Hi! I'm back! Let me know what you think!

Rainbow stared down at the floor with a blank expression, but her mind was racing with millions of thoughts. It had been a day since Rainbow had run away from her home and come to Applejack's house. Applejack had kindly and graciously invited Rainbow to stay with her, for which Rainbow will forever be grateful. She had expected to be living on the streets somewhere, alone. This turn of events was a welcomed surprise.

Twilight and her mom had come to see her the day after. Twilight's mom advised her that she should get started on the process of having someone else gain legal custody of her. Twilight's brother, Shining Armor, worked in the FBI. He told the girls that he would look into finding any relatives that lived as close to them as possible. That would make the process much easier by not having Rainbow Dash move too far from her current living place. Rainbow mentioned to Shining that she did have an uncle from her mom's side of the family that lived in town. She hadn't seen him in years, but they had been close before her mother died. After that, her father had refused to let her see him again, especially once he started abusing her.

Rainbow had repeatedly thanked Twilight and her family for all they were doing to help her. She had never expected for anyone to go so far to ensure her safety. Twilight's mom said there was no need for thanks. They wanted to help her. Rainbow wouldn't admit it but she did get choked up after hearing that.

A few days later, Twilight's brother called her, saying that he had gotten in contact with her uncle, Strike, and that he wanted them all to meet up at the child protective services office downtown. The girls immediately agreed and rushed to get ready. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were ready and out the door in no time.
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Rainbow stared out the window of the truck. She couldn't seem to sit still. Her right knee bounced rapidly, the heel of her foot tapping on the rubber mat on the car floor. Rainbow had to keep her hands busy to them from trembling. She played with the sweater she had borrowed from Applejack's closet. The fabric was soft and stretchy. It was being tugged on and trusted and rubbed in her hands. It was probably getting wrinkly from the constant twisted and scrunching, but she hoped Applejack wouldn't be too upset about it. She'd iron it later.

Rainbow's mind was swarming with thoughts. All the events that led up to that moment and the possibilities of the future ran rampant in her head. She had tried her best to not worry herself with events that may or may not happen, but she couldn't help it. She could still be forced to go back home any day now. Her dad could still get her back and if she did go back home...

Rainbow inhaled deeply, closing her eyes. She could only imagine what he'd do to her. The beating she'd get would be the worst she'd ever received. Rainbow's palms grew sweaty. Rubbing them on her jeans, she tried to calm her breathing. Her chest felt heavy. She felt panic rising up. If this escalated, she'd definitely start to hyperventilate. She suddenly felt pressure around her left hand, something was squeezing it.

It helped. The pressure made Rainbow acutely aware of her body. Her mind strayed from her terrifying thoughts momentarily to take in her surroundings. She was sitting in a seat. She was outside... in a car? Oh right, they was going somewhere. Rainbow analyzed everything she saw, trying to piece together what was going on.

She was suddenly aware of the presence next to her. She turned her head and saw Applejack sitting there, looking at her. She looked worried. Her mouth was moving, but she couldn't focus on the words.

It suddenly all made sense now. Mostly. Her breathing was still labored and her mind was a jumbled mess of fear and anxiety. It was suddenly as if Rainbow Dash's hearing was turned back on. She could make out the words being said to her.

"C'mon baby. Take deep breaths. Can you hear me now?"

Rainbow jerked her head to a nod. She wanted to speak but her tongue felt heavy in her mouth, her words stolen from her throat.

A hand touched her cheek. It took her brain a moment to realize it was Applejack's hand. The hand made sure Rainbow was looking directly at her.

"Just copy me, Rainbow. Breathe in."

Rainbow followed her instructions and copied her breathing. Her hands continued to shake, but she felt less trapped, more stable. Rainbow's eyes never left Applejack, the only thing keeping her grounded.

"Squeeze mah hand real quick." Applejack instructed softly.

Rainbow squeezed the hand that held hers. Applejack nodded in satisfaction.

"Good. Good job."

Rainbow leaned into the hand that was caressing her cheek. It was comforting. It continued on for another few minutes. Just breathing and silence.

"Ya feel ok now?" Applejack broke the silence.

Rainbow's eyes snapped open and met her own green eyes. Her throat felt dry, hindering her from being able to verbalize anything. She simply nodded minutely. Applejack's gaze roamed over her face, analyzing her.

"Would ya like some water?" She offered.

Rainbow again nodded. Applejack pulled her hands away. Rainbow missed the presence immediately and craved the comforting touch from the other young woman. A water bottle was suddenly in her line of sight. Rainbow blinked. Applejack helped her take a sip. Rainbow hadn't realized just how thirsty she was until that first sip. The water was like liquid heaven to her dry mouth.

After a few larger sips, Rainbow was fine. She nodded again to Applejack and Applejack capped the bottle. Rainbow cleared her throat. Applejack's attention was back on her in a moment, comforting touches and hand squeezes Rainbow couldn't even begin to describe how grateful she was for.

"Baby." Applejack's voice was soft and quiet.

Rainbow looked up and tried to make as close to eye contact as she could. She ended up just glancing at her girlfriend's face and then away repeatedly, unable to make eye contact for long periods of time. It intimidated Rainbow. But Rainbow could still see the emotions in Applejack's eyes for those few seconds in between glances.

"Hm?" She responded to let AJ know she was listening.

"Ah know. Ah know that you're scared. Ah know all of this ain't exactly fun to go through... ah'm scared too."

Applejack gently tucked a lock of hair behind Rainbow's ear. The hand brushed her cheek and jawline. The sweet and intimate gesture made Rainbow smile.

"But it's gonna be ok. Alright? Ain't nothing gonna hurt cha again. Ah promise. Your dad ain't never gonna hurt you again."

Rainbow nodded immediately.

"Nah, look at me." Applejack almost scoffed.

A gentle hand lifted Rainbow's head up so they were making eye contact. Rainbow felt her body freeze up by instinct. She knew AJ would never hurt her, but the intensity of her gaze was enough to make her tense, whether she meant to do it or not.

"Ain't nothing is gonna hurt you, Rainbow. Ah won't let anything bad happen to you. Ah promise. It's gonna be ok. Nothing to worry about. You're not alone in this. Me, mah dad, Twilight and her folks, and our friends. We're here for you, Rainbow. Every step of the way. Ok?"

Rainbow felt warmth spread in her chest, her heart fluttering. She smiled. She gave a small nod.

"Ok."

Applejack smile.

"Good. Ah love you."

Rainbow exhaled, the smile growing.

"I love you too."

The girls shared a short kiss before they wrapped themselves around each other in a hug turned cuddle position. Rainbow rested her head on Applejack's shoulder, her body finally relaxing. She internalized the promise Applejack. She could do this. She had Applejack with her and she trusted her more than anything. She had people who wanted to keep her safe. She could do this.

Yup. So comment your thoughts below and I'll see you in the next update :)