Anon - Fading Rainbows (unfinished)

>"Dude look, you really didn't have to"
>Walking alongside you is none other than the sporty Rainbow Dash.
"It's fine. Don't wanna get soaked then get sick right miss sport captain of everything?"
>She rolls her eyes at you.
>"Oh hah hah. At least I'm achieving something doofus."
>Sigh, you are Anonymous.
>It's pouring down rain.
>The kind of rain where the sky makes it feel a lot later than it actually is.
>It's actually quite dark for an afternoon storm.
>You had to stay behind to help Ms Cheerilee pack up and walk her to the car.
>Today you brought an umbrella because you just had a feeling it might rain.
>Luckily you were right and a lot of people got drenched.
>Plus it doesn't hurt to impress your teachers.
>Cheerilee likes you a lot.
>Good grades don't come easy.
>Getting back to the point.
>You finished helping your beloved teacher and started heading home.
>While doing so, you spotted a certain rainbow haired sports captain standing awkwardly under a small dry spot near the school building.
>Rainbow Dash.
>The popular athletic girl.
>You swear she was the captain of every single sports team.
>She really loves sports.
>You're part of her group of friends that she hangs out with.
>Not the cool or sports groups.
>Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity and of course Rainbow Dash.
>A lot of the guys are envious that you hang out with all of these girls.
>They're the only ones you really connected with.
>You and Twilight are really good friends and that lead to you becoming good friends with the others as well.
>Well with most of them.
>Rainbow Dash is often busy being the sports captain of whatever.
>She also tends to avoid you.
>You've never really asked about it.
>She doesn't really talk to you either.
>But you knew a little about what kind of character she was.
>This proved advantageous when you walked over to where she was standing.
"Yo Dash, you ok?"
>You could see the frown on her face as you approached her.

>At first you thought you had done something.
>"Oh hey egghead. How bout this rain huh?"
>420 small talked.
>"Damn, I was gonna see if I could beat my previous record."
"You know, you don't have to run home every afternoon"
>She rolls her eyes at you.
>"Anon, I have to stay at peak performance every day. It's important to stay fit and active dude. You should know, don't think that the school hasn't started talking about how much you've changed"
>Huh so people actually talk about that?
>You went through a phase of constant exercise and dieting.
>It was brought on by everyone teasing the shit out of you.
>You got sick of it and eventually got the motivation to do something about it.
>You still don't do the sport thing though.
>Some people don't even recognise you.
"Yeah yeah people change. So need help getting home?"
>You point to the umbrella over your head.
>She looks at you for a short while.
>Determining what her answer will be.
>"Fine, whatever."
>That's what got you up to this point.
>It's all a bit strange but here you are.
>Walking along side Rainbow Dash.
>In the rain.
>In the rain with Rainbow.
>Heh.
>"Hey, gimme some room. I'm getting wet"
>Don't be lewd Anon.
"Y-yeah sure. Sorry it's a one person umbrella"
>You move closer to her to the point where your body is touching hers.
>She leans into you which causes you to look at her.
>"H-hey! I don't wanna get sick so I'm using your body heat, that's all!"
"Sure thing Dash, good thinking" you say with a smirk.
>She looks up at you with a frown.
>It's pretty cute.
>You spend time walking together in silence for a while.
>Your right side is filled with warmth as you become concious of how she's pressed up against you.
>The rain still keeps hammering down from the sky.
>A horn goes off startling you.
>It seems to have startled Dash as she looks around confused.
>Suddenly a familiar camaro pulls up beside you.
>The window winds down to show a familiar face of Flash Sentry.

>"Hey Dash, it aint the weather to be walking home by yourself, let me drive you home!" he speaks to her with that shit eating grin.
>He doesn't even acknowledge your presence.
>I'm right here asshole.
>Well he seems to be good friends with Dash.
>You've often seen them hang out together.
>He's part of the cool group that she chills with.
>Damn, you were enjoying the time you were having with her.
>You don't get to see her much.
>Oh well, you can walk back to your place alone.
>You always do.
>She turns to look at you.
"I'll see you later Dash" you say with a smile.
>"Hang on, wait" she looks at you and then to Flash. "Yo Flash, can Anon get a lift too?"
>Flash looks at her with mock confusion plainly clear on his face.
>"Who? I don't know who you're talking about Dash. You're on your own aren't you?"
>You can see him smiling at his own little game.
>"Come on Flash, don't be an asshole"
>"Dash, you want the lift or not? Would you rather stay in the rain with some beta faggot?"
"Yeah Dash, why stay in the rain with him when you can hop in his car?" you say while shooting Flash you're own shit eating grin.
>Rainbow covers her mouth in an attempt to suppress a giggle.
>He looks at you.
>"Listen "Buddy", Dash must be pretty desperate to be hanging out with such an autistic loser like you. How bout you piss off to that hole you crawled out of. Dash, you fucking coming or what?"

>"Dash, you fucking coming or what?"
>Flash seems irritated.
>You'd hate to cause any more problems.
>It's probably not good for her reputation to be seen with someone like you.
>Dash looks at you and snatches the umbrella from your hand.
>"C'mon Anon, let's go"
>Dash stars walking away, leaving you stunned.
>She takes with her the only protection you had from the falling rain.
>Snapping out of it, you catch up.
>You resume walking next to her, unsure about what to do about Flash.
>You hear the familiar sound of Flash's car once more.
>Noticing a rather conveniently placed puddle on the side of the road near where you're walking, you quickly grab Dash and move her quickly off to the side.
>Just in time.
>Flash speeds past and no doubt purposely drives through it.
>The cold and dirty water splashes over you as you see Flash stick his middle finger out from the car window as he speeds off.
>Prick.
>Now you're soaked from head to toe.
>You feel a strong pair of hands shove you.
>"What the hell Anon?"
>She looks at you angrily.
>You sniffle as you wipe your face and lamely attempt to flick the water out from your clothes.
"Ah don't worry about it Dash. I'm fine" you say casually.
>"Dude, Anon..." her anger falters.
>You smile at her.
"It's fine Dash, really. Better me than you. Shall we keep walking?"
>She looks at you like she wants to say something but eventually starts walking again.
>Your entire body is drenched and the cold water is chilling you to the bone.
>The rain seems to have gotten heavy as it smashes down upon the only protection you and dash have against it.
>"It's getting pretty bad out here. My house isn't far away" she says while looking at you.
>You nod at her and continue walking.
"Sorry" you say suddenly.
>"Huh? What for?"

"For damaging your rep. I know the last thing you'd want is to be seen with someone like m-"
>A small but strong fist hits your arm causing you to flinch in surprise.
>"I don't care about that. What, you worried about Flash?"
"Well yeah! He's your friend right?"
>"We're not friends"
"Well he seems to think otherwise. I even heard rumours that the two of you were dating"
>RD goes completely silent.
>She eventually sighs and speaks again.
>"Honestly dude, I am so over it all"
>The way she said that really caught you off guard.
>So did her suddenly leaning her head into your shoulder.
>You can't help but notice that you have grown quite close ever since you started walking together.
"What do mean Dash?"
>She shuts her eyes as she leans into you more.
>She doesn't seem bothered that you're soaked.
>"Just all of the talking yknow? The rumours and the gossip make me feel exhausted. People like to use my passion for sports as a way to spread more shit about me, it sucks"
>You smile slightly as you look at her.
>She seems quite happy leaning on you as you both walk.
"Yeah I get that. Honestly I can't imagine why anyone would spread rumours about you Dash, you're pretty awesome and a lot of people look up to you"
>She opens her eyes and looks up at you.
>"Aw thanks Anon. I don't mean to sound stuck up or anything but it's hard having so many people look up to you. Like, I gotta make sure that I'm strong enough for my team mates as well as my role as sports captain and even with all of my endurance I still get exhausted"
"Yeah I understand. Look Dash, I don't think anyone else could achieve the things you have. I honestly think that being the sports captain and managing all of the teams as well as your own school work would be impossible"

>You kind of expect some kind of witty remark on her behalf.
>"Sometimes it does feel like that. Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in all of my work. I'll be honest with you, I've never really been good at assignments and homework. That's Twi's speciality"
"Yeah sure is. I swear I have never seen her without a book nearby or papers scattered around. She even works on projects when we're all eating at the cafeteria"
>Both of you share a laugh.
"Typical Twilight" you say in unison.
>Her smile fades.
>"Sorry I don't hang out with you guys. I gotta keep managing the teams and getting to know them all. The problem is, Flash helped me get more members for the soccer team so I gotta keep up a good reputation with their groups which means I can't hang out with you guys as much"
"And I'm guessing that's why you've been avoiding me huh?"
>She stiffens up and slowly separates from you while looking at the ground.
>"Anon I, look I'm really sorry. I know that you and Flash have a hatred towards each other. I had to avoid you because-"
"Flash would tell his friends to pull out of the soccer team? I get it. Look Dash, it's fine. I honestly thought that you hated me or something."
>She shakes her head.
"Well then it's all good"
>"Really?"
"Really"
>She sighs and leans into once more.
>"You're weird Anon, but like a good weird. Sorry for bitching to you like this. You're just uhh...I don't know how to put it"
"Easy to talk to?"
>She smiles at you.
>"Yeah that's it"
>You smile back.
"You know, it's not really bitching if you want to just get things off your chest. If you ever wanna talk, let me know yeah?"
>She beams at you in a strangely adorable way.
>A way that wouldn't be expected from someone like her.
>Actually, she has shown you a different side to her today.
>Well this afternoon.
>For a while, you both walk together in silence.
>You probably look like a couple to the occasional car that drives by.
>The streets and parks are empty as everyone is staying inside.

>Rain constantly pours down and you find the sound of it hitting the earth quite relaxing.
>You listen to it as you both walk in silence.
>Dash eventually speaks up again.
>"Hey Anon?"
"Yeah?"
>"Thank you for listening to me. You're a pretty awesome guy"
"I'm flattered that you think so milday"
>And that's another punch from Dash.
>Girl has a good arm.
>No surprise there.
>"Hey Anon? This may sound weird but don't worry it's cool and all. Like, I'm not being weird or anything by saying this"
>Well that was certainly an odd sentence.
>You look at her slightly confused.
"Yeah, sure?"
>She focuses her gaze on you and stops moving.
>You do the same and return said gaze.
>Finally she speaks.
>"Could you u-um, call me Rainbow? L-like Dash is cool and all but..."
>She fiddles with her hands as she she looks to the side, avoiding your gaze.
>You can't believe it.
>You'd have never thought 'cute' and 'Rainbow Dash' would have gone together.
>What's the deal with the name anyway?
>Must be because Flash called her that?
"Sure thing Rainbow. How's that?"
>She looks down, trying to hide the fact she's smiling like an idiot.
>Why is she acting like a total cutey?
>Is she broken?
>She eventually looks back up at you with her trademark grin and pokes you in the chest.
>"Not bad egghead, I like it. Just call me that when it's just you and me got it?" she says with a wink.
>What's the big deal?
>We'd better keep moving, it's raining pretty heavily now and you're soaking wet"
>Oh right, you almost forgot about that.
>You start walking again.
>The sound of rain replaces conversation once more as you both continue walking.
>You occasionally glance at the girl walking next to you.
>She seems quite happy.
>A definite change in comparison to the reluctance of when you asked if you could walk her home.
>Now that you think about it, isn't this the kind of thing you do with someone you like?

>You only walk a couple more blocks until you find yourself standing outside a modest looking two storey house.
>Huh, not what you imagined.
>Then again, you didn't really imagine anything to begin with.
>It looks like her parents aren't home yet.
>A part of you feels relieved.
>For some reason, you can just imagine Rainbow having some kind of overprotective father.
>Who used to be a professional wrestler.
>You walk her to the door.
>You both stand there looking at each other.
>This is getting awkward.
>Say something!
"Well I guess I'll see you around Rainbow"
>She rolls her eyes at you.
>"Anon, I can't just let you walk home like that. Do you live nearby?"
>Oh shit.
>Right.
>You live practically on the opposite side of town.
>It's closer to the school than hers however.
>How does she manage to run that far?
"Yeeaaahh, kind of..."
>She narrows her gaze at you.
>"Don't tell me that you live on the other side of town?"
>What the hell woman?
>You're a mind reader now?
>Pink's got competition.
>"Uhhhh kind off? Look Rainbow, it's fine. I can walk, it's not that far" you say while summoning your most convincing smile.
>She doesn't appear to be very accepting of you walking back in the state you're in.
>"No"
"What?!"
>"I'm not letting you walk home in this weather"
>You roll your eyes at her.
"What are you? My mother?"
>She hits you in the stomach.
>Dammit girl, enough with the pun-
>Your train of thought is interrupted by her wrapping her arms around you and squeezing you tight.
>You feel her warmth make it to your very core.
>Her hold on you is tight as you can feel her body press against you.
>Why she would hug you while you are soaking wet evades you.
>Not that you're complaining.
>She's so warm and her fit body feels surprisingly soft against you.
>Her hair brushes against your nose as you inhale her scent.
>It's difficult to explain but it'd be best described as smelling like 'her'
>You've never been so intoxicated by something like this before.

>Before you can even take the first steps of returning the gesture, she quickly releases her grip on you.
>"Sheesh Anon, I can feel that you're absolutely freezing. Get your ass inside. You shower and I'll let you borrow some of dad's clothes, got it?"
"Thanks for the offer and all but honestly it's fine. I can walk home"
>She crosses her arms and looks at you.
>Dammit girl, what do you want?
>She's stubborn alright.
"Ok fine"
>"Good"
>You only started talking today and you're already at her place.
>Most guys at school would kill to be you right now.
>Reluctantly, you follow her in.
>Nice house.
>Better than the shitty apartment you live in.
>Closing the door, you turn around only to have a towel smack into your face
>"Shower is upstairs and straight ahead. Just don't go snooping around, got it?"
"Yes ma'am"
>The prospect of snooping around never occurred to you until she mentioned it.
>Walking up the stairs, you make it to the bathroom.
>There's a set of clothes there waiting for you too.
>Wait, that means that she did all this in the time it took you to close the front door?
>Is that even possible?
>Obviously it is for Dash.
>You feel a sense of danger being in Dash's house.
>You don't exactly know when her parents will get home.
>You quickly get undressed and shower, not bothering to use any of the soap or shampoo.
>The warm water feels heavenly in comparison to the weather outside.
>You get out, dry yourself and get changed.
>It feels awkward wearing her dad's clothes.
>Hang on.
>There's no shirt.
>Tentatively, you open the door and look around for Rainbow.
>Stepping out of the threshold slightly, you call out.
"Hey Rainbow? Could I get a shirt or somet-"
>You accidentally glance to the left and spot Rainbow Dash.
>In her room.
>Half naked.
>Literally.
>The cycling shorts are still on.
>Everything above that is not.
>Two perky breasts are exposed to your gaze.
>They look bigger outside of her bra.

>Not only that.
>They look firm and there's probably enough for them to fit perfectly in your hands.
>Her athletic body manages to incorporate subtle curves in all the right places.
>Time stands still.
>You stare at her.
>She stares at you.
>In a split second, her cheeks redden and she quickly slams the door of her room.
>You just stand there staring at the door.
>The sight of her breasts and body still fresh in your mind.
>Why the hell did she get undressed with her door open?
>It doesn't matter.
>She probably hates you now.
>You sit down on the bathroom floor.
>Good job Anon.
>The worst part is that you can't tell what she might do.
>She could get dressed and come out to kick your ass.
>Or be upset and tell you to leave.
>It wasn't even your fault.
>Dammit why do things go to shit around you?
>When everything seems to be at its lowest, you hear the sound of a car pulling up outside.
>RD's parents must be back.
>Quick thinking Anon, what do?
>Maybe you can quickly escape out a back door somewhere?
>Yeah good idea Anon.
>Out in the rain without a shirt.
>Maybe hide in the bathroom?
>That's a terrible idea.
>Your constant stream of amazing ideas is cut short as a pair of hands pull you to the side.
>It's her.
>She drags you along into her room and looks for somewhere to hide you.
>Before you can question what is happening, she forces you under the covers of her bed.
>You pop your head out to protest but she covers your mouth with her hand.
>"Not a word, understand?"
>You nod.
>She leaves the room and closes the door behind you.
>Is she mad at you?
>You can't blame her if she is.
>Not that you'd be mad if she saw you naked.
>This feels like some kind of dream.
>You thought it was bizarre being at her house.
>Now here you are in her bed of all places.
>Under her covers.
>You can smell her.
>The warmth of the covers of her bed and the smell of her make you sleepy.
>You try to resist but slowly succumb to the heavenly sensation of her scent as your eyes close.

>You snap your eyes open as you hear a loud cry come from downstairs.
>Springing to action, you bolt out of Dash's bed, open the door and run downstairs to investigate.
>You see two officers trying to calm Dash down.
>She's screaming and yelling at them.
>"IS THIS SOME KIND OF JOKE!?? DON"T GIVE ME THAT BULLSHIT!"
>"I'm terribly sorry Ms Da-"
>She interrupts the officer's speech by grabbing him.
>He struggles with her strong grasp.
>"NO! THIS IS SOME SCHOOL PRANK! TAKE IT BACK!"
>Running up to her, you wrap your arms around her midriff and pull her away from them.
>She kicks and thrashes around in your grip.
"Dash calm down!"
>"GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME ANONYMOUS!" you can hear Dash yelling and screaming as you lose your grip on her.
>She manages to elbow you in the face causing you to fall over and smack your head on something.
>Your vision blurs as darkness begins to crawl across your vision.
>All you can hear is muffled sounds of Dash yelling and the officers trying to placate her.
>Everything starts becoming a dark blur.
>It feels like your body is falling through cold water.
>Conciousness leaves you.

>It has been almost four weeks.
>Four weeks since the death of Rainbow Dash's parents.
>You heard the news after you woke up in hospital.
>Apparently you hit your head pretty bad when you were at Dash's house.
>It's hard to recall perfectly but you remember walking her home, encountering Flash and telling him off.
>It gets difficult to recall after that but you remember seeing her topless with surprising clarity.
>You also recall running downstairs and seeing two police officers at her door, Dash yelling at them hysterically.
>That's where the memories stop.
>Life has become a saturated blur since then, as if the world has fallen into a black and white filter.
>Well that's what it feels like.
>The funeral was devastating.
>You felt like you didn't belong there.
>After all, they didn't even know you.
>And you never knew them.
>But Twilight and the gang told you that you just had to be there.
>For her sake.
>So you went.
>The people gathered there all stared at you as Dash practically spear tackled you over and wrapped you in her arms.
>She wouldn't let go and she kept softly repeating your name.
>Seeing her in such a state shook your very core.
>The whole ordeal has changed her.
>It's almost like part of her died with them.
>She held onto you for the entirety of the service, her friends having to pry her off you at the very end when it was time for you to leave.
>Her parents were everything to her.
>They were also the only family she had as her grandparents were long gone and neither side had siblings.
>No cousins, nothing.
>You honestly thought that the Rainbow family would have been great in number but apparently not.

>The circumstances were as grim as her situation.
>Turns out that they were only renting the house and seeing as Dash has no income, she had to move out.
>All Dash was left with was the belongings of her deceased parents.
>You wanted to ask about a will left for Dash, anything that could help her out.
>But you held your tongue.
>Her parents must have been doing it really tough because her living arrangements sure made it hard to tell.
>"Now departing: Canterlot high. Doors are now closing, please stand clear"
>The sound of the train's feminine automated announcement system causes you break away from your thoughts, making you lean back into your seat.
>After a couple of high pitched beeps, the doors make a hissing sound and close tight.
>Taking a breath in, you inhale the humid air inside the carriage while glancing at other passengers.
>Everyone looks unusually sombre, as if the weather as drained the colour from their faces.
>The dark, dismal and depressingly moody day doesn't help.
>The black, rolling clouds in the sky that shower the earth endlessly with rain make the afternoon seem like evening.
>The weather has been pretty depressing lately, rain coming and going throughout the passing weeks.
>It started up again yesterday and hasn't stopped since.
>The authorities are starting to get nervous about flooding which is more than likely to occur.
>The train begins to move forward causing a few people standing up to adjust.
>You just hang your head, enjoying the feeling of the momentum and the carriage rocking gently as you head home.
>Catching a train home is obviously not a preferred mode of transport for most.
>But it can be quite relaxing after school, giving you a chance to think and let your mind wander.
>It's the most conventional method of getting home for you anyway.
>You don't have a car and the buses don't stop near your place.

>Moving to a different place was another big thing that happened shortly after the funeral.
>From a tiny, run down apartment to an old, wooden house.
>It sits on top of wooden supports on the side of a hill.
>You weren't too sure when you first arrived but it's not as dangerous as it looks.
>It just looks really dangerous.
>And there's no leaks which is a relief.
>It's just really cold.
>But other than that, it's a considerable upgrade.
>And the rent is cheaper which is great.
>An old lady actually owns the house but she lives in another house just down the hill from it.
>It's pretty much a walk through the ridiculously sloped backyard of yours down to the fence.
>There's an old concrete area underneath with a couple of old couches and a hammock which she must have forgotten about.
>She knew you because you often caught her wandering the streets aimlessly, helping her home using the map on your phone.
>Most people tend to avoid the poor lady because she sometimes "talks" to dogs.
>Like literally barks at them.
>You witnessed that first hand and politely asked her about it.
>She claims that she is merely "speaking to them".
>You don't question it, even if she "talks" to herself for the majority of the time.
>Mrs Screwloose is really nice and you're grateful for her help.
>She mentioned it when you helped her get home.
>Not before saying that you're like the grandson she never had.
>Now that you've settled in, she gets you to come down and help her with her dvd player but it's no trouble.
>The only real problem is that you're no longer close to school.
>It's actually pretty far away.
>Your new place is located in the outer suburbs of Canterlot.
>But not many people from your school live near you so not having to deal with them is a bonus.
>Plus you have more space, a lot more in fact.
>The fact that you live so far away from everyone else only furthers your confusion on a matter you haven't fully explained yet.

>When Rainbow had to find a place to stay, everyone agreed that it would be best for her to stay with the Apple family.
>It would have been the best possible choice for her.
>But it didn't work out.
>The reason why was quite shocking.
>You don't remember the details because you were pretty out of it when the doctor was describing it to you.
>Something in relation to attachment disorders and problematic social behaviour.
>Luckily Nurse Redheart was able to explain it simply to you.
>"Rainbow Dash has undergone a traumatic experience which has resulted in her developing an attachment disorder. It's strange because in most cases attachment disorders are a lack thereof, meaning there is a lack of attachment. However in this case it would seem that an attachment has developed"
>You remember being incredibly tense as she paused, most likely trying to come up with the right words.
>"Listen Anon, Rainbow Dash is-"
>"Now approaching: Farrier Station. Next stop: Numnah"
>You blink, once again you're pulled from your thoughts.
>Man you've been spacey lately.
>It's probably best to stay out of your own head lest the whole world passes you by.
>Also you need to remember that you're not exactly alone any more.
>Turning your head to the side, you see Rainbow Dash sitting in the seat next to you.
>It's such a sad sight looking at her now.
>Her hair has lost its colour along with her eyes.
>She sits silently next to you, not even looking up at any of the boarding passengers.
>Twilight and the gang have tried everything to raise her spirits and put some colour back in her life.
>They tried taking her to the mall, the amusement park and even took her to go see the Wonderbolts when they came to town.
>It was all for naught as she barely responded to anything they provided to her.
>Your hope was really shattered when the Wonderbolts didn't even lift her spirits.

>She wandered aimlessly by your side, a blank expression plastered on her face.
>The only time she reacted was when you had to go to the bathroom or when you had to leave her side for something.
>Something happened between you both.
>It's complicated.
>She's developed some kind of attachment to you.
>Whenever you're not around, she gets anxious and prone to panic attacks which mostly ends in tears.
>Apparently she has "separation anxiety" which is odd because it usually affects infants and toddlers.
>However Dash is obviously a special case.
>It's flipped your entire world on its side but you're not giving up.
>The priority is helping Dash get through this and getting her back to normal.
>Though things are pretty tough for her.
>She's no longer the sports captain, of any team.
>It's just not possible for her now.
>Celestia was really nice and understanding about it but it didn't make the situation any less depressing.
>You help her with her studies but she has less motivation to do them that she did before.
>You wish you could just make everything better for her.
>But as always, you don't know what to do.
>She's been living with you ever since her week with the Apples.
>You've been able to accommodate her reasonably well but that doesn't mean that it hasn't been hard on you.
>She's been really cold and empty, staring at walls or off into space.
>Her condition has made it difficult for you to focus on your own studies as you find yourself falling behind.
>But you're not leaving her alone.
>It's really hard not to be touched by her attachment to you.
>But you always tell yourself that it's all in her head.
>She rarely shows any kind of affection towards you anyway so it just heightens the fact that it is a condition.
>You were shocked when none of the girls had any doubts about you looking after her.
>They trust you more than you think.
>You're starting to think that their trust in you is misplaced.
>You sigh sadly and return to staring at the floor.

>The train comes to a halt and the doors open as several passengers get up and leave.
>An old man slowly makes his way on board, several people rudely pushing past him and taking the remaining seats.
>He looks really tired and obviously has problems with his legs.
>You stand up and place your hand on Dash's shoulder, giving it a gently rub and breaking her out of her trance.
>She looks up at you, blinking a couple of times.
"Hey, take my seat" you gently instruct her.
>She's reluctant at first, staring at your hand for a while for a while eventually moving over.
>You look at the old man and gesture to the now empty seat.
"Here"
>He gives you a warm smile as he makes his way over.
>"Thank you so much young man" he says as he sits down with a exhausted sigh.
>You shake your head and smile back at him.
"It's not a problem sir" you say politely as you reach up and grab the railing above you.
>You look down and catch Dash staring at you, her hand on her shoulder where you touched her.
"What?" you ask gently.
>She responds by standing up as well, causing you all kinds of confusion.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
>"Sit" she says, pointing to her chair.
>She just spoke?
>With wide eyes, you slowly shake your head.
"N-No it's ok, I'm fine"
>"You're tired Anon. Sit back down"
>Did she seriously speak a full sentence?
>Her tone of voice sounds has hints of that harsh "enough of your shit, do as I say" tone she once had.
>A spark of hope hits you.
>She hasn't spoken much since the incident and whenever she did, it was barely audible.
>Dash practically turned into a shadow of her former self, no longer proudly proclaiming how awesome she is or having that brash, tomboyish attitude that she was so famous for.
>You never thought you'd miss her ego but right now, you'd do anything to get it back.
>Which is why you're going to try and ignite some of that pride she might still have.

"And you're gonna make me?" you tease her lightly with a small smirk, hoping that she doesn't back down.
>And it's quite possible that she will.
>She's so different now.
>Your heart is beating rapidly in the hope that maybe this is the start of something positive.
>You swear you see a sparkle in her eyes as she grins weakly and leans into you.
>"Maybe I will"
>Your mouth drops.
>Hope. So much hope.
>This is such a good sign.
>Your brain desperately scrambles a comeback, something that will make her smile and lift her spirits.
"I guess I should do as I'm told then" you finally respond, winking at her as you sit down once more.
>That small but evident smile on her face right now cannot possibly be fake and she even giggles slightly as you obey her command.
>You can barely control your happiness, your heart beating violently against your chest.
>The doors close and the train begins to move.
>Dash moves her arm up to grab the handle, giving you a surprised look when you stop her.
>Grasping her arm, you gently pull her towards you.
"I'm not letting you stand like that"
>Seeing part of her come to life as helped your bravery as you gently pull her down, getting her to sit sideways on your lap.
>She gasps but doesn't resist at all which worries you slightly.
>"Loser" she whispers quietly which relieves your worries instantly.
>This is actually happening.
>You are actually witnessing her communicate with you.
>You're not in some weird dream right?
>There's no doubt what you're feeling is real.
>No way could your mind replicate the new warmth that spreads through your body as she rests against you, her head sitting comfortably just below your neck on your chest near your shoulder.
>You gently wrap an arm around her back and rest your other arm on her lap, the cold and gloomy weather being the cause for her wearing jeans instead of her normal skirt and shorts combo.
>You probably wouldn't have placed your arm in such a spot otherwise.

>With her this close, you notice that you're not the only one who looks tired.
>She hasn't been getting much sleep lately.
>Nightmares, probably about her parents.
>She tends to wake you up and you have to sit down in her room with her until she falls asleep again, hence you're exhausted most of the time.
>However it might just be you imagining things but you swear you can see the tiniest hint of colour in her hair.
>"H-Hey Anon?"
>You look down, a spike of energy shooting through your heart as your face gets unintentionally close to hers.
"Yeah?"
>Those usually dead, grey eyes look like they've brightened ever so slightly as she locks her gaze with yours.
>"Thank you" she says softly as she closes her eyes and rests her head against you.
>Your mind quickly attempts to think of what it is that you did to suddenly make her brighten up like this.
>You respond by gently placing a hand on her head, running a hand through her hair.
>It's hard to resist the overwhelming temptation to call up Twilight and tell her about what just happened.
>You feel like it would ruin the moment.
>This is the most progress she's made in almost a month.
>But what was she thanking you for?
>Meanwhile, a small girl and her mother watch the two of you from a few seats away.
>"Is that girl sick mummy?"
>The mother nods her head.
>"Yes she is darling. However I can tell she's well looked after and that she's already getting better" she speaks softly with a gentle smile, looking at you warmly.
>You don't notice as your eyes are glued on Rainbow, gently caressing her face as she rests against you.
>The little girl stares at her mother before grinning.
>"Are they in love?" the girl asks, eliciting a chuckle from her mother.
>"They might be. What do you think?"
>The girl flashes her mother a bright smile and nods happily.
>"Uhuh I think their totally in love! See how he looks at her? He really cares about her!" she states a bit too loudly, pointing at you directly with her finger.

>Something catches your attention, making you look to the side.
>A little girl and her mother are glancing over at you.
>The mother attempts to pretend that they're not looking but the girl flashes you a bright smile and waves at you.
>With a smile of your own, you wave back.
>The girl beams, her mother also giving you warm smile before turning her attention back to her daughter.
>Looking back at the now sleeping Rainbow Dash in your arms, you can't help but feel happy having her around, even if the circumstances for her presence are grim.
>You can only hope that you can help her recover.
>"Anon" she mumbles, taking a deep breath and nuzzling your chest.
>You look at her face and see her smiling slightly.
>After today, you figure you might be able to after all.
>You don't really know how.
>But you'll think of something.