'Armless fun

AmputeeAnonxRainbowDash
Warning: May contain angst, Amputee jokes, Britishness

>“Anon, what are you doing?”
“Making Coffee”
>“It's Four o'clock in the morning, why are you making coffee?”
“Because I've lost control of my life.”
>That's how you'd imagine the conversation would go, if there actually was anyone left in the house.
>And it's not as if losing control of your life is any new development
“I mean, I'm Eighteen and I'm already weighing the pro's and con's of just shutting off my brain”
>Great now you're talking to yourself
>You reach for the mug of instant coffee you made and swear.
>Right, wrong arm.
>With your left arm, you pick up the coffee and stare into space
>Gee brain, what are we going to do today?
>Same thing we do everyday Voice in my head
>Fuck all at school, fuck all at home.

>Might as well get dressed at least.
>It takes you about half an hour to get your clothes on and washed as usual.
>You lock up the house, checking your watch once you put the keys back into your pocket
>”4:57”
>Fuck my life
>24 hour garage is probably still open
>So you make your way there.
>So glad you don't get ID'd here.
>Pack of cigarettes for the next four days and a beer before school.
>Whilst walking past the pumps, you spot a familiar shape.
>Huh. What she's doing up so early.
>“Anon?”
>Shit. She spotted you.
“Dash”
>Be as curt as possible. You're still barely actually concious at this point
>She's noticed the six pack of beers in the bag, and the pack of cigarettes in your shirt pocket
>You can't help but notice the saddened look in her eyes that passes as soon as it's arrived
>“How did you...”
“Figured that there can't be that many people under 21 with only one arm. 'Sides, I've always looked ancient”
>She doesn't quite know how to respond for a few seconds, and so the two of you awkwardly stand in the street for a few seconds.
>“Need a hand?”

>God damn does that question annoy you.
>You stop short of saying “no shit” and just swallow your pride.
>You need a cigarette anyway
“Sure. Can you carry this for a second?”

>You pass her the bag with the beer in it and place a cigarette in your mouth with your left hand.
>As the two of you walk slowly away from the garage you reach into your pocket and light it, putting the lighter away.
>Glad it isn't windy, you had nothing to shield it
“What are you doing up at this godforsaken hour in the morning?”
>“I'm going to the gym.”
>You look her up and down, noticing the tracksuit bottoms and plain black top. Makes sense.
“Should've guessed.”
>“What are you doing up?”
“Couldn't sleep.”
>“And the beer?”
“Parents are gone for two weeks. Figured I'd drink on my own after school”
>At least she didn't ask about the cigarettes, but after 5 years you'd think she'd be used to them
>“You want to come with?”
>Well. That was unexpected.
>You grin, more out of pity then anything else
“And do one handed curls? Pass”
>For a few moments she doesn't say anything. God, it didn't used to be this awkward
“You don't have to walk me home, I can carry my grocery's”
>She also says you can't, and part of you dares her to.
>Oh cripples are so strong, they can do big boy things all by themselves
>“Sure.” She says, obviously hurt
>You don't need this emotional crap before school. That's what staring moodily out of the window supposed to do.

>“You know Anon, you don't have to drink on your own.”
>Sure, lets hang out. Hey, we can play catch and baseball and ride bikes and do all the things I used to do
>Oh right, the arm
“Yes I do. Besides, this is adult stuff. You're still squirt to me.”
>“Oh look at me, I'm so big and mature because I'm one and a half years older then you. Like a broken record you are.”
>You almost grin at that. At least Dash didn't stand on eggshells all the time.
“One day you'll be older then me Squirt.”
>You do that annoying Head pat thing she's always hated, making her face go red with what must be anger
>It feels shockingly good to talk to another person. Feels like I haven't done that in years.
>You've reached the “Crossroads.” Either she walks you to your front door, carrying your things and helps you like the good little guilt ridden person she is
>Or you tell her to scoot along and have a life
>I mean go to the gym. No larger metaphor at play here nosirree
“Well, thanks for the help.”
>You almost snatch the bag out of her hands and make your way down your street.
>“See you in class?” She asks.
>Better not answer that.

>You're sat in the library
>After all, it's Gym class, and you've got the best excuse out of anyone in the school to skip it
>Other than that kid in the wheelchair two years below
>Not important
>Fuck Chemistry. Covalent bonds can eat a dick
>Or bond to it.
>Whatever, fuck Chemistry text books.
>You take a look around the library, just to take your mind away from study
>Two kids in the lowest year staring at you. Perfectly normal
>and a purple clothes wearing nerd with about sixteen text books on her desk.
>You vaguely remember her as the transfer student that's friends with Squirt.
>The eggheaded one
>You return to your textbook just as she looks up from hers
>huh. Is it me or is turning a page and writing at the same time difficult?
>Oh yeah, it fucking is with one arm
>Bollocks

>You barely notice the person sitting opposite to you on the table
>“Anon?”
>You look up from doing nothing but stare at the pages and notice that Purple smart is now sitting opposite you
“Do we know each other?”
>Code for “Please go away, I'm pretending to be busy”
>“I'm Dash's friend”
“Dash has many friends”
>At least, you think she does. Can't think why not, she's a good kid
>Poor girl has no idea how to respond to that.
>Good, maybe I can pretend to study in peace.
>“You and Dash are friends right?”
>God damn it
“Eh.”
>Good answer anon.
>“What does that mean?”

>Crap
“It means that I'm pretty anti-social”
>“Is that because of your arm?”
>Holy crap you didn't even try to sugar coat that
>You grin
“No shit”
>You can tell a million possible words and sentences are running through her head
“What brought on this line of questioning?”
>She looks away for a moment before returning to look at you quite seriously
>“She's worried about you.”
“People have been worrying about me for five years, that's nothing new.”
>“She said you're drinking on your own”
“Been doing that for three”
>“She said your smoking”
“Five. It's shockingly easy to get cigarettes in hospital”
>“She said you were up at five in the morning”
“All right, that one is new. But Coffee is a hell of a drug”
>“Look, I've read about destructive behaviour, and your clearly...”
“Yep”

>“Excuse me?
“Absolutely. Smoking and drinking on my own are fun. No reason to stop”
>“You... Your behaviour is clearly a cry for attention.”
“Nah. Never liked the limelight. I just enjoy those things.”
>“There are people who care about you.”
“Eh, they'll be fine.”
>“Your downward spiral effects them too.”
“Are you trying to guilt trip me or something? Usually girls wait until their third date for that kind of behaviour.”
>she doesn't say anything.
“Look... What's your name?”
>“Twilight Sparkle”
>Man, the hippy revolution of 67 really fucked up nomenclature
“Right. Anyway, I'm fine. I don't know why you care, and frankly I don't know why Squirt does either.”
>“Squirt?”
“You know? Cause she's younger than me? And shorter?”
>She still looks confused.
“Rainbow”
>“oh”
“Anyway, I'm a big boy. I can look after myself.”

>With that, you begin to ignore her and focus once again on your text book, motioning to flip the page whilst you write something down with your left hand
>Oh. Right.
>She leaves soon enough. Going back to her mountain of textbooks


>Last Period was always fun on a Monday, not that you'd ever admit it
>Being one of three guys that picked this subject had something to do with it, at least, that's what you'd say if anyone asked why you picked drama
>Why Dash picked this class on the other hand you had no idea
“You know, it's always bothered me.”
>“What's that Bandit?”
>Heh, one armed bandit. I can appreciate that
“Why did you pick Drama? You clearly can't stand all this acting rubbish and you never do any of the plays.”
>“Um.... I...”
>Always very eloquent that girl
>“Why'd you pick it? Not much call for a one armed actor, and you're not that good.”
>You grin. Nice deflection
“Cause I'm one of three guys here, and Pokey is gay. So that leaves two of us”
>She looks pissed.
“Oh come on. Don't look at me like that, you knew I was an arsehole 12 years ago.”
>“It was slightly less obvious when you were six”
“There was that time I broke your leg pushing out of that tree-house”
>“There was that time I stole your brand new Motorola Razor and broke it”
“How about the time I lost my...”
>Oh.
>You let the words hang awkwardly in the air. We both had agreed, at some point, that we wouldn't talk about that
>Suddenly, your right arm itches
“Let's just get on with drama eh?”
>“Sure anon”
>Wow, you can hear the hurt in that voice
>Too bad you don't actually give a shit

>Finally school is over, you quickly leave, ensuring you get out before Squirt can catch up to you
>”Anon!”
>Shit. She moves fast
>Well yeah numbnuts, she's an athlete, you're a cripple
>“You're not going to watch me play soccer?”
“Squirt, when have I ever gone to one of your games?”
>“Five years ago.”
>Seems like everything was five years ago nowadays
>That's a bizarre sentence
“Dash, I've got homework I've got to do.”
>“When have you ever done homework early?”
>Heh. Got you there
>“Look, just once, do you want to do something other then mope about in your lonely house?”
>No
>Yes
>Maybe
“I...Don't know”
>“Sorry?”
>Don't mumble Anon
“One game?”
>Dash smiles more brightly then you've seen in a long time
>“One game.”

>It annoys you that this is called Soccer in this country
>Where you're from it's football.
>Sure you've lived here for twelve years but, y'know
>Also. You totally agree with them that this game is boring
>Like, as much as American football starts and stops every five seconds, at least the score moves past 1-1
>Rugby's all right, not that you can play it anymore, but...
>Oh shit Rainbow has the ball
>She's moving like a lightning bolt down the right side
>Fucking gliding past their defence
>You remember she was good, but in the last five years she's gotten really good
>A simple flick of her foot and the ball slams into the back of the net
>in the 87th minute, Rainbow finally breaks the tie. The crowd scream and clap
>You remember clapping
>Once
>Good times
>The next five minutes are boring safe defensive play by the rest of the team, but the game finally ends with a 2-1 victory to the home team
>Not bad

>“Didn't think you'd watch this Anon”
>You hadn't noticed Flash sitting two rows above
>You turn around
“Yeah, figured I'd give a hand filling up some seats.”
>You see him trying not to grin
>You turn away from him as you notice him standing up
>Oh god, he's sitting next to you.
>Fug, I hate socialising
>“I heard you can get alcohol.”
>Well that was unexpected
“Ask your parents real nice.”
>“I heard you have an empty house for two weeks.”
>Holy shit, is this guy spying on me?
“Think carefully about what you say next Flash.”
>Sure, beat up the star football player with one arm, that'll work.
>“Whoa man, calm down. I didn't mean that. Just that it's basically high school etiquette to have a party at your house when your parents are out of town.”
“I don't do parties.”
>“Come on man. How many parties have I invited you too?”
“How many have I gone too?”
>“It's the thought that counts.”
>You grin. Cheeky bugger
“Flash, I'm not doing a party at my house. I don't do socialising.”
>“Maybe you should man.”

“Yeesh, everyone is telling me that today.”
>“Yeah Twilight said I had to talk to you.”
>Ah, that's how it is.
“I had a chat with your girlfriend 4th period. Interesting girl.”
>“Apparently you're an asshole, but it's a favour for one of her friends.”
“Yeah, poor Applejack hates seeing me like this”
>“I thought it was Rainbow Dash?”
“Joke Flash. Applejack never liked me ever since I got into a fight with Big Mac when we were younger.”
>“Holy shit, is that how you lost the arm?”
>Now that was funny
>Your laughter brings a smile to his face.
“Nah man. I won. That's why Jack doesn't like me.”
>Well that isn't entirely true. You're just a bit too bitter for her taste.
>Do not say that out loud, that sounds stupid
>“Darn. Thought I had worked it out.”
>You look at the blue haired young man
“Do you seriously not know how I lost it?”
>Flash sentry looks embarrassed.
>“I asked Twilight about it, and she said it was between Dash and you to tell.”
“Bullshit, it's was in the paper five years ago.”

>Be Anon.
>Be thirteen year old
>Be playing with Rainbow Dash at the abandoned concrete factory

>Nope.jpg
>Not having a flashback now
>Save that for when you're drunk
>“Just consider it man. If you need help inviting people round, I can give a hand.”
>He winces as he realises what he said
>I roll my eyes.
“Not going to happen Flash.”
>You stand up and make your way off the bleachers
>May as well join the line congratulating Rainbow
>By the time you reach the exit to the changing room, there actually is a large crowd of people around her
>You feel someone grab you by your arm and pull you aside
>Ah.
>Shit.
>It's AJ

“I didn't do it.”
>That was a useful reflex to have
>“Not this time no.”
>Oh good.
“You all right?”
>“Since when do you make small chat?”
“Since when do I go to football games?”
>“This is soccer.”
>Fuck you
“You know what I meant.”
>“Dash said you're smoking again.”
“I never quit, just my parents starting trying to actually stop me now that I actually can buy them legally.”
>“You should listen to them.”
“I'm sure I'll agree with you when I'm older and no longer a stupid teenager, but till then.”
>“At least you're self aware about it.”
>You grin sadly
“Doesn't change anything.”

>“Well, anyway sugar, the reason I dragged you here is actually because of y'know what.”
>Ah cryptic messages
“I am not going to another satanic ritual.”
>Applejack glares at you
“Are we still not mentioning your short lived goth phrase?”
>“That never happened.”
>You had pictures that proved otherwise, but whatever
>“I'm talking about Dash's birthday.”
>ohhhh yeah.
“Shite, forgot about that.”
>“Some friend you are.”
>Well fuck you too
>You wave what's left of your right arm at her
“Proof otherwise.”
>That was harsh. You never held her responsible for that
>Before she can even say anything, you look suitably guilty for that.
“Sorry, didn't mean that.”
>She calms down
“I'll get her the same thing I always get her.”
“Don't. She was really hurt by what you got her last year.”
>Oh.
“What's wrong with Video games? I can't play them, might as well give them to someone who can.”
>“You know Dash isn't a boy right?”
“Yeah, since I was nine.”
>That was a weird summer
>“And she's not a kid anymore.”
“She's turning seventeen, not 21.”
>“She might want you, her oldest friend, to see her as something then a little brother who happens to be a girl.”
“I haven't treated her like that in years.”
>“Yes you have. The only reason that's died down is because you stopped actually hanging out ever since...”
>She points at your right shoulder.
>“You know.”

“She needs to move on from that day.”
>Applejack suddenly turns absolutely furious
>“SHE NEEDS TO MOVE ON!”
>A few people look round, including Dash
>Applejack leads you away from the crowd
>“If you think that...”
“Look, she needs to cut ties with everything that happened on that day and move on. Have a life.”
>“...What are you talking about?”
>You sigh
“I'm... At some point, she has to accept that I'm not going to be her bro again. I'm not going to be her friend that will ride bikes with her and fight with her and get underage drunk with her.”
>You scratch your right shoulder
“At some point... She's got to let me go.”
>“You... You think you're a bad influence.”
>You sigh
“I know I'm tying her down. I see it in her eyes. Every time she looks at me, she sees me that afternoon, screaming in pain.”
>“You're her friend.”
“So are a lot of people.”

>You begin to walk away.
>“Just... Promise me you'll buy her something nice.”
>You turn back to face Applejack
>A million thoughts and answers rush through your mind
>One last time
“Sure.”
>You make your way home, trying not to notice Rainbow Dash looking for you in the crowd
>You lit a cigarettes, distracting you from the overally social day you've had.
>Fuck high school
>At least You're on your own in the house

>It's about six o'clock in the evening when your phone vibrates
>No one ever calls you
>You awkward reach over and grab it, dropping your fork in the process
“Son of a... Hello?”
>“Sup.”
“How did you get this number Flash.”
>“Twilight gave it to me.”
>I'm sure that's not all she...
“How did she get this number?”
>“Dunno. Rainbow Dash?”
“Dude, I'm not your buddy guy. You don't have to...”
>“Nah man this ain't some intervention shit I need a hand.”
>Wait, seriously?
“You know I've only got one of those right?”
>“My parents are fucking pissed with me big time, I need a place to crash where they won't find me.”
“Ask that brown haired guy you're always hanging around with. Norman?”
>“That's the first place they'll look.”
>Son of a bitch.
“What's in it for me?”
>I'm going to say no anyway
>“$200”
“Say that again?”
>“$200.”
>Well. That changes things. I mean, I'm rude and all. But money is money, and it's difficult to get a job as a one armed high school student.
“You know where I live? And If you bring anyone else I'll call your parents.”
>“Yeah man, everyone knows where you live.”
>Creepy.
>You need to move out asap
“All right. You can crash. One night.”
>“Hey, thanks man.”
>He hangs up, and you can't help but think that this was a mistake.
>Fuck it, back to carbonara

>The doorbell rings at about 7:30
>Halfway through you watching Team America:World Police
>You lazily get up from the sofa and stretch your arm as you reach the doorway
>You open the door to, surprise, find Flash standing in the doorway
“Sup.”
>“Sup man.”
>He stands there awkwardly for a few seconds
“You wanna come in?”
>“Sure.” he says, dumping his bag of clothes and stuff in the hallway.
>God damn why did you agree to this
>Oh yeah, cigarette money
>“Sorry about this. It had to be someone my parents didn't know.”
“What'd you do? Kill a guy?”
>He looks away embarrassed
>“I...Eh. I got caught smoking weed.”
>you can't help but laugh at him
>“Shut up. Their super anti-drugs. There threatening to drag me out of school.”
“Dude, that sucks.”
>You make your way back to your sitting room and lay down on the couch
>Like a puppy, Flash follows you
“I'm not a pothead, but I've been smoking since I was thirteen. Parents didn't overly care.”
>“Wow. You're a lucky guy.”
“Well, there was a reason I was allowed.”
>He looks at where your right arm should be and puts two and two together
>“Oh. Sorry man.”
“Mate, don't worry about it. If I got offended every time people brought up the arm I'd stay in all day and post on tumblr or something.”
>You reach into your shirt pocket and pull out a single cigarette out of the pack.
>You place it in your mouth and franticly search both pockets for a lighter.
>Grinning, you turn back to Flash
“Got a light?”
>Flash smiles and grabs a lighter from his pocket.
>He motions to light your cigarette for you when you snatch it out of his hand
>You're a cripple, not retarded

>“You know that stuff will kill you.”
>You roll your eyes as you pass back his lighter
“That is the general idea.”
>Flash is confused by your cheerful tone
>“Huh?”
>You press play on the remote and lean back into the sofa
>“Ah man, I love Team America!”
>To be fair, who the fuck doesn't

>By the time the movie is over, it's nine o'clock
>You crack open a beer and surf through the TV, seeing nothing decent on
>“What console you got?”
“None.”
>“Oh, you one of those PC playing guys.”
“Nope.”
>”Wait, seriously? You don't own a video game console?”
“I don't own any video games.”
>Flash seems generally surprised by this
>”You might actually be the first guy I've ever meet that doesn't own a single video game.”
“How on Earth am I supposed to play video games one handed?”
>Godamn, people just keep forgetting that.
>There's fuck all on TV, you stand up to leave
“Couch folds out into a bed, pillows are in the cupboard at the top of the stairs, bathroom's to the right of that. I'm off to drink on my own.”
>Flash looks at you confused.
>”On your own? Why?”
“Because I'm good company.”
>Fuck off kid. Sleep and pay me $200, then get out
>“You know, somehow I doubt that.”
>As he says this, he reaches into the backpack he was carrying and pulls out a bottle of vodka.
>You smile
“And I thought it was difficult for you to buy alcohol.”
>”Swiped it as I left.”
>Noice.png
>You sit your arse back down, grabbing a shot glass seemingly out of nowhere
>”You're going to drink It neat?”
“What are you? Twelve? Of course I am.”


>It's eleven O'clock
>You've been drinking shot after shot for two hours now.
>It might be starting to affect you
>“I mean, if you died your hair blonde and wore sunglasses, you'd basically be Kazuhira Miller.”
>Fucking drunk people
“Who the fuck is Kazihura Miller?”
>”He's a... Oh right, shit.”
“Video game character? Fuck's sake Flash, I thought you were supposed to be a jock.”
>“Don't tell anyone I'm a nerd.”
>Man, he sounds close to tears
“Calm down Flash, your secret's safe with me.”

>It's now one O'clock in the morning
>You've used up the crate you bought that morning and are now onto some Vodka you just bought from the garage
“I mean, sometimes I forget it's gone man.”
>”That must suck. To suddenly realise something so integral to you is gone.”
“I still get Phantom pains, like, a feeling about something that's no longer there.”
>”I get it too man”
“Yeah man, I bet. But one day they'll uncancel Young Justice”
>”Here here!”
>Of course, your paraphrase what the two of you actually said, since at that point it's mostly barely intelligible moans and groans
>At least you drank more then Flash, despite technically weighing less them him
>I mean, you should, since your pretty in shape and, you know, missing some of your body
>”Seriously though you mind if I ask?”
“About my arm? Go ahead.”
>”What's it like?”
>Huh. That's a new one.
“It's... It's like wearing a pair of socks with holes in them.”
>”That has to be... The stupidest thing I've ever heard.”
“Fuck you man.”
>”Fuck you.”
>The two of you grin as you lay down in the grass

>”You know, you're an alright guy anon.”
>Well, that was weird
“I don't swing that way buddy. I'll never be drunk enough for that. Pokey maybe, but you?”
>Flash laughs
>”God damn your an asshole.”
>You grin.
>”I mean, once you get past the ridiculous amount of self loathing you have, your just a sarcastic pessimistic fuck who really can hold their liquor.”
>That... Was unexpected
“Ugh... Thanks? You know, I thought you'd be much more of an arsehole too.”
>”You thought I was an asshole?”
“Course I did Flash, I think everyone is a twat.”
>”What's a twat?”
>You burst out laughing
“Fucking Americlaps.”

>Man your head is fucking killing you.
>Sunlight doesn't help matters.
>Also, why the fuck are you outside sleeping on the grass.
>You groggily sit up, which takes about five minutes given your condition and only using one arm.
>You see Flash huddled in the fetus position
“What fucking time is it.”
>You here Flash vaguely mumble “Kill me”
>You take a look at your watch
>8:44
>Oh shit.
>You slap Flash in the face
>”AGH! What was that for.”
”You brought your car here?”
>”Yeah man. What...”
“We need to go. Right now.”
>Flash groggily sits up, looking at you, half tired half annoyed.
>He looks at his phone.
>His eyes widen.
>”Oh crap.”
“Yeah, forget getting washed, let's fucking just go.”
>The two of your stumble onto your feet, almost falling over again due to your collective massive headaches.
“All right. We can crawl towards your car.”
>”Can you drive?”
“I have one fucking arm Flash.”
>”Right, sorry.”
>It took the two of you three minutes to crawl on your bellies towards the car.
>You clambered with great difficulty into the passenger seat whilst Flash had a slightly easier time climbing into the driver seat.
>You grab a pair of sunglasses from the dashboard, and pass another to Flash
>The two of you place the glasses on your heads, and it does a good job blocking your headache
“It's three miles to school, I've got three quarters of a pack of cigarettes, it's really bright, and we're wearing sunglasses.”
>Flash turns to smile at you
>”Hit it.”


>Your head hasn't moved from this desk all period
>It's not comfortable, but moving it would hurt more then the crick in your neck slowly developing
>That pink girl that's friends with Dash won't shut up, talking to the shy one in her friendship group
“Pinkie, I will pay you one hundred dollars to be quiet.”
>She didn't hear your strained mumbles and keeps talking shy girls ear off.
>Fuck her
>Fuck this
>You need coffee

>Period 2 wasn't much better
>Fucking history was already boring enough
>Trying to stay concious enough to get some work done was pretty fucking difficult
>You look over at Flash, who is carefully staring at the ceiling, still with his sunglasses on
>He looks over at you
>You motion shooting yourself in the head
>He nods
>Glad we're on the same wavelength

>The two of you decide to skip Period 3 and throw up outside school
>Hangover=cured
“Fuck me. That was awful.”
>”I'd say never again, but we both know that that isn't true.”
>The two of you sit down on a nearby bench
>You offer him a cigarette.
>He declines, and you light it

>The two of you are slumped on the bench for a few minutes before you notice a familiar women walking towards you
>Shit
>Principal Celestia is standing in front of you, agitatedly tapping her foot
>”Having fun you two?”
>Well, there goes getting away with it.
“Lovely weather we are having?”
>Flash gulps

>”I wouldn't be so annoyed if this was only your first time.”
>Don't say that's what she said, that was awful
“Ugh... Muh arm?”
>Thanks sarcasm
>”I'll get to you later anon.”
>She turns to Flash.
>”And you. Flash. I'm appalled. I thought you were better than this. I'm going to have to call your parents.”
>You have to do something.
>Flash looks absolutely horrified.
“His truancy was my fault Ma'am.”
>Celestia turns to you
>She raises a single eyebrow at you
>Is it weird to find her really attractive?
>Think about that later Anon
“I was feeling faint, and Flash helped me get some fresh air. I was having a panic attack.”
>She keeps her single eyebrow raised.
>”Yes, smoking is a well known cure for Panic attacks.”
>And I thought I was sarcastic
>”And you Flash. You agree with Anon's story that the two of you skipping class had nothing to do with the fact the two of you were clearly hungover this morning?”
>Flash looks shiftily side to side
>”Ugh... Yes sir.”
>She rolls her eyes.
>I want to fuck that...
>”All right. I won't call your parents. And you Anon. After school detention. We don't allow students just to walk out of lessons without them notifying a teacher.”

“Well that could've gone worse.”
>”Dude, we could've been expelled.”
>Man, Flash is such a dork. Who knew.
“Calm down. You got away with it.”
>Flash turns to you.
>”Thanks man. If you hadn't come up with all that bullshit back there I would be in deep shit.”
“I knew there was more than one reason I took Drama.”
>The two of you very very lazily make your way back to class.
>”Dude, I hate to ask, but can I crash again at your tonight?”
>Fucks sake
>”Sure man. Don't need another $200 either.”
>Though $400 does mean another really good “I'm going away forever” present for Dash
>Fuck you almost forgot that was this Friday

>”Bollocks.”

>Lunch time. Usually a time for solitude and glaring at people trying to sit at your table.
>Instead, you've been dragged by Pinkie Pie to sit with the girls.
>At least Flash is in the same boat, though I doubt he'd complain as much as you are internally
>”And then Miss Mayor was an absolute darling and gave me some helpful tips with manifesto writing.”
>God damn Rarity, I know your parents are from Idaho.
>”Dude, you've hardly touched your food.” Said Dash.
>You smile
”Not especially hungry Squirt. It feels as if my stomach is slowly devouring itself.”
>”Yeah, Flash told us about you two's little drinkathon.”
>You face palm
>Fucking hell, now it's time for a load of “Anon, maybe you have an alcohol problem.”
>”I can't believe you actually made friends with someone.”
>She whispers this into your ear.
>And man, that was fucking unexpected
“I don't have friends Squirt.”
>”And what are we then?”
>Was it me or did that sound bizarrely hopeful?
>I'ma going to ignore it
“Duh. You're my beard Dash.”
>”What? How am I you're facial hair?”
>Fucks sake, your wit is wasted on people
“It's a term about... Never mind.”
>You go back to picking at your food.
>One day School Lunches
>One day
>”You know Flash, you really shouldn't be drinking on a school night.”
>Thanks Mum.
>Wait, that isn't directed at you?
>You look up from your made in china food to observe AJ playing Mother goose to another guy

>”Thanks mom.”
>Huh. Stupid minds think alike
>”You almost got in real trouble. I mean, you wouldn't want your parents finding out.”
>Flash turns to you.
>Wait, did he not tell Twilight?
“Hey, I talked him into it.”
>AJ turns her mothering laser sights on you
>”Why was Flash round your house anyway?”
>Oh shit.
>The entire table is looking at you as Flash frantically shakes his arms in terror.
>You shrug
“I needed help planning a party.”
>As you see Pinkie's face light up, you realise what you just said
>Oh fuck
>”Thank god! I hate that I have to arrange everyone's birthdays parties every year. That's seven, sorry, eight parties a year!”
>Wow. That was unexpected
>Also, hang on
”There's six of you.”
>”Silly Anon. We arranged your and Flash's parties as well.”
>What?
“I haven't done a birthday party in six years.”
>”Well yeah. I had to plan just in case though silly.”
>You had barely spoken to Pinkie since Rainbow introduced you to her when you were ten.
>Even as a happy optimistic kid with two arms you found her a bit much
>Now she's an unholy mix of a crystal meth addict mixed with one of those anti-drugs Assemby's
>Though you are pretty sure she isn't a meth addict

>Maybe Cocaine?

“Sure. Hey Dash, want your Party round mine? My parents aren't round, so we can actually have alcohol and stuff like a proper seventeen year old should.”
>Dash seems to be developing a blush
>”You...You of all people are fine having loads of people in a space few have come back from.”
>No. Obviously not
>Fucking hell Flash, you better have $200
“Sure. What's the worst that can happen.”
>Can I take Relapse for 400 please?
>”Thanks Anon. That actually means a lot.”
>Huh.
“Well, hey, don't thank me till it's happened.”
>You are about to say more when you hear... Nay, feel a rumbling that had not been heard since the dawn of man
>Something... Has awoken inside your stomach
>Jesus, how much alcohol did you have last night?
>More than Flash, that's all that matters.
“I've got to go.”
>You rush out, clutching your stomach with your one good arm.
>Shit, you left your bag there.
>No time.
>You can make it anon


>Be Six O'clock
>Finally able to just crash in front of the TV
>Flash is microwaving whatever he's having for tea
>Fuck.
>You have never arranged a party in your life
>And apparently you can't drag Pinkie into doing it for you
>Though given a Pinkie Party is still stuck in the “Pass the Parcel” stage of Party ideas maybe that's a good idea
>You make your way into the Kitchen and lean against a work surface
“Flash. How the fuck do you start a party?”
>Flash turns to you and shrugs
>Real helpful
>”Dunno. Invite a bunch of your friends, tell them to invite their friends and tell them to all bring alcohol. Then play some decent music.”
>Well shit.
>Fallen at the first hurdle
“And if I have no friends?”
>Flash looks at you oddly.
>”You have friends.”
>Here we go again
“Flash. I'm telling you. There's nobody I can invite.”
>Flash looks quizzically into thin air for a few seconds.
>”I have an idea.”
>Oh this'll be good.
>”You need some male friends Anon. You're a cool guy, you're just so god damn bitter that you refuse to try.”
>God damn it. The point of this party is to cut ties with people on a good note
>Fuck it
>What's the worst that can happen.
“What you got in mind?”

“So you're the star football player, one of the most popular guys in school and you play in a band?”
>”Yeah.”
“The the band you are in has the stupidest band name I have ever heard?”
>”What's wrong with Teen Satisfaction?”
>That was Flash's friend Norman
“That it's so... Boring?”
>”Okay genius, what's a good band name?”
>You think this over for a few seconds.
“Dunno. I've never really been in a band.”
>”Can you even play a musical instrument? Like, physically?”
>Of course not flash, most instruments need two hands.
“The Kazoo.”
>Man, you couldn't have said that more dryly
>You answer again a bit more honestly
“I can play drums.”
>The entire band, Which actually only consists of Norman, Flash and Berry Punch, stare at you like you punched them in the chest

>”Really?”

>”We actually lost our drummer due to lack of interest.”
>You shrug.
“I had to do something constructive with my time in the last five years.”
>”... All right.”

>It takes another twenty minutes to bring your custom drum kit from your house to the garage you were practising in
>”Play.”
>You crick your neck and roll your shoulder.
>You pick up a single drumstick, no need to use the other in your mouth.
”Gimme a song.”
>”XYZ”
>You stare blankly at Flash
“Something that can be played by mortal men.”
>”Boston, more than a feeling.”
>Fucking easy.
>the others get ready as you lazily spin the drumstick in your hand
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSR6ZzjDZ94&ebc=ANyPxKoKdQ5b-uM4ZBWvx_zioZMcSPO8BMCivbycGLhvroXx4vF5TJa2Yxx-o3AKuSc84T2EOs0vlqk72IGJHjekASWXx5OkgA

>You're once again repeatedly spinning the drumstick in your hand as the others take a breath
>”Fuck me Anon. You weren't kidding.”
>”Jesus. You actually can drum.”
>You smile cheekily
“Not bad for a cripple.”
>Flash smiles as the other two wince
>Clearly not used to the jokes I guess
>”Still think our name is crap?”
>You grin.
“Absolutely.”
>”You want to join the band?”
“Not if it's name is bloody Teen satisfaction.”
>”Sure. But If we changed the name, would you join?”
>You grin.
“Why not? What did you have in mind?”
>It's now Flash's turn to grin
>”How does everyone feel about “The Phantom Pains?”
>Oh god that's cheesy
>Kind of hardcore though
>You notice the other two nod their heads
>After all, it's a better name for a rock band then “Teen Satisfaction.”
>You shrug your shoulder
“I can dig it. Do you kids still say that?”

>By the time Band Practise is over, it's nine Thirty
>You say g'night to Flash and lay in bed
>Man your head hurts
>Hope you don't get fucking Tinnitus

>4:00
>Fuck your sleeping pattern
>For a few moments you lay in bed, staring at the ceiling
>Why are we here? Just to suffer?
>Ignoring that thought, you carefully sit up in bed

>You begin the 45 minute task of washing and getting dressed with only one arm
>By the time you are done, you look at your watch.
>4:53
>You grab a pack of cigarettes from yesterday's shirt. 12 left.
>out of alcohol though
>Time to go to the 24 hour garage then
>You quietly close the door out, careful not to wake the sleeping Flash on the sofa

>One bottle of Smirnoff and a six pack of shitty American beer later, and you're out of the garage
>This is gonna be difficult to carry with one arm
>Checking your watch again.
>5:01
>As you leave, you spot a familial sight
>Squirt, making her way to the gym
>She waves, and you roll your eyes as you make your way over to her
>”Sup Anon.”
“Sup Squirt.”
>God she hates that nickname
>And it's evident on her face
>”You know I'm not your little sister right anon?”
>That's two people in as many days that's said that
“Sure.”
>”And that maybe... Nevermind.”
“As much as a wordsmith as always Dash.”
>”Fuck you Bandit.”
>Nice
>”Wanna join me at the gym?”
>You look down at your clothes.
>A cotton shirt with one sleeve tied off at where the Elbow would be and the other sleeve rolled up, and a pair of jeans.
>You've got some trainers on at least
“Sure. Why not.”
>Well, like a billion reasons.
>Like you're not dressed for it
>Like no membership
>Like the fact that you only have a single arm!

>Well you're here now
>Currently on a treadmill
>You used to actually do a lot of exercise, you'd be really slacking off recently, and just relying on eating less to stay in shape
>The fact that you are running about 3/4s of Dash's speed may have something to do with It
>At least she let you drop off your alcohol and change clothes
>And the lady at the desk really didn't give a shit about your lack of card

>Fuck me, how long have you been doing this?
>You look up at the clock
>6:02?
>Good enough
>You begin to slow the machine down
>Dash on the other hand isn't accepting that
>”Come on Anon. If I'm running you're running.”
“If you make me keep running I will find my right arm and strangle you with it.”
>”It'd be so weedy you'd barely get it around my neck.”
>Fuck you
>I'm pressing the speed option
>I am not losing to Squirt
“Try and... Keep up.”
>You're a fucking idiot sometimes

>6:15
>Lungs dying
>Phantom pain screaming in your right arm
>Sweating from places you weren't entirely sure existed
>Rainbow dash barely panting, her face just a little flush
>God she's cute
>Where'd that come from?
>Can't stop.
>If you stop first, that's admitting Dash is better then you in something other then juggling
>You vaguely remember she's an actual athlete and that you're a mopy lazy bastard
>You can't do this anymore
>You rip off the thingy-abob that attaches you to the machine and press the cool down button.
>She's won this one
>As your legs finally slow down you breath in and out slowly
>You lost.
>To Squirt
>The machine gradually comes to a stop
>You step off the machine
>Your legs are practically jelly
>You make your way to a seat and watch Dash finally slow down as you gulp down a bottle of water
>You were close
>Or she was waiting for you to give in before finally calmly stepping off
>Whatever, let's go with I was close
>Less dignity destroying

>You lay on this seat
>God this chair is comfy
>Is it legal to marry this chair in this state?
>Better look that up.
>You open your eyes to see Rainbow Dash in front of you, her face slightly flush, one hand on her hip
>Down boy
>”You're pathetic.”
>Down boy.
>Wow I really do have a type.
“I try my best y'know.”
>”Yeah. I know.”
>That sounded a lot more melancholy then I expected
“You want to grab something to drink?”
>Dash's face goes a little more red
>”I don't drink before school.”
“For once, I actually meant water. I've devoured the bottle I brought with me.”
>She laughs

>Thank god this coffee shop is open at 6:30
>part of you feel sorry for the staff
>You look down to notice you're sill in a t-shirt and trackies
>Whilst you're drinking black coffee, Dash is drinking that disgusting iced coffee crap
>Liquid poison
“Liquid!” you mumble under your breath
>God you are a scatter brain at 6 in the morning
>”You all right Anon? You're mumbling to yourself.”
“What? Yeah I'm fine, just a little tired.”
>She smiles
>”Most tired lazy people don't get up at 5 in the morning.”
“Four Dash. It takes me 45 minutes to get dressed.”
>She looks away, but you don't need to see her face to know what's she's feeling
>Guilt
>God damnit, you told her enough times
>Hell, you told her when you woke up from surgery
>It wasn't her fault
“Dash. It's not your fault.”
>She looks your way
“I know you don't like me joking about it. And that you don't like me withdrawing from socialising.”
>You take a sip of coffee and continue
“But what happened that day five years ago was on me.”
>Dash looks shocked.
>She's about to open her mouth to speak, but you have to interrupt her
“Dash. I'm not going to change. I'm never really going to go back to that happy kid that used to play with you.”
>You sigh
“And... That's okay. I'm not your big brother. You said it yourself.”
>You take a large gulp of coffee

“Dash. We can't keep going on like this. You have to let what happened that day, and everything that happened go.”
>She looks heartbroken,
>You have to continue, for her sakes if not yours
“Dash... I think... I think after Friday, maybe we should... maybe you should forget about me.”
>It's like stabbing a puppy
>An attractive childhood friend who could easily beat the everliving shit out of, but still a puppy
>Attractive?
>”What the hell anon?”
“Dash. How often do you think about that day? How much does it hurt for you to see me... Slowly kill myself?”
>Dash looks shocked
“Because that is basically what I'm doing. Too much of coward to keep live, too cowardly to die.”
>”I...”
“I know what it's like. Every time I look at my arm, every twitch and itch I feel reminds me there's part of me missing. Gone.”
”Dash. You're a successful star athlete with a bright career ahead of her. I'm just some limey friend from childhood going nowhere.”
>”You think so little of yourself don't you?”

>Well duh
>”You think you're just some friend I can toss aside? You think that I'm supposed to forget why you lost that arm!”
>”I have nightmares about it! Nearly every night! Seeing you, laughing, being happy, that's the only thing that can help!”
“Dash, those things are never going to happen. I'm not...”
>”You're so full of horseshit. Just yesterday, you were buddying up with Flash. You were fucking socialising. You act all grumpy and depressed, and hell, maybe you are, but some part of you wants to be happy.”
>I don't want to be happy
>I want to be left alone
>”You hide behind a mask of cold distaste, but inside you is that same Anon I knew. Who'd fight Big mac one day and go to the Arcade with him the next. The Anon who'd go camping with me when I ran away from home just to keep me company. The Anon who lost his arm to save me!”
>Oh shit. She's close to tears
>You haven't seen her this bad in years
>People are looking around
>If you don't break her heart now, it'll just be worse
“Dash. I'm not the same anon that'd lose his arm for you. I'm... Just a guy.”
>You see her begin to cry
>You're not going to be able to salvage this, and you know this is for her own good
>You get up, chuck a dollar tip on the table, and walk away


>No one bothers you during first period, and you're not hungover for it
>So a perfectly normal Physics lesson it is
>I mean, Rarity keeps sneaking glances at you
>Angry glances
>But that's not your problem

>Second Period. Now The yellow shy one is taking glances at you
>Well, clearly they know about your conversation with Dash somehow
>It was for her own good
>God dammit, you need to focus on this
>Math's first, drama hopefully fucking never
>Well actually you like Drama class, but
>You knew what you meant

>You debate skipping third period
>It's only English, you can miss it
>Nah, Celestia won't buy some bullshit “Panic Excuse” a second time
>Actually that may have been your third time using that excuse
>You need new material
>You make your way to class
>Or try to
>A white arm blocks your path
>You follow it to find Rarity's incredibly pissed off face
“Ah Rarity. How's things?”

>So turns out you're skipping third period after all
>God damnit if you get expelled for this crap
“So. Been talking to Rainbow Dash or something?”
>”You never call her by her full name.”
>You shrug
“Just a guess.”
>”For your information no. A friend of mine works at the coffee shop. Dash isn't even in today.”
>Oh crap
>Well, you should've expected that
>”So. You're breaking up with Rainbow dash.”
“Breaking up? I think the term you mean is cutting ties.”
>Oh shit, that was not the answer she wanted
>”What. On Earth. Happened.”
>Well, now you're scared
>If anyone was a secret psychopath other then Pinkie and that shy one, it was Rarity
“Rarity. Look. The first thing you have to understand it that none of this is Dash's fault.”
>”I bloody well know that Anon, the only one at fault here...”
>You sigh
“I mean. None of This is her fault.”
>You move your left hand to your right shoulder
>”Oh.”
“Yeah. I could tell that seeing me like this... As a anti-social prick making his way to an early grave was killing her.”
“If I didn't make her hate me, she'd keep hating herself.”
>”Anon?”
“Dash is...Was my best friend. And she was just... Ridden with guilt. Still. After five years.”
>”So you tore out her heart to save her from... Her feelings of guilt?”
“Terrible thing, Good reasons.”

>The two of you share some cigarettes
>Almost up to fourth period
>Eh, you can skip it
“I mean, I've been friends with her since I moved to this country right?”
>”Sure.”
“But ever since I lost my arm... I couldn't really keep doing that. I smiled at her jokes and occasionally supported her, but once she made friends with you guys there was no real reason for me to keep pretending.”
>”But you did keep “Pretending” to be her friend?”
“huh?”
>”Just yesterday you offered to run her birthday party. Last week you waited for an hour as emotional support for her first ever job interview”
>”Hell, two months ago you stayed in hospital nearly 24/7 when she was recovering from flu.”
>Oh god.
>You stare into space
“She... She did the same for me. I was just returning the favour.”
>Nice justification pal

>Lunchtime
>You're not on school premises, being in the cafeteria at the same time would be fucking stupid
>You don't really need to eat anyway
>Someone sits next to you on the bench
>”So the girls are mighty pissed off at you.”
“Sup Anon, how are you? Oh not bad Flash, same old same old.”
>”What did you do?”
>You sigh. This is like the third time...
“I did what I had to do.”
>”Fuck it. Look, Anon, do you enjoy being an absolute A'hole to everyone you meet?”
“Flash. I like to be alone.”
>Flash sighs.
>”Fucking hell anon... Just... Fuck it.”
>Flash is getting his wallet out.
“What are you doing.”
>He hands you $200 dollars
>”Sorted things out with my parents. I'm going to grab things for your house and go home. Thanks for having me.”
>And with that, he leaves the bench, and you, alone.

>You're laying in bed. It's six o'clock
>You've got some music playing in your headphones
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NOabk7Lt2E
>Other than that, the house is dead silent.
>Nothing
>You are completely alone in your house, just the way you like it
>You slowly swing your legs out of bed and down the stairs.
>Free to do whatever you want.
>You grab a cigarette and light it
>You can drink and no one will be there to stop you
>Or help you
>You can play loud music on the drums for as late as you want, fuck the neighbours
>No one will be playing guitar or singing with you
>You can watch TV until the sun rises
>And no one will laugh along

>You can lie in bed and just stare at the ceiling
>You make yourself a cup of coffee.
>You aren't hungry enough for actual food, and cooking with one arm is difficult
>So you just stand there, leaning against a work surface, alternating between smoking and coffee
>This is the life.
>This is what you want. Peace, quiet and Vice.

>Be Anon
>Aged 6
>Total hours on a plane: 9.5
>Mood: Tired
>Scared
>Lonely.
>You've travelled all the way from England to America, leaving behind extended family, friends and familiar locales
>So whilst mum and dad unpack, you're sat in the grass on your new front garden
>You didn't have a garden in London.
>This is new

>And this little cul de-sac sucks
>You're completely alone
>”Sup new guy.”
>A girly voice trying to sound tough shakes you from your thoughts
“Huh?”
>”So your the new guy huh?”
>The girl with rainbow coloured hair just plonks down right next to you
“Yeah. Just moved here from England.”
>”Weren't those the guys that tried to invade us once?”
>I think that's half right. Never covered American history in reception
“Probably.”
>”Cool. I'm Rainbow Dash. What's your name?”
“Anon.”

>Be Anon
>Aged 8
“I'm telling you, you can't keep running away from home ever time your parents find out you got in trouble at school.”
>”Shut up. They aren't the boss of me.”
>You roll your eyes, checking the tent is properly set up
>You had nothing else to do this weekend, may as well spend it camping for the one day until Dash realises she's made a mistake
>Again
“Squirt, you ever think that maybe you should stop trying to beat so many boys up? It really sucks to be beaten up by a girl.”
>”Pfft. You would know.”
”One time Squirt. Look, I'm in the year above you, I can't look out for you all the time. Why did you start punching Norman anyway?”
>She looks away from you
>”He... He said you were a faggot.”
>You roll your eyes
“Because of the accent right? How does he even know what a faggot is?”
>She nods
“Squirt, I can fight my own fights. I've got two fists for a reason. You... I'm not ungrateful or anything, but I couldn't care less what a guy a year younger than me thinks.”
>Dash seems to be unhappy
“Right, except you Squirt. Your opinion will always matter.”
>She smiles
>You smile back
“So what food did you swipe this time?”

>Be Anon.
>Be thirteen
>Hospital sucks.
>It's cold, it's smells weird, usually someone is screaming in pain a few doors down, you're wired up to all these machines
>And you're now missing an arm
>Your right arm too. Your dominant arm
>At least you have a visitor

>It's the first time Squirt has seen you since it happened
>She looks absolutely depressed even as she walks through the door. She's obviously been crying
>Luckily your bed is facing so that your right arm is towards the window, not the door.

“Hey Squirt.”
>You try to sound cheerful.
>”Hey Anon.”
>God she sounds miserable.
>And she's just standing there
“Wanna sit down.”
>You point to the chair next to the bed, turning your body as you do so
>She gasps.
>Oh. She saw it huh.
“Dash. Sit down.”
>You never call her Dash. This is serious.
>She eventually does so
“So. How's everyone.”
>She's clearly holding back tears
>”fine. AJ and Big Mac wish you well.”
“Good. Good.”
>”And um... And um. Mum and Dad said you can come round to dinner once you're out the hospital.”
>You close your eyes and lean back into the bed
“Good. Thank them for me.”
>She bursts into tears
>Oh god. You can't handle crying girls.
>Squirt never cries.
>You lean out of bed, ripping off some monitor thing attached to your chest as you do so.
>And place one arm round her, placing your head on her shoulder
>She wraps both arms around you, still bawling her eyes out
>you stay like that for a few seconds when a nurse runs in, clearly you ripped off some telemetry thing
>You shake your head at the nurse, still one arm round Rainbow
>The nurse walks out as you whisper into Dash's ear
“It wasn't your fault Dash. Don't... Don't ever think it was your fault.”

>Be Anon
>Be Eighteen years old
>Clutching a mug of Coffee in a death grip, a dying cigarette in your mouth
>Alone

>You place the coffee on the worktop and run a hand down your face
“What have I done?”

>You're on your seventh shot of Vodka
>Three bottles of beer down
>You might be slightly tipsy
>And fucking tired
>Your head is on the table
>Unwilling to even move

>You wanted this. You want to drink and smoke your way to an early grave, and hurt no one when you go
>Sure, you're parent's will be obligated to care
>But as long as no one else worried, or minded, it was all right
>You had just been sleepwalking your way through life anyway.
>Hell, maybe you should take the fast route out
>Parent's aren't in town, you've said goodbye and burnt bridges with your oldest friend
>Can't be too hard

>A song comes on from your phone
>You thought you had taken off your earphones at some point, or maybe your internal conversation you were having with yourself was too loud to hear other songs
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufoHY2Ja7No
>You raise your head from the table
>You've been looking at this whole situation wrong
>It's not about being alone
>It's not about trying not to hurt people
>It's about trying to make them happy
>To not depress them with your life, with your existence
>But... you matter to people
>You've pushed and pushed them away, but some part of you can't let them go

>You've got to set things right.
>You've hurt your oldest friend, and pushed aside new ones
>No more

>A half planned, half awful idea forms in your head
>You've got two days
>You reach for your phone, tearing out the ear buds
>And hope to god that number is still there
>6:34-Monday 30th march
>You smile

>When you wake up, your head only slightly kills
>You look at the digital clock by your bed
>7:30
>Well, your sleeping patterns are improving at least
>You quickly throw on a shirt, some boxers and sock and a pair of jeans
>You reach for your mobile and call option three on speed dial

>”Canterlot High reception. If you wish to...”
>#1
>”For student absen...”
>#1
>”Please record your reason for absence after the tone.”
>You here a beep and begin to speak
“Hey. I've forgotten I've got a psych appointment this morning, and I'm afraid without my parents in town I wouldn't get back to School till at least 2:00. I'm afraid I'm going to need to take the whole day off. Sorry for the inconvenience.”
>You immediately end the call.
>Time to get to work

>You've never planned a party before.
>First things first. Alcohol
>Garage wouldn't have enough, and you need somewhere you can buy in large quantity.
>Usually it'd be tough to carry that amount, especially with one arm
>Luckily, you've got back up.
>”I can't believe you dragged me from School to help you buy alcohol.”
>You roll your eyes as you enter Flash's car
“What excuse did you give?”
>”Dead Grandma. Luckily she died before I was born and I'll never have to use it twice,”
>As Flash gets the car started, you turn to him.
“Flash. Thanks buddy. For doing this.”
>Flash turns to you.
>”What are friends for?”

>Enough Vodka to sink a Russian battleship
>Enough cheap beer to start a frat
>Enough wine for... Like four bottles, you didn't think you'd need much
>Thank god everyone is super fucking lazy about asking for ID from a one armed man
>And that no one wonders “How did he drive here?”
>You clamber into Flash's car as he starts the engine
>”So where next.”
”Music store. We still got $40 left and I haven't got a good sound system at home.”
>He nodded, and we drove away

>”That'll be $75.99
>So that's a iPhone enabled speaker, a cheap stereo and a bunch of CD's
>Could be worse
>You withdraw your debit card
>”You sure bro?”
>You nod. This would be worth it
>You type your PIN and walk out with the goods.

>Last stop
>Spend the remaining Forty Dollars on as much food as you can
>”So I was thinking the Phantom Pains could play at your party.”
>You're practically on auto pilot at this point
“Sure.”
>”You do realise you're part of the band now right?”
“I'll play one or two songs.”
>”I can bring amps and such.”
“Whatever.”
>”Something on your mind?”
>You remember what you had forgotton.
“Yes. Shit.”
>Dash's birthday present
“Take my keys. Chuck everything in the van inside, I'll sort it out later. Leave the keys under the mat.”
>”Where are you going.”
>You begin to take off in a sprint
“Haven't a fucking clue!”

>What in the hell would be a good present for Dash?
>Socks? Video Games?
>Out of the question
>Bollocks
>You haven't had to think about birthday gifts in years
>Usually you gave Dash the unopened Video Games you got from the one aunt who forgets you can't play them
>And that won't cut it

>Something takes your eye as you walk down the high street
>“Just... Promise me you'll buy her something nice.”
>Oh yeah. Something to remember you by
>You walk into the shop

>You awake with a start.
>What? That took you all night?
>You peel your face from what you were working on to check your watch
>7:00
>You smile
>Right on time
>Once again, it takes 45 minutes to get washed and dressed, as well as shave
>You're phone rings as you make your way out of the house
>”Yo. Dude, you didn't pick up last night.”
”Yeah sorry, I was busy working on something. Thanks for dropping all that stuff at my house.”
>”You need a hand setting up after school?”
“Thanks, That'd be appreciated mate.”
>”So, invitations have been texted. I've sent literally every student in the year the text. BYOB, as you said.”
“Good good. And the girls?”
>”that may take a little more work. I've told them quiet last minute party at mine.”
“You got a car large enough to take all seven of you?”
>”I can borrow my dad's jeep, so long as I bring it back before I start drinking.”
“Good plan. Okay, so I've got to lie low today.”
>”Yeah man, don't want the girls knowing what's going on too early.”

>Well that went bad.
>After first period, the plan of lying low fell apart
>Mainly because a certain blue and rainbow blur threw you into an empty classroom
>This is the last will and testament of Anon
>You leave everything you own to...

“Hello.”
>Great opening Anon
>”Hello? That's what you have to say to me.”
“Dash, I've skipped... Nine classes this week, I can't afford to skip...”
>”What the fuck is wrong with you!”
>Missing arm, Lingering PTSD, Depression, the fact you're a massive bastard
>You vaguely remember making that joke before
>”Why weren't you in school yesterday?”
>Now that was an unexpected question
>You think that at least deserves a half truth
>Let on too much and you ruin the surprise
>Too little and you leave your friendship in it's current #fuckingRekt state
“I was... Sorting some stuff out. I'm... Dash.”
>You touch her arm and she flinches
“I'm sorry. I really really am. I... I've not been a good friend. I tried to push you away under the guise of helping you, when really all I was doing was feeding my own self loathing and ego.”
>You sniff
“I've... Dash. Do you remember five years ago?”
>Dash looks puzzled as well as incredibly angry
>”What about it? You going to guilt trip me into not thinking you're the biggest asshole since Genghis Khan?”
>Someone's been doing their history homework
“Five years ago, in that hospital bed, I was terrified. I had no idea how I would live without my arm. I was terrified I'd never have a normal life. That I'd be reliant on other people until the day I die.”
>You sniff again
“I'd never be able to drive, or do a normal job as well as a able bodied person. I thought school would be impossible. I'll never play sports again. I'll never just go on a bike ride with my best friend.”
>Dash looks curious at what you're going to say.

“I was so terrified of relying on other people... On you and my family, on my friends, that I pushed them all away. I was so eager to prove I could stand on my own I forgot that people don't always need to.”
>You smile sadly.
“I forgot... To be me. I became this mask of self reliance and general “Leave me alone, I can take care of myself” that I forgot that I love hanging around with people. I enjoy being friends with people. Talking about... inane crap, just enjoying people's company.”
>You hug yourself with your left arm
“I..I'm sorry Dash. I'm sorry that I thought that you weren't a strong enough person to help me. That I was too stupid to realise I needed help.”
>You turn away.
“this probably isn't enough, but... If 12 years of friendship, no matter how crap a friend I was, ended how it did two days ago, I'd never forgive myself.”
>you begin to walk away from her
>An hand cluthces you by the shoulder
>You're spun around and land face first into her lips
>For one brief moment you are horrible confused
>The kiss ends shortly after you actually work out what's going on
>She runs out of the classroom


“What the fuck just happened?”

>Oh shit
>Oh crap
>That's not good.
>That...That makes a simple situation just a little more complicated.
>You run a hand down your face as you lean against a desk

>Be Rainbow Dash
>Be in the girls toilet, punching the mirror
“What the hell did I do that for!”
>You've just made the worst mistake of your life
>Anon finally opens up to you, finally admits he needs friends, that he still sees you as just a friend
>After everything he's said and done, you still love the mopy bastard

>It was just before the accident
>He was in the grade above you at the time, after the incident he was held back a year
>Despite the difference in age, you two were still best friends
>The two of you were sat in his front garden, just eating ice cream in the summer sun
“You remember the first day we meet?”
>Anon rolls his eyes, like the snarky bastard he is
>”Course. I had literally just moved into this house.”
>He runs a hand through his hair
>”I was... I never told you, but I didn't actually have that many friends as a young kid.”
>You smile
“You don't have many friends now.”
>He grins in return
>”Witty as always Squirt.”
>God you hate that name
>Sometimes you wonder if he sees you as just the kid sister he doesn't have
>I mean, he usually doesn't treat you any different from his male friends in his year
>But... That's what you want right?
“You ever think about the future?”
>He turns to you, a quizzical expression on his face, before turning back to the road.
>”Sure. I just don't know what I want to do with my life yet.”
>He turns back to you
>”What about you Squirt? Any ideas in that young head of yours.”
>You honestly think this over for a few seconds
>You never gave it much thought. You sort of just hoped things would stay the way they were forever
>”I don't know. I just hope yo... My friends are there with me.”
>He smiles, and wraps his arms around you
>”I'd never leave you Squirt. You're too much fun.”
>Your cheeks glow red
>You smile back

>Be Rainbow Dash
>Be Fifteen
>A drunk sixteen year old Anon is lying in your front garden
“What the hell are you doing?”
>”Can't get in my house.”
>God, he's slurring his words so badly
“How much did you have to drink?”
>he moves his arm off the ground to symbol something, before dropping his arm to the floor
>”Enough.”
“Enough?”
>”People ever tell you your pretty Dash?”
>What?
>Your checks begin to heat up
“You're drunk Anon.”
>”Doesn't detract from... the truth y'know? All anyone seems to go on about is your sports accomplishments.”
>He rolls onto his side so he's looking at you
>”But... You're a good looking girl Squirt. You should find somebody that appreciates you.”
>You look away to hide your blush
>Fuck it, he won't remember any of this tomorrow
>”Sorry... I mean, I shouldn't make fun of the fact you can't seem to get a guy.”
>You're mood immediately turns angry
“I'm not the one sat hear drunk of his ass without...”
>”I don't get it though. Surely someone has to bite the bullet and ask you? Right? They can't be all scared of you.”
>You aren't sure if you should be really insulted for that one
“People ask Anon. I'm just not interested.”
>A cheeky grin spreads across his face

>”Into girls huh? Nice.”
>You slap him
>”Ahaha. Yeah I deserved that.”
>Why is he only nice when he's drunk?
“It's not that. It's just... The right guy hasn't asked.”
>Anon's face lights up
>”So there is a guy? Knew you had it in you Squirt. Who is? Come on, I won't remember. Do I know him?”
>God damn Anon, why are you so stupid
“I don't know if you really know them anymore.”
>”Well that's vague? So an old friend huh?.... Is it Big mac?”
>You smile softly
>”No, it isn't big mac.”
>He looks annoyed
>”Thought I solved it. Damn.”
>He stares into space for a bit
>You decide to lie in the grass next to him
>”Whoever it is, don't wait too long. Guy's can be pretty stupid about that kind of thing.”
>Yeah no shit Anon.
“Thanks for the advice.”
>He focuses really hard on a random spot in the sky
>”One of us better find happiness.”
>You barely hear him, but it cuts you all the same

>Be Anon
>Bell has just gone for Lunch
>Apple Jack shares English with you
>Which is kind of Ironic in a weird way
>Checking to make sure the coast is clear, you grab her arm
>”Hey!... anon? What are you doing.”
>You let go of her arm and place a finger against your lips
“We need to talk.”

>The two of you walk until you're on your favourite bench outside of school
>You fall onto, still somewhat in shock
>”Err...Sugarcube? Y'allright?”
“Dash just kissed me.”
>AJ's eyes widen
>”Gosh darn it not now.”
>You look at her quizzically
>She rolls her eyes and sits down next to you
>”So...”
“All right. There I was, spilling my heart out...”
>AJ almost does a spit take
>”You? Spilling your heart out?”
>You sigh
“She deserves the truth.”
>Aj collects herself
>”What'd you say.”
>You scratch the back of your head awkwardly
”That I... I need people. That I don't want to be alone. That I needed... her.”
>”That... Might explain tha' kiss.”
>You rub your hand down your face
“Only if she had feelings for me. I destroyed our friendship on... why are you looking at me like that?”
>”Oh boy. Anon, it's time you learnt about the birds and the bees.”
“Jack, I know what sex is.”
>”You see, when a girl and a boy...”
“Please stop. Is that what you tell Applebloom?”
>AJ cracks a smile
>”Anon, Dash has fancied you since she were about 12.”
>It's your turn to do a spit take
“What the hell?”
>AJ rolls her eyes
>”Oh. I'm too tomboyish to admit I have girly feelings for my best friend.”
>Man AJ's falsetto is good
>”Egh... I'm too manly and depressed and deep to look past myself for five seconds and realise a girl clearly loves me.”
>Her impression of me could use some work though

“Dash... Dash isn't some blushing shy girl. If she fancied me she'd...”
>”Howdy! Do you not think it's scary to ask your depressed best friend if he wants to date you? What if he sinks into depression? What if he needs a friend more then a lover? Plus, you know, Dash's phobia of failure mixed in with her overall guilt complex surrounding you.”
>Man, AJ should look into becoming a psychologist
“Let's say I believe you. Let's say Dash fancied me. Why the hell?”
>AJ groans and clutches her head in both her hands
>”Gosh darnit why do I hang around with you idiots.”
>”Gee I don't know, maybe because you were her first friend. Maybe because no matter what you always try to put others before you, even if it is to feed your weird self loathing. Maybe it's because you're not that bad looking.”
“I've got one arm Jack.”
>”Oh I hadn't even got there yet. Maybe it's because your older then her by a little and that's attractive. Maybe because you've got that whole tortured damage soul crap people like Rarity read about in their romance novels.”
>Sure. Just Rarity. Better hide my copy “Love in a time of Tuberculous” before the party tonight.
>”Or perhaps, and this is just a guess, that maybe it might have something to do with tha' fact that you'd RISK LOSING YOUR FUCKING ARM TO SAVE HER!”

>Oh shit
>That... Might explain a lot
“Umm... I see you've put a lot of thought into this.”
>”I've tried to set her up with other guys. Hell, we got all this information out of her at a slumber party like... A year or two ago.”
>You grip your head in your hands
“Fuck me I'm stupid.”
>”Glad you're finally admitting it.”
>You slightly slap AJ in the back of the head as you sit up in the chair
>”So. What do you think?”
>huh
“huh?”
>”What do you think about Rainbow Dash?”
>Well.
>How do you answer a question like that?


>You open your eyes
>You were sleeping on... a metal grate?
>As you use both hands to push yourself onto your feet, you try to work out were you are
>”Anon?”
>You look ahead to notice Rainbow dash
“Dash? Where are we?”
>You take a better look around
>Concrete walls, abandoned pieces of machinery rusting away. If you didn't know any better you'd guess it was...
>Your eyes open wide
>Oh no
>Not here
>You breath quicken
>You place your head in your hands.

>You aren't here
>You can't be here
>”Anon? What the hell is that?”
>You remove your head from your hands to see Rainbow pointing at something behind you
>Slowly, you turn around
>A hulking great humanoid beast, black as night, with one misshapen arm, leaking smoke stands behind you
>It's red eyes settle on you
>You're in a dream. Nothing can hurt you
“Run!”
>You run, grabbing Dash's hand as you do so, running along the catwalk, just to get away from the beast

>You pass through a door, only to find more catwalk in front of you
>Risking it, you take a glance at the beast
>It's gaining on you
>You sprint, Dash keeping up with you easily
>Despite her being faster then you, she isn't letting go

>You hear a scream of pressure being relieved from metal
>Something grabs your right hand
>You here the creak and snap of metal beneath your feet
>Your stomach sinks as you fall though the air


>You stop after only a few feet
>You look up to see rainbow, holding on to your left hand for dear life
>You look below, to the empty abyss, and the black monster holding onto your right
>It looks into your eyes, with a burning hatred
>A familiar hatred
>Your hatred
>”I can't... hold on much longer!”
>You try to shake the monster off your hand, try desperately to make it let go of your arm
>You know it won't let go.

>You have a choice.
>Either Dash let's go, saving herself
>Or
>Your turn to the beast.
>It stares into your eyes
>You know what is there
>Lonely. Vice. A familiar, dull pain
>You look into Dash's eyes
>You don't know what lies in them
>It could be anything

“Dash.”
>She stops struggling and looks into your eyes
“Don't let go.”
>You relax.
>The pain in your right arm is enormous
>It's just like that day
>Five years ago
>You look down
>Your right arm is crumbling to dust in front of your eyes
>The beast is desperately trying to hold on.
>But there is nothing there
>It falls, further and further into the black
>You look to where your right arm should be
>And there is nothing there
>You close your eyes and sigh
>When you open them, you look up and help Dash pull you from the edge of the hole
>You lay there, panting for a few seconds
>You turn to Dash

>You awaken with a start.
>God dammit, rest your eyes for one second and you start having...
>Was that a nightmare?
>You look at your watch
>4:30
>And smile.
>Time to prepare for this party

>Flash, Norman and Berry were busy helping you set up the band equipment on the “Stage.” Out in the garden
>”It is supposed to be good weather tonight right?”
>You nod
>”Thank god.”
>Flash looks at you and signals for you to head back inside the house with him.
>You nod, then shrug your shoulders at Norman, who shrugs back
>You make your way down the garden and meet Flash
“sup?”
>”You sure you don't want to come with to pick the girls up?”
>You smile a wry smile
“That's not for like, 2 hours. Trust me. I'm fine.”
>The two of you walk inside. Past the table outside filled with food and alcohol.
>Inside, in your sitting room and dining room, is one kickass sound system, and a clear space for a dance floor.
“My room locked?”
>Flash nods
>”Valuables hidden?”
>He nods again
>”Bought some spare buckets?”
>Flash laughs and nods
>”That's some forward thinking.”
>You smile.
>You reach for your pack of cigarettes in your shirt.
>You hold the box in your hand.
>You chuck it on the table and follow Flash into the hallway

>”Yo. You good”
>You get the meaning
“Yeah. I'm good.”
>Flash smiles
”So, remember the plan?”
>Flash rolls his eyes
>”Spend an hour there, offer to take the girls out to a restaurant, come here instead. Yeah I know.”
>You smile.
“Jack already knows about this, so she'll help.”
>Flash grins
>”Actually, I was talking to Jack after lunch.”
>You turn, trying to hide the surprise on your face
>”I'm glad you made the right choice.”
>You grin in response.
“So am I.”

>You're sat on the table, drinking a few beers with Berry Punch and Norman
>Quick glance at your watch
>8:05
>People are going to start arriving soon
>Flash left about twenty minutes ago
>”So I say to Flash “Cheeki Breeki iv nu damke!” And throw the baseball right at his stupid head.”
>You burst out laughing, as does Berry Punch
>The doorbell rings
>Berry tries to stand up, but you wave your arm as you get off the chair and make your way to the door.
>you open the door
”Yo, welcome to casa Anon.”
>”Dude, I didn't know you even ran parties.” Said a boy and a girl couple whom you had no idea who they were
”What can I say.”
>You shrug your shoulder
>”Whoa! That is a lot of alcohol!”
>You smile.
>Oh yes indeed

>Currently you're talking to some girl named Trixie
>Apparently she's some kind of magician
>huh
>Third person is a little weird though
>”Trixie understands that 90% of all magic is in selling it to the audience. It doesn't matter how fast your hands are, how complex the trick, if you can't convince the audience to suspend disbelief for a moment, the illusion fades completely.”
>Well, she knows her stuff
“Most people I know learn a few card tricks then constantly flaunt them off to seem interesting.”
>You point to some guy in a fedora trying to show off a card trick right there in the garden
>”Absolutely. Trixie is a real magician though. Say, do you do anything... Dramatic?”
>You shrug your shoulder
“Well I do actually do Drama at school. Oh, and I joined a band like 3 days ago.”
>She seems rather surprised by this
>”Wow. What instrument do you play.”
>You finish off your Vodka and Coke
“Drums. We are actually playing here tonight.”
>”Drums. Wow. That must be difficult given...”
“The fact I'm tone deaf?”
>Your face has a cheesy grin plastered all over it
>She laughs
>”Ahah. Exactly Anon.”
>Someone shouts “BEER BONG!” and you almost visibly see Trixie's ears twitch
“Go ahead, I've got to make a call.”
>She shoots you a smile as she leaves, shouting something about how the great and powerful Trixie is the best at beer pong
>You check your Watch
>8:43
>You smile, telling people to arrive at seven did wonders for starting the party at eight

“Flash.”
>”Hold on girls. I've got to take this.”
>Flash is speaking away form the phone, and you can barely hear over the music at the party
>”Sup dude.”
“Party has started. The Phantom Pains need their singer.”
>”All right man. Remember, I've got to go back and change car.”
“I've got a table blocking a car parking space on the green out front. Me and Norman can move it before you arrive, and leave it there till you return.”
>”Good thinking man.”
“What else am I here for.”
>”All right bud. Shit, Twilight's wondering who I am talking to.”
>You grin.
“Be back by ten young man.”
>”Yes mum.”
>You can practically feel the sarcasm in his voice
“Later dude.”
>”bye mum.”
>That felt weird.
>You hang up the phone and make your way to the garden drinks table to pour yourself another Vodka and coke

>*1 new message*
>You duck out of a game of President in your front room to go read the message
>”Yo anon. Be there in five.”
>nodding to yourself, you go to grab Norman
>Eventually, after wading through the sea of people, you find him snogging Berry Punch
>Shit.
>You look around
>Shit on a dick

“Yo buddy. Pokey, you busy?”
>”Sup dude? One guy seemed kind of cute but I think he went outside to throw up or something”
>you grin. First one of the night
“Can I have a hand lifting something outside? Got to make way for a car.”
>”Sure man.”
>That's all a conversation needed to be
>The two of you once again swam through the sea of people to reach the front door.
”All right man. We just need to move that table, wait for a car to come and put it back.”
>”That's it? Darling, don't worry about. You go enjoy yourself in there.”
“You sure?”
>”Anon, I can take care of this.”
”Sall right. Once the car goes you can come back inside.”
>You nod your thanks and make your way back into the house
>As you do so, you hear a cheer, and some guy passes you a beer.

“I mean... I can't think why not. Sometimes I wonder...”
>In the distance, past about thirty people, you hear a “Happy Birthday!”
>You check your phone.
“Sorry, Be right back.”
>*1 new Message*
>it read: “Yo, Girls are here. Surprised that I took them here, but kind of glad. Luckily they were dressed for a party. Be back in fifteen.”
>Right.
>you grab yet another Vodka and Coke.
>You're first priority is to find Norman and Berry.
>You make your way back inside the house
>You notice the dance floor, and the music playing:
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOf6HzYjLDQ
>Makes you feel like a real human bean

>You shimmy your way past dancing couples and that one guy pretending he was Russian.
>You see the two of them, drinking beer and chatting to...
>Oh crap.
>Rarity
>Well
>Bite the bullet
“Sup.”
>Rarity turns to you, checking you out for about half a a second before softly smiling
>”I must say Anon, I didn't think you had it in you to run a party as packed as this.”
>You smile in return, placing your arm over Norman's shoulder
“We haven't even started the live music yet. You two sober enough to play?”
>They both nod.
“All right, let's set up and tune. Flash will be here in about fifteen minutes.”
>The three of you begin to make your way back to the garden
>”Anon. A word please?”
>Crap.
“I'll be just a minute. Catch up in a bit.”
>You wipe the fake smile from your face, take a breath, and turn back to Rarity

“Sup.”
>”Sup.”
>Man, if that is how silly saying sup sounds with an English accent you are never saying it again
“So...”
>”So Rainbow seemed awfully flush today.”
>Gulp
”Really? Well she is turning Seventeen, it's a big day for her.”
>Rarity gives you the biggest “Really?” Look you've seen on a human being
>”Indeed. And Apple Jack joined us back at lunch after mysteriously disappearing and handed me $10. You wouldn't know anything about that?”
>Oh crap
“Haven't the foggiest.”
>Rarity expression hardens
>”If you hurt her. I will find you. And believe me, unlike Pinkie and Flutters I know and have the means to get rid of evidence.”
>Well
>That makes things simple
>You notice a spot of rainbow amid the sea of techni-colour hair
“All right. I understand. Trust me... I know what I'm doing.”
>You wink
>You haven't the fucking foggiest what you're doing
>You are just making this up as you go.

>A crowd begins to gather around you're impromptu outdoor stage as Flash walks on
>”What'd I miss?”
>Flash tapped his mic, testing it was working.
“Nothing really. We're ready when you are.”
>”Got the remote?”
>You place the drumstick carefully down on the drums and pull the remote out of your pocket.
>Man, this thing has good range.
>The CD player outside is muted as Flash begins to speak
>”Yo! Welcome to this kickass party!”
>A few cheers and “Whoop!” sound out from the crowd.
>”All right. First up, I'd like to thank the neighbours for picking a good day to stay the fuck out of town!”
>A few laughs and claps. All right. He can work a crowd.
>”Secondly, I'd like to thank our host for this evening, and our bands new drummer, Anon! For getting this party fucking started.”
>You stand up and wave to the crowd, before shooting Flash a lazy salute and sitting back down
>”Yeah that's right. One Arm Anon is our drummer. How fucking cool is that?”
>You here a “Pretty Rad!” and “Def Leppard did it first!” from the crowd.
>Shit their onto you


>”All right. Let's cut this shit out and get to what you've been waiting for. We are “The Phantom Pains” and this is “Jukebox Hero.” By Foreigner.”
>Noice. A classic.
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8v9kW4A16es
>You bang out the slow beat of the drums
>You can do this.
>Sure, you've never properly played for a crowd.
>But hell, you're approaching the end of Tipsy state and beginning “Comfortably drunk.”
>So it don't matter
>None of this matters
>Godamn, these other guys are good.
>You're pretty mediocre, but you've only practised with these guys once, and you know. The one arm
>Norman can fucking rip up a guitar, and y'know, unlike you is a decent back up singer
>Berry can kick ass on bass
>And Flash, well.
>For a dude brah, he's got a set of lungs on him
>You join in for the chorus
“Jukebox hero!”

>After that, the songs kept on coming, the crowd got bigger, the sounds got louder
>At some point you had somehow removed the jacket you were wearing and got a headband tied around your head
>Not quite sure how you did that with one arm playing the drums and the other...Well, you know
>Halfway through https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw6_VXPwm6U
>You start thinking
>At the start of this week, you were moping about wondering if you should drink before or after school.
>You'd made an actual friend
>Joined a band
>Let go of some personal baggage
>Got drunk twice, thrice if you include right now
>Skipped a total of Ten lessons
>Skipped an entire day of school
>You notice a rainbow and blue shape jumping in the crowd
>You smile softly
>It wasn't over yet

>”All right! How you doing Canterlot high!”
>A big cheer was Flash's response
>”Yeah! Let's not forget why we are all here today. Yo, Dash!”
>Flash pointed to her, and you noticed she seemed to shrink just a little
>She looked shocked and scanned the band
>Eventually, her eyes fell into yours
>”Happy birthday!”
>You mouthed happy birthday to her just after everyone else had got their cheers in
>she smiled and turned away
>All right. You know what you have to do once your set is over
>You looked at the hastily copy & pasted tabs
>Just one more song after this

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo2qQmj0_h4
>You start the drums going
>you can do this
>You watch as the crowd nod their heads along
>Godamn, this feels good
>You stand up, continuing to play the drums
>You've just got past the first chorus
>Things are going well
>Flash motions for you to walk forward.
>Dude, Drums are actually needed in this song
>He keeps motioning
>He comes to you.
>”Aarh you!”
>You see where this is going
“You shook me all night long!”
>God damn, as much as you like your accent, you shouldn't sing
>The crowd don't seem to mind though
>Flash proceeds to go round the entire band, getting them to join in on the fun
>You look across the crowd of people joining in singing
>Damn, it feels good to be king


>Finally it's over
>You spin the drumstick absent mindedly in your hand as Flash says his goodbye stuff
>Surprised he didn't get RD to join them up on stage
>You narrow your eyes
>Not sure you ever heard her sing actually

>You're brought out of your thinking by the last round of applause and Flash standing in front of you with a smile
>You stand up, still spinning that drumstick
“One second Flash.”
>You turn away from the house and chuck the drumstick into the crowd
“Let's go.”
>the two of you make your way off the stage as a bunch of people help bring the instruments, including your drum set, back into the house for you
>”Well I don't know about you, but I need a drink.”
>You almost can't believe what tumbles out of your mouth next
“Nah, I'm all right.”
>Flash looks at you like he's seen a ghost
>Or you've just told him he's adopted
>The two of you make your way back into the house, onto the makeshift dance floor
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDVW81bXo0s
>Flash immediately makes his way to the drinks table
>Holy shit
>Are we actually running low on Vodka?

“What the hell?”
>”I know man. We bought nearly $90 of the stuff.”
“How many people are there here again?”
>”Um.... I invited about 150 people at last minute yesterday. So... Probably about 90.”
>There are ninety people in your house
>Fucking perfect
>You realise what you have to do
>You begin the arduous process of putting on a jacket
>”Where are you going?”
“Grabbing more Vodka. Make sure the house doesn't burn down.”
>Flash smiles
>”No guarantees.”
>You grin back
>god you hope he's joking

>You finally once again reach the front door and have managed to get your jacket on
>Quick look at the time
>10:32
>All right.
>You notice it out the corner of your eye
>But ignore it.
>You open the door and walk out into the crisp night air
>For a moment you close your eyes, waiting for your headache to fade just a little.
>Then step forward and open them, walking down the cul-de-sac
>You know... this isn't half bad
>Sure, giving how much stuff is likely going to be destroyed come tomorrow morning, you'll never agree to host a party again
>But... Maybe you should start going to these things
>You've only got a few months left of Junior year
>It'll be time to properly think of the future
>you finally notice the running form towards you and smile softly
>”Where do you think you're going Anon? Skipping your own party.”
>Glad you had this jacket on
“It's not my party. It's yours Dash.”
>You slow down your walking pace so she can more easily catch up and walk beside you
>”Then are you skipping my party?”
>She sounds a little annoyed
>”Never dream of it.”

>That's how the two of you found yourselves sat at a bench outside the 24 hour garage.
>”So...”
“Happy birthday Dash.”
>She blushes a little
>”thanks Anon.”
>You smile softly back, then reach into your jacket
>To bring out a smallish book
>God that made this jacket uncomfortably to wear
“I promise you, it's not a video game.”
>You pass it to her
>”12 years?”
“We've been friends for twelve years. Luckily, I was able, over the course of about 10 hours, managed to scrounge up every polaroid and digital photo of the two of us I could find. And compile into that book.”
>You can see the tears welling in her eyes, and you have to wipe your own eyes
>Bloody sawdust
>She opens the page
>First thing on there, a photo taken from behind of you and Dash sitting on the curb the first day you moved there
>The two of you smile softly
>Next is an image of you and her having a water fight, and you losing very badly
>after that, an image of you, aged 8, her aged 7, hanging out in AppleJack's tree house with her and big mac

>She got onto one of the last photo's.
>It's the day you got out of hospital.
>You, Apple Jack, Big Mac and Rainbow are smiling at the camera.
>You look gaunt, weak. But happy.
>You've got your one arm around Rainbow Dash's shoulder, holding her close to fit all four of you in photo
>Shortly after that photo, you began to properly withdraw from human contact

>You leave her alone with the book for a bit as you make your way into the garage
>The nice Indian guy who is always there, even at 5 o'clock in the morning, is stood behind the till
>”Ah. One armed man? What you getting?”
“No cigarettes thanks. Just these.”
>You dump two bottles of cheap vodka on the till.
>He nods and scans
>You bring your wallet out of your pocket carefully
>”ID please.”
>You look up and immediately stare into his eyes
>His grim resolute expression soon turns to one of self satisfaction
>”Got you. That'd be $20.98
>You smile and hand over the money
>Fuck that was close

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX3k_QDnzHE&list=PLc3CfHN41gQhY54ODLJ-A06IfHcGAX3VZ&index=3
>You find your way back to the bench
>Rainbow is still reading through the book
>You're looking at photo's you only half remember existed
>Which, you suppose, is what you get for doing this at 3 in the morning.
>You sit down next to her
>Just as she's looking at a picture of you asleep in a chair in hospital, next to a sleeping Dash in the hospital bed
>Date of photo: February this year
>2 months ago

“It's been a hell of a journey.”
>”Twelve years.”
“Fourteen times you ran away from home. 4 broken bones between us. Five holidays together, been through two first days at school.”
>You can't help but noticed you've been an idiot and sat on her left
>”Eight times you've crashed at mine cause you were too drunk for your parents to see. 20 odd sleepovers between us.”
>You smile softly.
“I wouldn't have traded it for anything.”
>She can't help but glimpse at the missing arm closest to her
>You place your hand on the space between you two
“Anything. Not even that.”
>She places her hand on yours

“You know... I never got to reply.”
>”hrm?”
>her face is only slightly tinged with red
>You lean in
>She places her hands around your shoulders
>Your lips fall into hers

>Even by the time you get back to the house, the party shows no sign of actually dying down
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYrh5h9acg8
>Clearly Flash had gotten control of the fucking I-phone speakers
>you and Dash slide pass the increasing drunk teenagers and eventually reach the speaker
“Got a song you want on?
>you randomly swipe up and down on your own I-phone
>She smiles
>You smile and nod
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTidn2dBYbY
>You may not like the film as much as Dash does
>But god damn this song
>A nearby guy thanks you for changing the soung
>Fucking Flash. How did he out nerd you?

“Wanna dance?”
>Dash looks at you like you asked her to murder someone
>”I can't!”
>You grin and shrug your shoulder, taking a hold of her hand
“Neither can I”
>You drag her onto the impromptu dance floor.
>All right Anon. You have two left feet and one left arm.
>Heh, no part of you is right.
>Never say that pun aloud
>You just awkwardly shake your body in time to the music
>I mean, that's basically what everyone is doing.
>Except for Pokey, who is fucking ripping the dance floor up
>Sometimes you wish you had that kind of gay superpower

>Then you turn to the equally awkwardly dancing Rainbow Dash
>Eh, not worth the sacrifice
>You spin around
>You are still double left footed
>Before even moving past halfway you trip over your own feet and fall backwards
>Right into Rainbow Dash's arms
>You look up into her smirking face and grin
“I'm sure there's some “Falling for you” pun I could make here.”
>Dash laughs and pushes you back onto your feet
>You complete the spin, refacing her again

>Everyone is looking at you
>eh, I bet watching a one armed man dance is pretty funny
>You couldn't give less of a shit
>You don't even know their names
>Only one person's opinions matter
>And she's as fucking awful a dancer as you are

>The song changes to some drum and bass song
>Not a fan
“Wanna go outside?”
>Dash nods
>Anything to stop the two of you dancing.
>She takes your hand and guides you through the sea of people

>Eventually you reach the patio, where mostly it's smokers and a few people throwing up in a bush
>Fucking hell, this is why you brought extra buckets arseholes
>You're tempted to bum a cigarette off someone
>But It'll pass
>Dash notices something further up the garden and pulls you along with her
>Thank god this massive place is lit up
>Eventually she stops and you turn to look around to where she has dragged you
>Oh.
>It's her friends.
>What a surprise.

“Thought you guys were in the house?”
>”Twilight and Shy needed a breather, and down here shockingly doesn't have a bunch of couples making out.”
>Thank god. At least Applejack knows what's she's doing
>She then turns to the fact that Rainbow is still clutching your hand
>She looks at your face, and you raise a single eyebrow as if to say “Yeah? What?”
>”How's your guy's night been.”
>Rainbow is still clutching your hand
>None of the others have seemed to notice though, it is still fairly dark here
>”Well... Flash is a little more drunk then I am.”
>Heh. Poor Twi. I better warn him that she may be in a mood with him if he keeps drinking
“None of you drinking anymore?”
>”Nah. We don't want to go comatose like half the people here already.”
>You take a quick look down the garden, only now noticing the trial of sleeping bodies
>You're going to need a hose tomorrow morning
“Well. I guess there's still dancing?”
>Rarity speaks up
>”Do not get us wrong! This is a great party. Just we are not the type to 100% cut loose, unlike half the rapscallions here.”
“The night is young.”
>Rarity, quickly glances at Dash, then notices your hands, turns to you and grins
>You nod back

>You let go of Dash's hand and quickly shoot Flash a text
*Whatever you are doing, head to garden and pay Twilight attention. Argument otherwise.*
>It takes less then 16 seconds to get a reply
>”k bro.”
>Crisis averted.
>”So what did anon get you for your Birthday Dash?”
>Rarity turns to you briefly and shoots you a shit eating grin
“I'll be in the house if you need me.”
>”Don't get too drunk.”
>Dash smiles as she says this. Wonder why?
>As you make your way back to the house, you past Flash
>”Yo, thanks for the warning man.”
>He holds out his fist.
“Anytime.”
>You fist pump him back

>Be Rainbow Dash
>Oh shit.
>You've been asked “that question”
>How much do you admit
>Anon didn't seem shy about holding your hand in front of them
>But.. Then you'd be admitting that Rarity was right
“Um...”
>”Sup.”
>Thanks Flash
>”Where have you been?”
>”Helping out Norman throwing up in the bathroom. Anon is going to be pretty pissed when he finds him.”
>”Oh that's strange. We were just talking about Anon.”
>Rarity turns her predatory gaze back onto you.
>you gulp
>”Darling. What did he get you?”
>The entire group has turned to you. Even Flash seems interested in what you are about to say.
“Um...Well. He got me... A photo album.”
>Rarity's face drops.
>”A photo album.”
>Wow, you've never heard a more dry statement.
>”Yeah...Y'know.”
>Flash's eyes widen.
>”That's what he was working on all night! Oh that makes so much sense!”
>You turn to Flash surprised, as does the rest of the group.
>”Working on it... Wait, it's not just a empty photo album?”
>Wow. Anon's not that much of a ass... Well, okay, occasionally.
>You sigh and show the book to the group

>You open the first page, and right there is the photo of you and Anon with your back to the camera sat on the curb
>You can feel your cheeks reddening
>Twilight looks up at your face
>”Anon made this?”
>You sigh.
“It's photographic proof of the last twelve years we've known each other.”
>You flip to your favorite photo
>It's the one of the four of you, AJ, Big Mac, Anon and you just after he left the hospital post Amputation
“It was the first time he'd properly left the hospital, and he was still a bit shaky.”
>Jack smiles
>”Ah remember. He challenged Big mac to an arm wrestle since “For once in my life I can't cheat.”. Man, Anon's an asshole.”
>You laugh.
“Yes he is.”

>You can't help but notice Twilight is incredibly deep in thought.
“You all right Twi?”
>”None of the pattern of behavior I've seen of Anon would suggest he would do something like this. Especially not openly admit to being good friends with you.”
“Umm... what can I say? He's learnt his...”
>”And the fact that he did this so soon after he purposefully tried to tank your relationship? The fact that he went to all this trouble to set up this party? It all means something.”
>You vaguely remember Twilight wasn't here when you had that sleepover two years ago.
>Which meant unless one of the girls told her...
>”And the fact that you were so eager to forgive him for it? Something must've changed the dynamic between you two...”
>Oh crap
>She didn't know about the kiss earlier today either
“Egh... I kicked his ass, and he learnt that he was wrong.”
>Rarity is shooting you another shit eating grin as she crosses her arms.
>”No. That wouldn't explain the closeness, plus wouldn't match Flash's statement of “Wow, that's what he was working on all night.”.”
>You gulp
>”Man, you would not believe how much Norman can chunder.”
>Bad timing Anon
>He places his arm on your shoulder and joins in the circle.
>”What'd I miss.”
>Twilight's eyes widen to a size you're pretty sure isn't actually humanly possible
>”Oh...”
>Real subtle Twilight
>Your face heats up like a thousand suns.
>”Oh..... What?”

>Fluttershy stops sleeping standing up and opens her eyes.
>”Oh look. Anon and Rainbow are finally dating.”
>The high pitch squeee from Rarity really fucking hurts
>”Oh shit congrats man.”
>Why can't people be cool like Flash?
>Also, never ever think that again.
“Anon.”
>You make sure he's the only one that can hear you.
>”su... Damn, I mean, yeah?”
>Oh god this is awkward
“Wanna head inside?”
>He smiles

>Be Anon
>Check watch: 11:40
>Well. Getting late
>You and Dash are making your way down the garden path
>”So we heading back to the dancefloor?”
>Could do
>Neither of you want to
“I'm fine never dancing again if you are.”
>Dash nods
>”Beer Pong ended like twenty minutes ago.”
“If I have to watch Trixie cheat at card games for the twentieth time I'll scream.”
>Dash Shrugs
>”So that leaves drinking more or...”
“I'm fine not drinking if you aren't.”
>Dash stops and you turn to face her face to face
>Don't fuck this up Anon

“Well. Okay Dash. I've got some albums in my room we can listen too. Are you 100% sure you want to listen to some albums right now? Or shall we save it for another time? Once we both... have found our feet.”
>Dash's face lights up red and she starts twirling her hair
>So at least she got it.
>”I... I wouldn't mind listening to some albums.”
>You smile softly.
“My room is blocked from the inside, so we need to climb through the window. Which means getting on top of the porch. You up for that?”
>she nods.
>You take her hand and lead her round the side of the house
>Climbing on top of the garbage bin, you grip onto the lip of the porch and climb your way up
>You are now kneeling over the side of the porch
>Dash has climbed onto the bin, but she's a bit shorter then you are
>Laying down on your stomach, you hold your arm over the edge
“Hold on.”
>She looks you in the eyes
“Trust me. I can hold you.”
>She nods and jumps, griping onto your arm
>You quickly pull herself up, almost dislocating your shoulder in the effort. Luckily, it's still there

>The two of you sit atop of the porch for a few seconds, staring across the vast expanse of suburbia beyond your back garden, to the lights of the city
“Hell of a view.”
>Dash nods
>For a few minutes, either to gain the courage to move, or to simply enjoy the moment, the two of you sit there.
>Dash is the first to move, spinning round to crawl towards your window as she had done many a times as a kid
>You smile softly to yourself
>You climb after her
>”Still not locking your window?”
>Dash has already pried it open by the time you reach her
“Dash. Can I come inside?”

>You clamber in after her, almost falling head first onto the floor.
>Smooth as Ice Anon.
>You take a breath and look around
>Your Ramones poster is still there, your bed is still... Well actually, not made, but clean.
>A couple of beers you had stashed on a shelf
>Otherwise, the room is pretty empty
>”So... Um...”
>you scratch the back of your head
“Yeah... I have no idea. Um... I don't know. Maybe we...”
>You aren't able to sputter out anymore stupid words before Rainbow draws you in for a kiss
>For once, you aren't completely retarded, and you take part
>It doesn't take long for her to find the off switch for your brain in there, even if she's not the best kisser

>She pants for a second, recovering her breath
>”Something like... That?”
>You grin as you wipe your mouth
“Something along those lines.”
>You begin to unbutton your shirt, desperately wishing you had two arms to hurry this up
>She begins taking off her dress, revealing the tank top/gym shorts combo she had underneath
>She notices you looking
>”I thought I was going to skip my party and go to the gym after.”
>You smile
“Suits you.”
>Finally you get your blasted shirt off, before she leaps into another kiss
>Whilst your hand is running through her hair, her hand is exploring your chest
>You weren't super muscular but toned
>Oh, and at least had some chest hair
>You move your hand from her hair to her tank top

>She shakes her head as she leaves the kiss
>”Anon...”
>Oh god, she's having second thoughts
>You shouldn't have pushed her into this. You're a fucking horri....
>”We both know you aren't going to undress me with one arm.”
>She's smiling seductively
>Clever girl.
>You know little Anon is also working now
>You focus on your belt, almost ripping it off in your enthusiasm, before dragging your jeans down
>She's already dropped the tank top and the gym shorts, revealing... Well, a hell of a lot
>You notice her trying to hide
>You smile
>You kick your jeans off, deciding that it'll be just too much effort to take your socks off
>You walk towards her and plant your lips on hers
>Whilst she moves her hands towards your chest again, you grab both of them in you hand
>You raise them above her head
>Gripping both her wrists in you hands, you move slowly towards the bed
>You of course, realise that if she even remotely wanted you to let go there'd be nothing you could do to stop her
>The two of you fall onto the bed
>In a rush to get on top, Dash fails
>You're kneeling above her thighs, her hands still above her head, on the pillows
>Her breathing speeds up

>You let go of her hands, kissing her on the lips
>You place your one hand on her breast
>a small moan leaves her mouth
>Between you, there are only a few items of clothing left
>Your socks, her gym shorts, your boxers and her socks
>Time to change that
>You reluctantly take your hand away from her breast, kneeling back up and moving off her thighs
>You take off your boxers, whilst she takes off her gym shorts
>Briefly, you see her baby blue panties
>Those soon go too
>The two of you are stark naked now, only your socks still on
>you soak up the sight of Dash naked, her tough body, her fine ass, and her cute breasts
>Puts your mangled corpse to shame

>Your right arm itches
“Shall we?”
>Rainbow Dash bites her lip in anticipation
>And god-damn, if that's not the hottest thing you've ever seen

>The two of you practically leap at each other with hunger
>Your lips collide, and your hand travels up and down her body
>One of hers entangles itself in your hair, the other is cupping your arse
>She wraps her shapely strong legs against your hips
>Her both her arms are wrapped around your shoulders, she's still playing tennis with your tongue
>You know what she wants
>Carrying her, you reach your desk
>For a second you let go of her, wiping everything off the desk with your one hand
>You placed her on it, so your now eye level with each other
>For a moment the two of you separate, a trail of saliva between your lips
>You reach into one of your nearby drawers and search around for what feels like an eternity
>Finally your hand falls upon the object
>You withdraw the condom and quickly set upon getting it on

>Your eyes lock with hers
“I...”
>Bit early to say that Anon
>”I...”
>That's all you need to hear

>Your eyes open
>The first thing you notice is that your vision is blurred by red, green and blue Strands of hair
>The next is that your chin is resting atop Rainbow Dash's head
>That both of you are completely naked
>That your back is covered in scratches
>You look towards the ceiling.
>Sounds like a bloody good night.
>You rub Rainbow Dash's chest
>All right. You are here. You've just had sex with your incredibly attractive childhood friend
>You've got anything up to 90 people randomly strewn across your house
>You've got to clean an entire house
>You've got to get enough money to survive on your own for another week

>You turn back to Dash and smile
>All of that can wait
>After all. If need be
>You can always just ask for a hand