//------------------------------// // Feelings // Story: It takes a village // by Sarcastic Brony //------------------------------// Anon is shifting uncomfortably in front of Carousel Boutique. He’s gotten all his work done for the day, and now he wants to drop Faith off at Rarity’s for a few hours so he can talk to Rainbow. The entire morning he's been lost on what is to come. His daughter is his top priority and, if he must, he’ll distance himself from Rainbow if this is going to become a regular thing. However, he will hear her out; he owes her that much. The door opens, and Rarity looks surprised. “Hello, Darling!” She moves to the side. “Please, come in, come in!” Anon steps inside and takes Faith out of the new harness Rarity made for him and cradles her in his arms. “Sorry to show up so unexpectedly. I was wondering if you could watch Faith for a few hours?” Rarity’s eyes light up. “Of course! Why you know that you don’t need to ask. It’s always a treat to watch her.” Rarity magics Faith from Anon and sets her down onto the floor to investigate. “I’ve just cleaned up, so she should be fine to explore.” “That’s good.” Anon follows Faith for a moment before turning his attention back to Rarity. “Thanks again. I’m sure you were getting ready to call it a day.” She waves him off. “Anon, you act as if everything you do is a burden. I’m fine. Also, thank you for the party. While the beginning could’ve been better, the end certainly was a treat.” Pinkie indeed did come through for Anon there. She salvaged the party and then some. “Yeah, I’m glad you all enjoyed yourselves.” “Admittedly, I’m rather upset with Rainbow, but that’s beside the point.” Anon rubs the back of his neck. “I’m going to talk to her right now. That’s why I want you to look after Faith.” “It’s not going to get physical, right?” Rarity’s attitude flips to one of concern. "I know you two used to go at it whenever you drank too much, but you have a daughter to think about now.” “We’re just talking, I hope,” Anon whispers that last part. “Would you like me to come?” Rarity offers. “I may not look it, but I can give that mare a good one-two if things turn nasty.” “You, a fighter?” Anon can’t hold back the laugh that escapes. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Wouldn’t want you to dirty up your beautiful mane.” Rarity’s smiles sheepishly. “Very well, but know you have my support in whatever comes next.” “Thank you. That makes me feel better,” Anon admits. “I better get going. Rainbow is probably already waiting.” “Very well.” Rarity floats Faith back over to her. “Say goodbye to Dada.” “Dada!” Faith says. Anon smiles as he leans in and kisses her on the forehead. “See you later, Missy.” With that all set, Anon walks out of Rarity’s home and gets ready to face Rainbow. “I have a few dress ideas for you!” Anon hears Rarity speak from inside. He shakes his head with his smile still present. Well, time to get this over with. Turning the corner, Anon finds Rainbow sitting outside his door, waiting. Her head is hanging low and wings drooping just as much. Looking at her is already bringing about a sense of guilt, but he can’t allow his friendship with her direct the outcome of what she did. After all, this is for Faith. With that thought to solidify his reasons, he walks all the way up to his house, opens the door and steps inside. “Come in,” he offers as Rainbow walks inside and stops in the hall. “Find a seat in the living room. We have a lot to talk about.” Like a robot, Rainbow follows his direction without delay. Anon takes this moment alone to breathe a few times, slowly in and out. He’ll hear her out, no matter what she says, and then they’ll move on from there. Walking into the living room, he finds Rainbow sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table. Anon decides to take his seat across from her and look over her trembling form. She's a broken mare, and it hurts him seeing her like this. Not even during their most intense fighting has she ever looked like this much of a mess. The only time he’s seen her close to this was when she talked about her past. That was a very emotional time for the both of them. “Start anytime you want. I’m listening.” Anon puts that out there. “I was afraid,” Rainbow states. “Afraid?” “I... I didn’t know what to do.” Rainbow scuffs her hoof on the floor. “So much has been changing these past few months and things aren’t the same anymore.” “Is it because of Faith? Do you not like her?” Rainbow looks up at Anon, her eyes bloodshot and red. “That’s not what I’m saying! I love Faith, and I love you!” That skip. Just like when Faith said dad for the first time, Anon felt his heart skip a beat. “I assume you don’t mean you love me like family?” “...Yeah.” Alright, so this is a lot more complicated than Anon thought. Still, that doesn’t explain why they’re here today. “I think we’re moving away from the subject. Why were you so crazy yesterday?” “I was trying to work up the courage to tell you how I felt.” Rainbow taps the tips of her forehooves together. “It was only supposed to be one drink to take the edge off, but then I took another, then another. I started to get angry that I was terrified to tell you and that the other girls liked you too.” “Wait, wait...” Anon can’t even comprehend this right now. “The others like me?” “Of course they do, idiot!” Rainbow yells. “It’s as clear as day! AJ has been trying to get with you before Faith came around. Rarity isn’t subtle with her constant gifts. Pinkie has always had a crush on you too.” “What about Twilight and Fluttershy?” Anon asks interestedly. “Well, I’m sure they like you, but I’m not too sure if it’s on the same level as the others.” “So, yesterday was just too much liquid courage?” Anon tries to get back on track. “Pretty much.” The two of them fall silent. Almost ten minutes pass without either of them saying anything. “So what happens next?” “I don’t know,” Anon admits. “Do you, not like any of us?” Rainbow looks up to him with glistening eyes. “It’s not like that, Rainbow...” Anon rubs the back of his neck. “You girls mean a lot to me, but I’ve never romantically thought about any of you. Especially since I have Faith around to occupy my time.” Dash uses a hoof to clear her eyes. “Well, you better figure it out quick. The longer you put this off, the worse it’ll be in the end.” “I guess you’re right about that.” Anon nods a few times to himself. “So, we good?” Rainbow asks meekly. “As long as you don’t do that again, yeah, we’re good.” “Thanks... I really do care about the kid.” “I know you do. You should probably head back before it gets dark.” “You’re right. Goodnight, Anon.” “Goodnight, Dash.” Once Rainbow leaves, Anon is left to himself. Well, he has a lot to think about tonight, because things will never be the same tomorrow.