Author's Note

Skramz is what emo kids used to call screamo back in the day. It would often be combined with other genres like hardcore, metalcore, melodic hardcore, and post-hardcore. It would also go by other names like emo-violence to distinguish itself from less aggressive variations of emo music.

Skramz

Rainbow awoke early the next morning, preparing a pot of coffee and breakfast to start the day. After tidying, she began the process of regaining her lost strength, heading outside to train seriously for the first time in ages. Unlike before, she only needed one person to notice. The rest of the world would follow in time.

Following a brief shower, Rainbow got dressed, spending some time in her room to unwind with a few games before heading out. She called ahead to make sure Noah was still up for having her visit. His confirmation was all she needed to hear. At top speed, she flew to his door, arriving much faster than the day before. Upon knocking, Noah answered, along with his older brother, Nathan.

"Well, I'll be damned," the latter expressed in shock, "If it isn't Ms. Gold Medalist herself."

"This is my older brother," Noah explained, "He was a senior when we were both freshman."

"I think I remember seeing him around," Rainbow revealed, "He was pretty active in the sports scene himself, wasn't he?"

"Yes indeed," Nathan confirmed, "Name's Nathan. You can call me Nate if you like."

"Nice to finally meetcha."

"Likewise. I was wondering where my knucklehead brother kept disappearing to. Guess now I know."

"You're the knucklehead..." Noah muttered.

"Please, come in. Ma and sis are working on lunch right now."

"You have a sister?"

"Paulina. She's a tad younger than us. Goes to the same school and everything, so..."

"Before I forget," Rainbow cut it, "I brought a couple things."

The Pegasus pulled two cases from her coat. One was a melodic metalcore compilation from the mid-'90s. The other was a PC game from around 2004 to 2005.

"Thanks," Noah replied graciously, "I'll try 'em out later."

In the back, Noah and Nathan introduced Rainbow to the rest of their family. Paulina finished her homework while their mother Margret finished cooking. She prepared a dish of collard greens, chicken, and mashed potatoes - just the meal to reinvigorate their spirits. While waiting, Nathan pulled his brother to the side. In the hall, they spoke in private, trying to keep their voices barely above a whisper.

"Are you sure you just met a few days ago?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"You're sure?"

"What's the deal, man? You're acting flaky."

"Did something happen at her place?"

"Are you nuts!?"

"Shhh!!!"

Nathan peered around the corner, hoping the others hadn't heard.

"What's your deal!?"

"You didn't notice? She never took her eyes off you."

"What!?"

"At the door. She was talking to me, but focused on you. She was smiling."

"So? What's the big deal?"

"Look."

Nathan directed his brother's gaze back toward the kitchen.

"Ma's already showing her the photo album. You know there's embarrassing stuff in there, but she's not laughing. I saw it, man. There was love in her eyes. I mean that fairy tale happily-ever-after shit. She thinks you're the one."

"You're crazy."

"Am I? 'Cause I'm pretty sure dad would say the same thing. Hell, he'll probably be home before she leaves."

"What makes you so sure?"

"I know you. You're not the type to put up a front to impress a girl. A mare like that? You couldn't if you tried, and yet based on what you're telling me, she fell for you in just two meetings. I've never seen that happen, and I'll be thirty next year."

"All I did was offer advice. How could that mean anything?"

"Because it shows you care. Something tells me she never allowed herself to be vulnerable around others. You gotta keep her close. Opportunities like this are almost unheard of."

"I couldn't take advantage of someone like that. Even if what you're saying's true, it means she's wounded. She deserves better than some boring businessman, anyway..."

"It's only taking advantage if you force it. Help her heal and she'll come to you on her own. Let her take the lead. Trust me. She has faith and motive. She'll make the first move."

"And if she doesn't?"

"Then she'll remember you when her life's back on track. You'll be a legend in her eyes the same way she was in ours."

"I guess when you put it that way. I'm still not sure, though..."

"Has your big bro ever steered you wrong? On second thought...Don't answer that."

Noah made a face in agreement.

After lunch, Rainbow and Noah relaxed on the porch, taking in the scenery to temper their excitement. Noah could see how intensely Rainbow focused on the feeling of nature, listening to leaves scrape against the asphalt. In alliance with Nathan's observations, she seemed happier and lighter. It was the closest she'd been to anyone in years. Something had transformed her, to be sure.

"Hope the others didn't talk your ear off too much. They're excitable around new people."

"Not at all. It's a nice change of pace, actually. Most of the time during school, we were always talking about projects and activities. Kicking back and unwinding feels right, ya know?"

"I hear ya."

"I was thinkin', maybe you could come over for Halloween? We could pass out candy to trick-or-treaters - maybe jam or somethin'."

"If you want."

"Yeah. I'd like that."

"It's a date, then."

Noah grimaced, recoiling in horror at the sound of his own voice. Rainbow's expression remained unchanged. She didn't seem bothered by his phrasing at all.

"You wanna try that CD I brought?"

"Oh...Uh...Sure. I'll go grab my player. Man. How long have I had that thing, anyway?"

"Long time."

"Anyway, I'll be right back."

"Skramz. Get it?"

"Tss. You're a nut."

"Careful. You might crack me."

"Don't threaten me with a good time."

"I warned ya, pal."

"Be back in a minute."

Noah headed inside. Rainbow looked back. She had to tease him a little before the main event.