm not. I'm just..." 

"Lazy."

"No. I'm building muscle. See, energy reserves!"

"You failed high school biology remember?"

"You still remember that?"

"Of course. Can't forget those detention sessions for our failing grades, can I?"

"Why? Rainbow, you forget everything except to mock me." Soarin placed a hoof over his heart. "Do you have any idea of how much it hurt?"

"Nope." Rainbow smirked. "But hell yes I know how to make you feel better." She wrapped her hooves around his neck. "Night. I'm tired."

"Night, Dashie."

"PINKIE TOLD YOU?"

"Hell yeah."

"I changed my mind. I want my revenge."