“I want to apologize to all of you for getting so carried away with my...beautiful wings,” said Rarity to the rest of the Mane 6, “I guess I just lost my head.”

“It’s okay,” said Fluttershy.

“Oh, don’t worry about it, sugarcube,” said Applejack

“We still love you,” said Pinkie Pie.

“And I’m especially sorry that I was so thoughtless as to jump into the contest at the last minute after you worked so hard to win it,” Rarity said to Rainbow, “Can you ever ever forgive me?”

“Aw, it’s okay. Everything turned out alright, right? I just wish I could meet the Wonderbolts when they were awake,” said Rainbow.

A pony tapped Rainbow on the shoulder. She turned and gasped.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!”

Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot of the Wonderbolts were standing there.

“So you’re the little pony who saved our lives. We really wanted to meet you, and say thanks,” said Spitfire.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!”

The Wonderbolts walked off, with one surprising exception: Soarin.

“I wanted to personally thank you too,” he said.

Rainbow blushed a bit. She tried so say something back, but she was too flustered.

“Well, see you later, I guess,” he said before leaving. Little did Rainbow know, but Soarin was blushing a bit too, she just couldn’t see his blush because of his uniform was covering his cheeks.

Then Princess Celestia arrived.

“Princess,” said Twilight.

“Hello, Twilight Sparkle, and hello to your friends too,” said the princess.

“Princess Celestia, I am sorry I ruined the competition. Rainbow Dash here really is the best flier in Equestria,” said Rarity.

“I know she is, my dear. That’s why, for her incredible act of bravery and her spectacular sonic rainboom, I’m presenting the grand prize for Best Flyer to this year’s winner, Miss Rainbow Dash!”

The crowd cheered.

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!”

Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy picked up Rainbow to ride the wave. But after a few seconds they let her down.

“This really is the best day ever!”

“Uh, hey, Rainbow Crash,” said one of the bully stallions

“Dash!” corrected another of the bullies.

“Oh. Uhh...sorry. Rainbow Dash. Uhh, we just wanted to congratulate you on winning the competition.”

“That sonic rainboom was awesome!”

“Heh, thanks, guys,” said Rainbow.

“Uhh, we’re really sorry we gave you such a hard time before,” said the first bully.

“Aww, that’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”

“Hey. Do you want to hang out with us? Maybe you can show us how to do that incredible trick!”

“Sorry boys… But I’ve got plans!” Rainbow flew up to where to Wonderbolts were waiting. The three Pegasi then flew off into sunset.

About a month or so later…

The Mane 6 and Spike were all gathered around a table in the Canterlot Donut Shop. The Mane 6 all looked disheveled.

“That sounds like the worst night ever,” said Spike.

“It was,” said all of the Mane 6 at the same time.

“But I just hope Princess Celestia isn’t upset with us for ruining the gala,” said Twilight.

“That was the best Grand Galloping Gala ever!” said Celestia, conveniently entering the donut shop. Though how she knew Twilight and her friends were there is beyond my knowledge.

“Pardon me, Princess, but tonight was just awful.”

“Oh, Twilight. The Grand Galloping Gala is always awful.”

“It is?”

“That is why I was thrilled you were all attending. I was hoping you could liven things up a bit. And while the evening didn’t go as you planned, I’m sure you’ll agree that in the end it didn’t turn out so bad for this group of friends.”

“You’re right, Princess. Friends have a way of making even the worst of times into something pretty great.”

“Yeah! Hanging out with friends!” said Rainbow.

“Talking!” added Fluttershy.

“Laughing!” added Pinkie.

“You mean doing exactly what I wanted to do the whole time?” asked Spike.

“Yes, Spike. You were right,” replied Twilight.

“As horrible as tonight was…” started Applejack.

“...being together here has made it all better,” finished Rarity.

“In fact, it’s made it…” began Pinkie.

“The best night ever!” everyone finished. They all shared a laugh and Pinkie started up a conversation about cake.

A few minutes later, Rainbow Dash said, “I’m going to get some fresh air,” and exited the shop.

Only to bump right into Soarin outside.

“Hey, Rainbow.”

“Soarin? What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to talk to you, since we didn't really get a chance to talk at the gala. I’m actually sorry for that.”

“It’s alright. You were preoccupied with other ponies. I understand.”

“And, um, I wanted to ask. Would you, possibly, maybe, like to have lunch with me tomorrow?”

Rainbow blushed a bit. “Well, I-I-I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s alright if you say no. I-I realize I’m kinda putting you on the spot.”

“No, it’s alright. I-I mean, yes, I would like to have lunch with you.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

“So, maybe the Orange Cumulous Cafe in Cloudsdale?”

“I love that place!”

“Me too! So it’s a date? I mean, not a date-date, but more of just a hang out-date.”

“Heh, I understand what you mean. Yeah, it’s a date.”

“So, see you tomorrow?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Soarin flew off and Rainbow went back inside. Both of them were excited for their ‘hang out-date’.

Author's Note

Yeah, this chapter is rather unoriginal, and poorly written, but its whole purpose was to get the ball rolling and establish Rainbow and Soarin's relationship.