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.