Rainbow Dash Story by Gatorbait

Rainbow Dash Story by Gatorbait

https://pastebin.com/rNRpxse2

Gatorbait is dead btw.

https://pastebin.com/u/Gatorbait

>Be Anon atta Canterlot High School
>The life of a student is a busy one, and yours is no exception
>School, study, work, sleep
>It's a schedule that doesn't allow for much free time
>Or many interactions with your peers
>So you spend your lunch as you spend most days, alone
>Whatever, at least the school's serving pork chops today
>And it's been about five minutes, which means-
>As you reach down into your bag, you hear
"Hey, what's up, Anon?"
>Glancing up to see who's speaking, you sigh
>It's basically a formality at this point anyway
"Rainbow, good afternoon."
>Immediately Rainbow Dash's brightens
>It's slightly endearing, like a puppy
>But it comes with a cost, you know
>At the same time she smiles, you flip open your schedule book and start looking it over
"So?"
>Rainbow's grin grows towards a concerning width as she leans forwards
>"Well, I was wondering if you had some time after school either today or tomorrow to hang out!"
>As if you needed to ask, since it's the same thing every day
>Glancing down at the scheduler, you sigh and try to look disappointed
"Ah, all booked."
>Apparently you can still sell it though
>Rainbow's expression drops as she gives a weak grunt
>"For real?"
"For real."
>You turn a page and look over the next day, then show it to her as well.
"Today and tomorrow are right out."
>Turning the page again, you raise an eyebrow
"I do have some time open the day after tomorrow."
>Hissing in frustration, Rainbow crosses her arms under her chest
>"That far out? Oh, man, I don't know what's going on after tomorrow."
>You manage to hide a smile, but lean your cheek on your palm
>The same song and dance, every single day
>"I'll get back with you tomorrow, okay?"
"That's fine, I'll be waiting."
>As Dash nods and starts digging into her lunch, you bite back a laugh
>It's a routine at this point

>Rainbow has absolutely no concept of future planning
>Meanwhile, you've got the next three weeks planned out
>And by the time she asks tomorrow, the slot for the next day will have been filled
>You wonder how long you'll be able to keep this up?
>Well, it's been the better part of a year already
>And once you figured her out, it's been easy to avoid her advances
>She's the type that approaches everything in a straightforward manner after all
>After gulping down some milk, Rainbow looks at you again
>"So, you sure you haven't got a little bit for CHS' greatest athlete today?"
"Pretty sure."
>You take a bite of your lunch and chew, then swallow
"After school I've got work, and then time to study before bed."
>"Why study? You're basically at the top of the class behind Twilight, some of the brains, Sunset, Watermelody-"
"Reason enough to keep studying."
>The girl deflates, scowling
>"Come on dude, it'll be like fifteen, maybe thirty minutes. I mean, they don't call me 'The Dash' for nothing!"
"They call you 'The Dash' because it's in your name. And because of The Incredibles."
>"Sh-shut up!"
>You bite your tongue as your lip starts to curl
"Anyway, I've got to finish my lunch. But you're welcome to stick around."
>Rainbow gives an enthusiastic nod
>"Cool, then, if you've got like even five minutes afterwards?"
>Allowing a smile, you shrug
"I guess I'd be all yours."
>"AWESOME!"
>Rainbow squeals, clenching her fists tightly.
>"Hurry up and finish eating then!"
>You nod, continuing to go at your own pace
>Honestly, you're not trying to string the girl along, but she doesn't take the hint
>You don't hate her or anything, but you've got bigger fish to fry
>The sooner she figures out, on her own, that it's not going to happen, the better
>Even still, the excitable girl stares at you intently as you eat
>So much so, it begins to make you nervous
>And, before you know it, you've actually almost finished eating
>With ten minutes left
>Oh fickle fate...

>"Well, well, looks like time is on my side today."
>Grinning like a hungry she-cat, the flirty girl leans forwards
>"Just enough time for me to show you how quick things can be."
>Oh you stepped it in now, Anon.
>Sighing, you finish up your lunch and wipe your mouth
"Okay, a deal's a deal I supp-"
>And then, something extraordinary happens
>"Rainbow "Every Diss is a Kiss" Dash."
>"Oh no."
>Oh yes
>You send a silent prayer up to whatever butterfly may be flapping its wings as a storm blows in
>Zephyr Breeze
>Tall, lanky, incredibly awkward, incapable of shaving and top it all off with a man-bun
>The antitheses to Rainbow's cool
>And also her kryptonite
>Sitting down next to the girl, Zephyr grins
>"So what brings a beautiful girl like you over to a loser table like this."
>"Nothing! In fact, I was just getting ready to leave."
>With a surprisingly smooth motion, Zephyr tosses his tray onto another table, right in front of a student
>Looks like Snips is getting double potions today
>"What a coincidence! So was I. Lets go together."
>Keeping a straight face is difficult at this try-hard act, but it's prudent to keep silent and run time off the clock
>"Actually, I had plans with Anon so-"
>Ah, maybe you should have said something after all
>"A-who?"
>Looking around, Zephyr grins again
>"I don't see anyone here but we two; and pretty soon it will just be one, you and me, together."
>Rainbow gives a disgusted hack
>Zephyr conveniently ignores it
>"Anyway-"
>Reaching out and taking your hand, Rainbow tries to pull you to your feet
>"-lets get out of here, Anon."
"Ah, fine."
>Five minutes gone.
>Now if you can just take your time-
>"Hold on a second."
>Zephyr looks to Rainbow, then to her hand, then up to you
>He repeats this process a few times, his face continuing to darken with each pass
>Until finally-
>"What the hell are you doing with MY Rainbow Dash?!"
>"What?"
>Wut?
>Zephyr slams his hands on the table and growls
>"What kind of fuckhole are you?"

>For the first time in the exchange, you allow an honest, but confused smile
"What are you talking about?"
>"You know good and well!"
>Zephyr reaches out, slapping at your hands
>You weren't holding especially tightly, so you're separated from Rainbow
>She's staring at the two of you with wide eyes
>Ah, oh no, how awful...
>Rubbing at your tingling wrist, you offer a fake smile
"I think you're over reacting, manbun."
>Beside you, Dash snorts, and you can hear a hearty guffaw from someone at another table
>That only makes Zephyr turn a fascinating shade of purple
>Reaching out, he grabs you by the collar and tries to get up in your face
>Well, in this case it's down, and his grip is all over the place, but at least he's intense about it
>"Leave my hair out of this; I'm tired of you leading Rainbow along!"
>Ah, there's a bit of a pain right there
>Up until now you'd been pretty sure blondie's all bark and no bite
>But he's got a sharp tongue at least, so you fire right back
"I'm not leading anyone along!"
>In the stillness that follows, you hear a small gasp
>Looking back to Rainbow Dash, you see she's brought her hands to her mouth and is staring at you in shock
>You can almost swear you hear her mutteing
>"Omigosh,omigosh,omigosh!"
>Hm, maybe you were a little too impassioned in your denial?
>Zephyr's eyes are almost as wide, but they darken quickly as he shoves you back a step
>"This is exactly what I'm talking about. Fluttershy told me not to say anything, but I'm putting you on notice, prick!"
>Scowling, he jams a finger into your face
>"This afternoon, in front of the statue. You better be there!"
>There's a long silence as you feel the eyes on you
>You sigh and give him a tired look
"Or what?"
>And just like that the lunchroom focuses on Zephyr
>"What do you mean?"

"I mean that there's absolutely no reason for me to fight you. You just up and decided that we should, buzzing around like your decision actually matters."
>Raising your hand, you flick your fingers twice in his direction
"As the challenged, the only thing I have to do is not show up."
>Zephyr considers that for a moment, then adopts a victorious pose with his hands on his hips
>"In that case, I'll have already won!"
"Oh, yay, hooray. Our champion."
>You tap your fingertips against your palm a few times, earning another glare
"Look, I just don't want to fight. So stop asking."
>The bell rings overhead and you shoulder your bag
"Anyway, nice meeting you, manbun. Gotta get to class now."
>You turn and walk towards the doors
>Zephyr's voice calls after you in short order
>"Coward! Inch-long dong! Fuckin Cuck!"
>It doesn't end like a movie scene, where everyone stays seated until you leave
>Life just doesn't work like that
>But you do get a good number of stares in the hall
>Whatever.
>This will all blow over soon enough.

>At least, that's how it should work
>As the bell to end fourth period ends, the teacher calls you up to the desk
>"So, Anonymous, I hear you're in a bit of a spot."
>You stare at the squat man, sitting with his fingers steepled together
"I'm not sure what you mean, Mr. Doodle."
>"Oh, I think you do; I think the whole school knows by this point."
>He gives you a knowing look
>Your blank stare and continued silence quickly causes that to crumble however as he huffs and drops his hands
>"The fight?"
"The what?"
>"Don't play dumb, boy. The fight with Zephyr Breeze?"
"Ah, right. I guess I hadn't thought much about it."
>"It's okay to be intimidated, but you shouldn't resign yourself to defeat so easily."
>The clock ticks twice before you shake your head
"Oh, no, it's not like that at all."
>Mr. Doodle's eyes bulge
>"So you're that confident you'll beat him to a pulp!?"
>Another tick
"No, I just figured I had more important things to focus on doing than worrying about an underclassman wanting to fight."
>"Ah, I see. You're going in with a natural confidence. Good, good. I was afraid you might need a pep talk."
>As Mr. Doodle nods in approval
>You remain quiet, then ask
"More to the point, shouldn't you be focusing on how to stop the fight from occurring? You are a teacher after all."
>"Are you kidding?"
>Mr. Doodle grins
>"I've been waiting since he started at CHS for someone to put that blonde-haired moron in his place!"
"There seems to be a bit of miscommunication here."
>"That's how most fights begin, yes."
"But-"
>"But the Principals have already decided that you two can handle this yourselves. You are young men after all!"
"No, I mean-"
>Mr. Doodle silences you by standing and reaching over the desk to place a hand on your shoulder
>He's grinning from ear to ear as he gives you a thumbs up
>"I'm counting on you, do me proud, son!"
>The door to the classroom closes behind you
"What the actual fuck."

>Not only is the staff not looking to stop this supposed fight, but Mr. Doodle seemed a bit, off
>Maybe the prospect of enjoying some schadenfreude was getting to him?
>You shakes your head and go towards your next class
>That's the intention anyway, before Zephyr Breeze cuts you off in the science hall
>"Well, if it isn't Anonymous "King Cuck"-"
>The blonde stops, looking confused for a moment
>"What is your last name anyway?"
>You take the opportunity to walk by him as he's confused
>That doesn't stop him from reaching out to grab you by the arm
>"Woah, hang on a minute. Don't think I'm going to let you get away a second time without agreeing to our fight!"
"I've already said I'm not interested."
>"Then I'll sweeten the pot."
"Pretty sure you've got nothing I want."
>As you move to pull your arm free, he quietly says
>"50K."
>Nobody else reacts, but you heard it all the same
>Still
"What was that?"
>The blonde flashes a smarmy grin
>"Lets talk business, in private."
>After a moment of consideration, and a brief walk, you find yourself in the chemistry supply closet
"Pretty sure it's a bad idea to be meeting in here."
>Zephyr grins again
>"But you came anyway, so that means you're interested, right?"
"No, I mean with all the corrosive chemicals. You could walk out of here looking like Two-Face if something goes wrong."
>"Nolan or TAS?"
"Schumacher."
>"Ick."
"So, what's this about 50K?"
>Moving towards a more open space in the room, Zephyr puts his hands on his hips
>"Sure. I want to reach a gentleman's agreement. I'll agree to go easy on you, if you agree to go down easy."
"For 50K?"
>"Something like that."
"I don't want something 'like' that. I want that."
>"Oh, I know. But you're not really in a position to refuse, are you?"
>Walking over, he places a hand on your shoulder and adopts a mocking smile
>"Are you still waiting on that payout from the accident? Or has your auntie already squandered it?"
>You remain quiet

>"Well, either way, I don't care. Make me look good, and the 50k is yours. That's all I care about."
>He walks past you
>This time it's you're turn to grab him
>Granted, you do it by the collar and pull the gagging underclassman back to you
"That's all you care about? So is that why you picked me?"
>You offer a shallow smile
"Because you thought I'd jump at the opportunity for money and let you show off?"
>Zephyr's gulp is loud enough to echo in the small room
>You can see his adam's apple struggle against the now-tight neck of his shirt
"Or is it actually for Rainbow?"
>He tries to put on that self-assured, but you know how to recognize a fraud
>"Of course it's for Rainbow. I said as much at lunch. But does it matter?"
"Absolutely."
>Turning him around, you position your face close to his
"I don't know what you think you have with Dash, but don't think that just because I'm strapped for cash, I'm going to lie down like a dog just to make you look good."
>Taking a deep breath, you let the skinny boy go and take a step back
>The blonde rubs at his throat a few times, his voice quivering a bit as he asks
>"So, what does that mean?"
>Frowning, you turn your head
"It means you really should have left this situation alone, manbun. At least then you could keep gloating about me not showing up."
"Now I might just want to grind that half-assed stencil beard off your face just because I find you to be a pain."
>When he doesn't move, you glare at him
"Anyway, I'll think about throwing the fight, but I'm not agreeing to anything right now."
>Zephyr gives an uncertain nod and backs away
>Five steps distance, he bolts out the door
>The bell has already rung by this point, so you take a few extra minutes to collect yourself
>Breathe out the hate and the anger until it's smoldering again
>Put on a neutral expression, or maybe grin a bit?
>Anyway, take time, make a reasoned decision
>It's not like you won't have the time when you're in detention for being late to class

>And run right into her
>"Yo, Anon!"
>Rainbow cheeses at you from her perch on top of her desk
>Hers, because she always seems to be in detention with you
>Somehow she just knows
>You leave her and sign in to the class
"Anonymous, late. Please let Ms. Zecora know.
>Ms. Harshwhinny looks up at you and gives a smug smile
>"Sure. Good luck this afternoon, Anonymous."
>What the everloving hell is wrong with this school?
>It's a bit obnoxious to have her following you, but you sit down beside Rainbow anyway
>That's just the way things are
>The way they have been
>The way they probably ought to continue
>After an awkward silence, Rainbow perks up
>"Fluttershy saw you arguing with her brother in the hall."
"We did. What's that got to do with anything."
>"It's how I knew you'd be coming here, of course! You're such a goody-goody."
"Nothing wrong with following the rules."
>"They'd let it slide if you tried."
"I don't want it to slide."
>You turn to Rainbow and sigh
"I don't want to be treated differently than anybody else. I just want to be Anonymous, same as before."
>Dash looks at you for a long moment, then buzzes her lips lightly
>"But you're not. You're not and we all know it."
>Stretching her feet across your desk, she stares at you
>"You haven't been the same since the accident. Which, I get it, it's understandable. But-"
>Turning her eyes away, Rainbow shrugs
>"But you've just been busying yourself. Shutting everyone out. Acting like you don't care anymore."
"I don't."
>Pulling out your science text book, you start going over the reading for today
>Rainbow taps her shoes together, still watching you as you turn the page
>"So, what are you going to do?"
"About Zephyr?"
>"Zephyr. Life. Anything."
"About the first, I don't know. About the second, I'll just keep on going as I have been."
>Dash is quiet for a long time
>And then
>"What if I don't want you to be the same anymore?"
>There's a tremor in her voice

>You fight the urge to look up, and instead speak to your book
"I don't think you really get a say in that decision, Rainbow."
>Her legs disappear from your periphery, but soon enough her hands are planted on the desk
>She whispers in your ear
>"I'm just tired, Anon. I feel like I've been waiting for ages, and you're just as tight as ever. I have to wonder, is it even worth it?"
>That's twice today you've felt sharpness in your body
>Coming from Rainbow, there's an added twist to it that really stings
>"I'm your friend, Anonymous. Sometimes I think I'm the only one you have left."
"You're probably right."
>"I really wish you wouldn't agree so quickly."
>She gives a small, but heavy laugh and sits back on her desk
>"I mean, I finally have you to myself for once, and now I'm just making things awkward by being all over the place."
>You turn and give her a half-smile
"I guess it's the same when you're on the pitch. Don't hate what you're good at."
>With watery eyes, Rainbow coughs up another laugh
>"I guess."
>And then comes the silence
>You turn back to your book, but the words just start blurring together
>So you stop reading and start thinking
>You're not stupid, it's clear what Rainbow wants
>It's always been clear, but now she just wants it more
>And, maybe, you would have wanted it too
>But it, along with everything else, just feels fake
>Fake people, fake smiles, fake condolences
>Show up, take advantage, head on their way
>Even the anger and grief you're supposed to feel seems fake
>So, what's real?
>Money, of course
>You can touch it, feel it, use it
>Money doesn't judge where it goes
>Money doesn't do anything but what you tell it
>Maybe pride too?
>It's not tangible, but it comes from somewhere inside you
>It's honest and forthright, to the point of being obnoxious
>And, just like any feeling, you can lose it in an instant
>You turn your head to Rainbow
>Within a few seconds, she's looking back and smiling
>That's fake too
>But maybe not entirely

>Eventually the bell rings
>You pack up your things and shoulder your bag
>Rainbow is right by your side
>"So, end of the day."
"Yup."
>"Decide what you're going to do?"
"I'd really like to leave. I've got work today."
>Rainbow nods her head
>"Yeah, I figured."
>You stop, and it takes her a full stride before she turns and looks back
"But, I think I should probably take care of this business with Zephyr first."
>Giving a slow nod, Rainbow moves a half step closer, but you cut her off with a smile
"He offered me a lot of money, to throw the fight. Enough that I wouldn't have to worry about things, at least for a little while."
>Rainbow doesn't miss a beat
>"I'd hate you."
>Her stone cold stare seizes your heart and tightens its grip around it
>"I would hate you forever. There's nothing more to discuss."
>She storms by you, headed for the front of the school
>You stand in the hall, alone, staring after her until she's gone
>Considering the situation, and yourself, once more, you turn down the hall, to the front of the school.

>A small crowd has gathered, some faces you recognize, a lot you don't
>Underclassmen, most likely
>But Rainbow's there, and so are some of the staff members
>Seriously, what the hell?
>Zephyr stands in the middle of the group and, hearing the crowd murmur turns to face you with a smile
>"Well, well, if it isn't A-"
"Cram it down your cakehole, manbun."
>He flinches back
"I'm here, but I'll give you until the count ends to change you mind and walk away."
>You can see his knee start to quiver
"But, I guess that's time enough for you to decide if it's worth it to hit me too."
>Grinning, you raise an eyebrow
"Do you feel confident you can take me down in one shot?"
"Three."
>Zephyr shuffles about, looking from side to side
"Two."
>"Hang on, give me a second."
"You've got one."
>He wails running forward with his fist pulled back
>You smile and stop counting as he drills you in the face
>Your head turns with the punch, making it look more impressive than it should be
>Out of the corner of your eye, you can see Zephyr's victorious smile
>It turns your stomach
>When your elbow drives into his middle, he folds over like a playing card table
>Zephyr hacks up a stuck breath, wheezing as you grab his hairbun and give it a little shake before pulling him upright
>You pat his cheek with your free hand and give a small smile
"Just checking, are we good now?"
>"What?"
>Oof, he sounds pretty rough
"Are we good? Done? I've got plans today, and I really don't want to fight. I mean, I can make more time and really pound you into the pavement, but if you're good, just say so."
>After a moment, the boy swallows and nods
>"Y-yeah, I think so.
"Atta boy. Good dog."
>You release his hair and slap both of his cheeks before turning to the crowd
"Okay, get outta here, we've made up. All buddy-buddy now, see?"
>Flinging an arm around the still wheezing Zephyr's shoulders, you wave everyone off

>The crowd is slow to disperse, Mr. Doodle in particular seems back to his usual scowly self, but you don't mind
>Once things have thinned out a bit, and Zephyr's caught his breath, you place your hands on his shoulders and size him up
"Ah, good, good. Now that that's taken care of, we can settle up."
>"Settle up?"
"Mhmm."
>Dusting him off, you smile
"I told you, asking me to throw the fight was a bad idea because you're not risking anything. So, as the victor, I'm willing to make a deal."
>Reaching back, you grin and tap his hairbun
"How much are you willing to pay me, not to cut that off?"

>Ten minutes, half a dozen threats, and ten thousand dollars, later, you're wrapping up with your boss
"Yeah, something's come up. No, no meeting, just need some personal time."
>You nod your head
"I'll be back in tomorrow; we can talk about cutting my hours back next week."
>Another nod as your boss agrees
"Much appreciated. Thanks."
>Turning back to Rainbow, you offer a small grin to the rainbow-haired girl
"I'm a little surprised you're still here."
>Rainbow raises any eyebrow and grins
>"Do you honestly think I would miss a chance to see Zephyr squirm?"
"I think he sold himself short. He should really think more highly of himself."
>Rainbow giggles and grabs hold of your arm
>"So, since you're not going into work, can you indulge me? Even for just a bit?"
"Pretty sure you've got practice for something or other."
>"That can wait. I have something more important I want to take care of right now."
>After a little more back and forth, you agree and make the trek back to her house
>Not that it's especially far from yours, the same neighborhood, only two streets removed
>But even still, walking through the door feels like moving into a different world
"Ah, your dad finished up the new trophy case?"
>Rainbow gives you a small shove towards the stairs
>"Stop staring and start walking! We're working on Dash Time right now."
>You offer a token resistance all the way to her bedroom
>Once you're through the doorway, however, your stomach drops
>The space is filled with the distant smell of faded sweat and fresh girl
>Your belly tightens
>Rainbow pushes past you and flops onto the bed
>Rolling onto her back, she clutches a pillow tight to her chest, unable to hide her smile
>"Omigosh I can't believe you're here, again."
"Yeah, who would have thought."

>As an only child, Rainbow has a sizable room, big enough to fit a full size couch
>Because it's familiar, you move over to the overstuffed seat and stretch out across it
>"Do you want to watch something? Because we can do that."
>Rainbow is sitting on her feet now, watching you with an intensity she usually reserves for match day
>But you wave her over
"No, just, come here."
>You sit up, and Dash moves next to you
>When she settles in, her thigh is pressed against yours
>"Too close?"
"A bit."
>From here, the scent that fills her room is much more obvious, including a touch of fresh-scented hair product
>You put a little distance between the two of you and lean forward
>With one arm around her back
>The other over her middle
>You press your cheek into Rainbow's chest, and close your eyes
>Even through her shirt, you can feel her skin go hot
>You listen as her heart jackhammers away in her chest
>Or maybe it's your own and you can't tell the difference
>The weight of her hands against the back of your head is sudden, but not unwelcome
>"It's okay."
>You nod as tears sting at your eyes
>And you allow yourself to weep freely into the girl's chest
>Every moment hurts as one part of you craves more, and another demands you stop
>But you can't, not now
>Not when you're back here after almost a year
>Even once you're choked out, left only able to shake, Rainbow rubs the back of your neck and cradles your head to her body
>A few times, you're sure she starts crying too, but your mind is too far exhausted to make sense of why
>You can wager a guess, however

>After an age or an hour, you've finally managed to untangle yourselves from one another
>Dash comes back in with a sports drink, which she forces on you
>"Bottoms up!"
"You couldn't just do water?"
>"Water's boring! Plus, electrolytes!"
"That's a load of hork, you know that, right?"
>You drink the offering anyway
>Once again, silence grows between the two of you
>This time, however, Dash leans into your body
>"So. Can we talk?"
"Mm."
>It's probably about time to do so, but you can't manage more than the grunt
>That doesn't stop Rainbow, however, who takes your silence as a chance to initiate
>"Do you blame me for the accident?"
"No."
>Rainbow's fingers grip your leg
>"I don't believe that."
"...I do, a bit. I blame myself too."
>"It's better to hear you admit it, even if I knew it already."
>She taps lightly on your thigh, leaning further into your chest
>"Do you wish you had been there?"
>It was a stupid question
>The semi had totaled the car
>It was a mess of bits and pieces
>Who wants to go out like that?
"Sometimes."
>Rainbow nods and squeezes your leg again
>"I'm always glad you weren't, even when we weren't talking. At least then I could see you."
>Another round of silence, and Rainbow swings her legs over yours
>Her arms lock around the back of you neck
>"How do you feel about-"
>"About-"
>She sputters a bit, giving a tired laugh
>"Forget it."
"I hate my aunt. We don't get along. I don't like going home, but I don't feel like I belong anywhere else either."
>Rainbow nods, holding her body tighter against yours
>"Yeah?"
"She's a wastrel."
>Rainbow rolls her eyes and groans
>"Ugh, nerd."
>Your chest jerks a bit as you laugh
"Maybe if you read something other than Daring Do..."
>Rainbow turns her gaze up towards you
>She's building up to something
>"Hey, Anon. If it's okay, could we pick up from where we left off last time?"

"What, now? We just started talking again."
>Rainbow nods her head, resolve growing in her eyes
>"Yeah, now. I felt everything screech to a stop, and now it's stating to move again, and I don't want it to stop. Not yet."
>Rolling her body over on top of yours, she pins your legs between her knees
>"I was here."
"No, you were facing the other way. I remember you were sitting in my lap."
>"Well, maybe I want to do it face to face this time."
>She reaches up, cradling your cheek
>"This way, you can't run out on me."
>You snort and slide your arms around her body again, resting on the swell of her hips
"Fine."
>You look up at her, feeling your heart catch in your throat
"Dash, you know you're one of my best friends, right?"
>"All the way back here?"
"Well if you're not going sit in my lap, I get to decide where to start."
>"Fine. But I'm not moving until I hear what I've been waiting for."
"Fine."
>The girl straddling you looks away for a moment, as though trying to remember her exact words
>"Yeah, you're one of my best friends too, Anon."
"As if I didn't already know."
>"Then don't state the obvious!"
>Dash grins down at you
>"Anyway, we're friends. What about it?"
"Could you, possibly-"
>You pause, your tongue swelling up in your throat as you stare up into Rainbow's eyes
>"Need a drink?"
"Yeah, please."
>"Then finish the line."
>Grinning wide, Rainbow shakes the bottle in you direction
"God. Could you possibly, see something for us past that?"
>"Like roomies?"
>You snatch the bottle out of her hand and take a drink
"I forgot how dense you can be."
>"You're the one who wanted to start back here."
>Rolling your eyes, you put the drink away
"No, like, us. In a relationship."
>For all her bluster and teasing, Rainbow suddenly goes quiet
>"Like, a girlfriend and a boyfriend?"
"Yeah, like that."
>You both pause
>The call never comes
>Rainbow puffs herself up, declaring
>"Well that all sounds nice, but you're going to-"
"I'm in love with you."

>Dash stares at you, awestruck.
>And then
>"No."
>What?
"What?"
>"No, no you don't get to do that!"
>Rainbow's forehead creases as she leans forward and slaps your shoulder
>"I've been thinking about how to respond ever since then and you can't just cut me off!"
>She gulps, her lip quivering
>"Why do you have to steal all the cool parts? It makes me look lame if the mood isn't right."
"You wanted me to say it. Since when do you care about 'the mood' anyway?"
>"Since always! Mood is everything. It's when you score a goal at the last second, or pull off a C+ after an all nighter because you forgot to study!"
"A C+ is nothing to write home about."
>"That doesn't matter! If there's no mood, no passion then, then-"
>She huffs, and closes her eyes
>"Whatever, this feeling will do."
>When she leans forward, the two of you clock foreheads.
>Muttering a quiet curse, she quickly tilts her head to the side and presses her lips against yours
>She's a warm girl, but lips are somehow even more than her compact body
>Soft too, like they're ready to give way at any moment under pressure
>But even still the kiss continues
>You aimlessly wonder if Zephyr knows how close he came to experiencing a kiss with Rainbow
>Because right now you can't breathe, you can hardly think, and your entire body is burning
>Long seconds give way to a minute before the two of you separate
>Holding your face in her hands, Rainbow nods her head and smiles
>"I love you too."
>On instinct, you see the girl's eyes dart towards the door
>You both wait a long moment before whispering
"I don't think your parents are going to be able to claim they a photograph your first kiss."
>"Good. Then I'll take my second now too."
>This kiss, much like the first, is honest, but in an entirely different way
>Where before there was passion to be found in the waiting, it's now in wanting
>Rainbow wastes no time pressing her tongue against your lips, hesitant in her brief touches, but purposeful all the same

>Before long you're responding in kind, two familiar bodies exploring each other in unfamiliar ways
>Your hands cradle the girl's well-muscled backside, feeling the heat and twitching of her body as her heartbeat echoes all the way down to her toes
>She arches her upper body into yours, finally breaking away to catch her breath, while seating herself firmly into your hands
>"Ah, woah, need a second. Might have gone too fast."
>Rainbow laughs as her eyes flutter
>You take advantage of the opportunity, and her positioning, to press your lips against her neck
>She makes a quick gasp, her body seeming to lengthen under the unfamiliar touch
>Rather than moving away, she leans in more
>"Ah, Anon?"
"Don't move."
>Rainbow gives an uncertain grunt
"I need to get used to this again. To you. I don't want to feel anxious around you anymore."
>Cradling the back of you head again, Rainbow nods
>"Take your time then. I won't let you free until you get sick when you're away from me."
"That might be too-"
>"Shut up, and get used to it."
>Rainbow laughs, holding your head close to her body
>She shivers as you slide you face, lips, nose and tongue over places you would have just touched in passing before
>As you marvel at the firmness of her collarbone, she melts
>Her shoulders are stiff with tension, caught in a flex that gives only slightly under your exploratory touch
>The scent of skin, slightly moistened ,is enough to make your head spin
>And, truth be told, it's hard to imagine separating yourself from this pleasant world
>But as you move to rest, Rainbow lifts your head and kisses you again
>It doesn't last nearly as long as the previous two, but instead Rainbow moves down and begins pecking your body with her lips
>She even goes so far as to bury her face in your shirt again, knees now resting on the floor as she holds your legs down with the weight of her upper body

>"I hope you know"
>Rainbow's voice is muffled as she speaks into your middle
>"That it's been really, really hard for me. To go without this."
>At once, her head jerks up
>Eyes bright and sparkling
>She pulls on the bottom of your shirt
>"Up! Pull it up and pull it off!"
"What? Rainbow, come-"
>"Take your shirt off, come on! I'll do it too."
>You gulp and allow yourself to be stripped
>Dressed in an undershirt and pants, you watch as Rainbow clutches the fabric closer to her body and sighs
>"Oh, yeah; you're staying right here with me from now on."
>As she cradles the shirt like a child, you give a small, uncertain cough
"So, uh, shirts."
>"Ah, yeah, sorry. It's okay if I keep it, right?"
>That wasn't what you were referring to, but you eventually agree
>As Rainbow sighs and slides back into position, straddling your lap, she smiles, lifting the hem of her shirt
>"Did you think I was all talk?"
>She starts to pull it up, then laughs, letting go
>"It's, not so easy to do on your own, in front of someone else."
>That's as good a cue as any
>Reaching down, you slide your hands over her hips, and then up
>Hooking your fingers under her shirt, you start to raise it higher, only to be met with an squirming Rainbow pushing down in response
>"Woah buddy, where do you think you're going?"
>The gentle quiver in her voice belies something beyond the confident grin
>"I just said that it feels weird."
"Well that makes two of us."
>You indicate your own state of partial undress and, after a few seconds more of squirming, Rainbow relents
"Lean back a little."
>Scooting back, Rainbow sits on your knees, watching your face intently as you begin to raise her shirt
>It takes a steady eye and hand to appreciate how her hips taper inwards towards her waist
>Dash shivers as her navel is revealed to the colder air, then again as you pause long enough to slide over it, exploring the shallow divot with your fingers
>"Ah, Anon, don't be weird about this."

>You give her a sly smile and tease her belly a little more until her cheeks are nice and flushed
>Then the shirt starts climbing again
>Her slim waist narrows in, then heads out again as the hem reaches her chest
>Rainbow's lungs begin heaving as you push higher, right up over her breasts
>You pause, then glance between Rainbow and her chest
>The seconds pass, and the girl's eyes begin to grow ever wider, until finally
>"Will you stop staring and say something?"
"Sorry, still getting used to the fact that you have boobs."
>"Omigawd, I've had boobs! I've had boobs since three years ago!"
>A teasing grin slides onto your lips
"Is that so?"
>"Okay, this shirt? It's going down now."
"Ah, no, wait!"
>Sliding you hands under her arms to catch the shirt, you take some time to run your thumbs over the young woman's cup-covered cans
>Rainbow quivers, but pouts all the same
"Sorry. They're a good size, I was just surprised; they're different than I thought they'd look."
>"It's been a rough year. But, you like them?"
>You slide your palms over and give a slight push upwards
"Just the right size for me to handle."
>She snorts and looks away, smiling still
>"I guess."
>Before long her arms are over her head, and she's cast aside her own shirt
>The two of you stare at each other, basking in a state of undess that might have been fine when you were younger or even among your peers, but is now impossibly laden with sexual and physical tension
"So."
>"So."
>You slide a thumb over her bare middle, earning a shiver
>She settles into your lap, pressing her pelvis down against your legs
>"Maybe, this was a little too much."
>Rainbow laughs, placing a hand on your shoulder to steady herself.
>"I mean, you're right, we just stated talking again, and we did all of these things together. Honestly, my brain is just fried!"
"Backing out?"
>Rainbow's body goes stiff at your accusation
>"No, just, thinking. I never even dreamed we might get this far again. So-"

>In the distance, you can hear a car door slam
>Rainbow is up like a bolt, eyes wide
>"Shit! That must be mom!"
>Grabbing her shirt from the sofa, she quickly pulls it back on
>You do the same, but as you're getting it it over your head, she smacks your arm
>"The heck are you doing, Anon? That's mine!"
>You glance at the shirt and frown
"Pretty sure it fit me when I walked in."
>"No, dingus! You're leaving that shirt with me. Hang on."
>She hurries over to the bed
>A slamming door shakes the house and the panic in the room grows
>At last, Rainbow lets loose a victorious cry
>"Got it!"
>And tosses you a rather well-worn shirt you haven't seen in years
>Not having the time nor energy to put up an argument, you struggle to pull on the too-small shirt
>Seconds pass, and there's a quick rap of knuckles on the door
>You hop to your feet as it slides open
>"Oh, Anonymous! What a surprise."
>Windy gives you her usual grin, looking you up and down
>"Seems like you're in good health. Shirt's a little small though, don't you think?"
"Yeah, a bit."
>You try to keep taking shallow breaths, out of concern that you'll rip the belly-baring t-shirt in two.
>"Aw, it's so great to see you two together again."
>In an instant, the phone is out and Windy takes a quick picture
>"That's just cute. Well, I'll let you two have your fun, so just keep the door open."
>"Yeah, uh, sure mom!"
>And like that, the moment passes
>Rainbow lets out a sigh of relief as she closes her eyes
>"Okay, glad we decided to slow down before she showed up."
"I guess so. That's not something I would want to explain."
>Rainbow nods, and then her phone chirps
>Taking it out, she looks down, and you see the color drain from her face
"Dash?"
>"Gimme a minute."
>The girl holds up one finger, and then steps out of the room
>You can hear the flurry of footsteps descending the stairs, and then
>"Dashie's First Hickey?! Mom, take this post down now!"
>"Aw, don't be like that sweetie, it's adorable!"

>"But my friends will see it!"
>"Ooh, should I tag them, too?"
>"Too? Who did you tag already?"
>"Ah look, it got a like from Nana!"
>"Mom!"
>You collapse on the couch, unable to hold back a laugh
>Closing your eyes, you listen to the distant drone of mother and daughter bickering
>Your heart aches a bit at the sound
>After a few minutes, it becomes apparent that Rainbow is having more trouble than she bargained for
>Leaving the bedroom, you start down the stairs and to the door
>Rainbow skids out from the kitchen, socks hissing against the wooden floor
>"Are-are you going?"
"Yeah, I don't want to overstay my welcome."
>"Oh."
>Rainbow follows you down with her eyes
>When you stop in front of her, she grins
>"Then, I guess this means I'll see you tomorrow."
"I guess so."
>"Ah, Anonymous."
>Windy peeks from around the corner, behind the stairs
>"Are you headed home already? Not staying for dinner?"
"It's probably rude to drop by uninvited. I'll give you notice, next time."
>"Next time, huh?"
>Windy adopts a familiar, smug smile
>"Well I'll be looking forward to it. I'm sure Dashie will too."
>"Omigawd. I need to get out of her before she makes me gag."
>Rainbow rolls her eyes and pushes you towards the door
>You pull on you shoes from the porch
>"Hey, Anon?"
"Yeah?"
>She looks tongue-tied for a moment, and finally says
>"I love you."
>You grin, and give her a peck on the lips
"That was a pretty lame delivery. Where's the mood?"
>"Maybe everything doesn't have to be perfectly timed. Do you accept it or not?"
"Yeah, I love you too."
>Another round of goodbyes, this one a bit more awkward than the last, and you're headed down the block, to your own home
>On paper at least
>You've still got a while before you can claim the estate
>Until then, it belongs to the woman in the master bedroom