Wonderful Lies, Fruitful Truths

Zephyr paced around Big Mac’s bedroom, anxiously nibbling his thumbnail. His eyes veered to the jewelry box that lay on the bed. His jewelry box.

Why would Soarin give it back? If anything, Zephyr would expect Soarin to burn the thing. Did he really care that much? Zephyr shook his head. No, no, he couldn’t. Soarin was manipulating him; that’s what he was doing! Why would he possibly come all the way to Sweet Apple Acres just for a box? Not only did he bring the box, he apologized!

And the apology just felt so…sincere. Now that Zephyr thought about it, had Soarin ever apologized before this moment? Every apology before this point was much more sarcastic. Soarin had never meant any of those. But this…this felt…

“You coming down for dinner?” A bassy voice spoke. Zephyr nearly jumped from his skin, whipping around on his heels. To his relief, it was just Big Mac. He leaned on the doorway, his arms folded against his chest.

“Not now, I’m thinking.” Zephyr quickly dismissed, getting back to his pacing. Big Mac frowned, furrowing his brows.

“You’ve been in here ‘thinking’ for 2 days now.” He pointed out. Zephyr groaned, throwing his head back.

“Ugh, I know!” He clenched his fist, shaking them at the ceiling. Big Mac stepped into the room, gingerly shutting the door. The man looked at the jewelry box and back at Zephyr.

“This ain’t just about the box, is it?” Big Mac inquired. Zephyr sighed, plopping onto the bed. He rubbed his hands across his face.

“I think I miss Soarin.” He confessed, burying his head in his hands. Big Mac hummed softly, sitting next to Zephyr. It wasn’t really a judgemental hum; it was more of a ‘Go on, tell me more’ type of hum.

“I know he wasn’t perfect, but, like, who is?” Zephyr began. “When we were alone, he treated me with so much love. Soarin was just so…tender.” He gushed. He could practically feel Soarin’s gentle touch on his skin.

Zephyr’s gaze wandered to the jewelry box once again. He traced his fingers over the carvings.

“You know, it’s been a few days, and I still haven’t looked at the pictures,” Zephyr said, rotating the box in his hands. “Wanna see some?” He offered.

“Eeyup.”

Zephyr flicked the top open, pulling out the stack of photos.
Instead of being bound together by a red ribbon, it was purple. Had Soarin retied them? It sure looked like it. It came together more like a knot than a bow. Zephyr had nearly snapped off his fingers in an attempt to undo the knot.

Zephyr flipped a picture over, admiring it. The resolution was terrible, and there were specks of something on the lens. Even then, he couldn’t help but sigh whimsically. It was like looking back at his favorite memory. Just like every photo, Soarin looked upset, but Zephyr didn’t mind.

“This when we went to the beach.” Zephyr began. “Soarin hated being in the sand, but he still went for me.” He stared at the photo longingly. Big Mac looked between Zephyr and the piece of paper.

“You really miss him, don’t ya?” He asked. Zephyr looked at his boyfriend with wide eyes. He began to sputter over his words, trying to find an excuse.

After a few moments of needless noises, Zephyr sighed, flopping onto the bed. There was no point in lying. Big Mac could read him like a book.

“Is it that obvious?” Zephyr squealed embarrassedly. Big Mac gave a playful smile.

“Eeyup.”

“It’s just that…” Zephyr trailed off, putting his hand over his mouth. “Am I crazy for wanting to give him another chance?” Zephyr asked.

“Nope. It’s hard to get rid of old feelings.” Big Mac shrugged, lying next to Zephyr. He anxiously fiddled with his hands. Pictures weren’t enough. He needed to be with Soarin. He needed to be with him.

“Mac, would…you be upset if I wanted to date him too?”

Big Mac spared Zephyr a glance before shrugging.

“As long as it makes you happy, I’ll be fine with it.” Big Mac stated. “You can date the whole world, and I’d still be happy.”

Zephyr snorted, leaning onto Big Mac’s arm.

“When did you get so sappy?” He chuckled. Mac shrugged, leaning his head on Zephyr’s.

“I dunno.”

The pair basked in silence for a long while, enjoying each other's presence. Zephyr had to admit that Big Mac was the best thing to happen to him in a long time. He was just so kind and understanding.

“You gonna talk to Soarin?” Big Mac broke the silence. “It seems like you want to.”

Zephyr sighed. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he really did want to talk to Soarin.

He pulled out his phone, his finger hovering over Soarin’s contact. Zephyr had no idea why he had never deleted it. Maybe it was because he still held out a little hope. No backing out now. He clicked the contact, his fingers skimming across the keyboard.

“We need to talk.”

Soarin sat on the couch, anxiously bouncing his leg. His fists were pressed against his mouth, attempting to conceal his trembling hands. His breathing was quick and erratic, making it feel as if his lungs were going to explode.

Trenderhoof plopped on the couch, placing his hand on Soarin’s back. He rubbed small circles across his back.

“Deep breaths, Soar. It’s probably not that bad.”

“But what if it is bad? What if he wants a restraining order?”

“Why would he text you about a restraining order? If he hated you that much, couldn’t he just send it in the mail?” Trenderhoof reasoned. Soarin sighed, his bouncing leg slowing to a halt. Trenderhoof was right; he was being unreasonable. Zephyr probably just wanted a simple chat. Nothing more, nothing less.

The doorbell rang, instantly spiking Soarin’s anxiety. Oh geez, they were here.

“I’ll get it, don’t worry,” Trenderhoof reassured, hopping up from the couch. Soarin took a few deep inhales. He needed to look calm and collected.

Zephyr walked in, clinging to Big Mac's arm. He had a look of awe on his face, admiring the mansion. His gaze wandered to Soarin, who stood up nervously. Soarin shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to hide how sweaty they were.

“Zephyr, hi!” Soarin said, much too loud for his liking. Soarin looked at Big Mac. His arm was wrapped around Zephyr protectively. His expression was unreadable, yet his stare was hard. Soarin quickly looked down to his shoes, averting his gaze. Zephyr gave Soarin a pitiful smile.

“Zephyr, it’s so great to finally meet you!” Trenderhoof greeted, pulling Zephyr into a hug. Zephyr responded with an awkward pat on the back. Soarin loved Trenderhoof, but he really wished he didn’t hug people he barely knew. “Soarin over here talks about you all the time.”

A blush spread across Soarin's face. Trenderhoof was right, but he’d never admit it.

“Come in, sit down,” Trenderhoof instructed, pointing to the couch across them. “Vestine will be ready with the tea in a moment.” He said, pulling Soarin onto the couch.

The room was tense, and Soarin's heart pounded in his chest. He prayed that no one could hear it. Despite his nervousness, Soarin couldn’t stop himself from staring. Zephyr was just as beautiful as the last time he saw him.

“What brings you here?” Soarin asked, trying to make his voice sound steady. Zephyr let out an uneasy huff.

“I’m just gonna come out and say it.” Zephyr gripped his pants tightly.“Soarin…I still love you.” He confessed. Soarin’s eyes nearly bulged from his head, and his mouth gaped open.

“Really!?”

Zephyr almost wanted to laugh at the reaction. Instead, he simply nodded.

“We both know how you treated me in the past, but…but I’d like to give you another chance.”

Soarin couldn’t conceal his joy, a giddy smile forming. He couldn’t believe it! Was he dreaming? If he was, he wished to never wake up.

“But, we’re going to take it slow. No kissing and no physical contact. Not until I feel comfortable enough.” Zephyr instructed. Soarin quickly nodded.

“Of course! I promise I’ll treat you like the angel you are.”

Zephyr’s face flushed. He couldn’t help it! Soarin was just as charming as always.

Vestine strolled into the room, carting a tea set. They stopped, twirling the tray of tea. To everyone's surprise, none spilled.

“For you, sirs,” Vestine said, placing the tray onto the table between them. Soarin picked up the cup, enjoying the warmth in his hands. Today was a special day.

Zephyr was a happy man, and Soarin felt free.