The kind that stays

http://archive.heinessen.com/mlp/thread/14871823#p14883186

>"You're the father, Anon..." Rainbow Dash mumbles, turning away from you in what appears to be shame.
>The revelation hits you like a sack of bricks, and you stagger backward as if it were a literal blow while you struggle to think of a response.
>You broke up with her weeks ago.
>Things just weren't working out...

"Dashie, I-I... me? A-are you sure?"
>"Who else could it be, huh?" She growls with indignation.
>You were her first, and so far only boyfriend.
>You also hold the title of first guy to break her heart as well.
>Words fail to heed your call, and you stand idly with your jaw hanging open.
>Only the broken beginnings of various positive and negative responses find any exit.
>Dashie's magenta eyes, once so friendly, bore a hole into you.
>Asking -begging you to say something.
>Anything.

"D-dashie, I-I..."
>Still nothing.
>Your hollow gaze rests on her belly.
>She isn't showing, but there's a strange sensation within you when the thought of your future son or daughter crosses your mind.
>The cold loneliness of a child that had no father fills you once again.
>"... Anon, you need to tell me what you plan to do about this. I'm keeping it either way, but... I have to know about you."
>What is there to tell?
>That you're terrified of parenthood?
>That you don't know the first thing about being a father because you've never had one?
>You recall growing up.
>No dad to teach you sports.
>You learned that in school.
>The one boy that didn't know how to throw a football so that it spirals, out how to properly adopt a basket.

>The boy that sat in class with nothing to do when the other students made paper-tie cards for Father's Day.
>The awkward teenager that had no male figure to consult about his first girlfriend.
>Memories you'll never have.
>With only your Mom as a substitute, you were more feminine than most guys.
>Gentle as opposed to rowdy, more lean than toned, and easily understanding of the emotions of others.
>A benefit you often overlook on the occasions when you examine your life.
>A hindrance that won Rainbow Dash over, actually.
>The tough tomboy that had no mother around...
>...And you realize that she's on the same page as you.
>Uncertain about her qualifications as a parent to your baby.
>What is her world missing?
>Without you, what is your child missing?
>Countless moments unique to a family with both a Mom and Dad present.
>Then you have your answer.

"...I plan to be here. With the two of you."
>A bright smile breaks out on Dashie's face and she throws her arms around you.
>Your father was never around for you, and you'll never get that experience back.
>But you'll be there for your baby.
>You're going to be the best Dad ever.
>The kind that stays.