Ficlet Challenge - Hope

Prompt: Hope
Word Count: 987

'Could it really end like this?'

Sitting upon the lake-shore, it all seemed like but a fleeting dream to him.

It wasn't even the first, the many years of their marriage attested to that. They say that arguments are actually a sign of a healthy relationship as ponies would open themselves up and make their feelings clear.

Yet after the disappointment, tension, a few snarky quips and a brief cooling down period, it always culminated in apologies and a return to their love-filled days.

However, nothing could compare to the most recent exchange. The look in her eyes emanated such anger and disgust. The things he had said to her were filled with such venom, it made him wish he had been corrupted by some demon as if to provide an excuse for the horrible things he had said. Now he feared he had destroyed the beautiful life he had helped craft, all due to his pride and a single moment of poor-self control.

The blast of a chilly breeze made Soarin shiver, bringing him back to reality.

"Cold tonight" mused the pegasus pony. "Somehow feels appropriate".

Yet he knew he had to return and as he rose into the night sky, questions raced through his head:

'Will she still be angry?'

'What should I say to her?'

'Will she forgive me?'

…

...

'Will she ask me to leave?'

'What about the kids?'

…

…

'Does she still love me?'

Engrossed in his thoughts, Soarin was surprised to find himself hovering right at his home's own front door. Taking a deep breath, he slowly turned the door-knob and entered the cloud covered building. It was dark; apart from a faint light coming from the kitchen. Making his way there, Soarin saw something that filled him with both surprise and fear.

Sitting at the kitchen table, fiddling with a cup of cocoa in between her hooves, was the beautiful mare that he had been blessed with for a wife. She looked sad, but also confused. Soarin knew that whenever she handled her mug like that, it was because something important was on her mind. This is what made him fearful.

"Hey......Dash?"

Caught unaware of her husband's entry, Rainbow Dash slipped out of her thoughts and looked straight at her husband.

"Oh...um...hi."

Her meek response was followed by a deafening silence; clearly this was an awkward moment between the two and despite the immense pride and outgoing personalities both ponies normally showed, neither seemed ready to continue this already difficult conversation.

"Listen Soarin, I've been thinking" began Rainbow Dash. "We've probably both learnt something new about each other tonight. I know nothing will ever be the same again, but I just want you to know that I..."

"Wait!" shouted Soarin, raising his hoof so that it was pointing directly at Dash's surprised face. "Before you finish, please let my say something first".

Shocked by his interruption, Rainbow Dash nonetheless closed her mouth and relaxed onto the cushion, giving Soarin an expectant look and the opportunity to speak.

"Tonight without a doubt was the most shameful moment of my life" he began. "The way I acted was inexcusable and what I said to you...".

He winced at the horrible memories, but continued.

"...was unforgivable."

Soarin raised his head and looked straight into her eyes.

"I'm not going to ask for forgiveness as I do not feel I deserve it. When I married you I vowed in front of everyone that I would make you happy; even if it cost me my own happiness. If being here is a problem for you......then I shall leave."

His eyes welling up with tears, he nevertheless managed to keep a straight face and even a smile. Though nothing could hide the fact that he looked like a terrified and broken pony walking straight into the jaws of death.

"All I ask for is that you'll at least allow me to be part of the kids' lives. I want to help them every step of their lives......and make sure they don't make the same mistake I did. I just want to finish by telling you that no matter what happens, my love for you is eternal. Even if it becomes unrequited, I will never forget the pony who made it possible for me to feel joy like never before. The pony who showered me with countless blessings and made my life truly worth living."

Closing his eyes, Soarin prepared for the worst; yet after what seemed like an eternity of silence, all he heard were the sounds of faint weeping. Opening his eyes he saw his wife trying, yet clearly failing, to hold back the tears streaming down her saddened face.

In a flash, the rainbow-mained pegasus leapt onto the table and launched herself at Soarin who quickly braced himself for impact. If he expected a slap or a punch he was sorely mistaken as Rainbow Dash quickly buried her face into his chest; her mane brushing against his chin.

"Don't go."

Soarin's ears perked up: "Pardon?"

"Don't go" Dash reiterated more clearly. "Don't leave me".

Soarin couldn't believe what he was hearing, she forgave him! Thanking both Celestia and Luna, he embraced Dash and held her tighter than ever before.

"For as long as you want me, I will always be with you" he said.

Rainbow Dash smiled as she comfortably lay in his arms. "Is forever okay?" she asked.

Soarin didn't need to answer, he merely continued to hold her close.

The two winged ponies quietly lay together on the kitchen floor, reminding themselves of the eternal bond they shared. Despite the many challenges and times of sadness they would have to endure together, they would relish in the many more days of happiness they would share.