AN: Hey guys, welcome to the first ever BETA story on my account! This one is still a maybe for the main account so some feedback is always welcome. Disclaimer, I do not own any characters except this replica of Wash. Alright, I've already talked too much, let's get on with it.

Tex: "Yes, get on with it!"

Wyoming: "Quit blabbering and start already!"

Caboose: "What are we yelling about!?"

I'm working on it, hold your horses people.

Caboose: "I am holding my horses."

Tex: *sigh*

OH BEFORE I FORGET! READ True Identity ON CollectiveMinds FOR FULL UNDERSTANDING!

Chapter 1:

/Eyes-

People say the eyes are a window into the soul. But people never truly look at your eyes. They don't see you. They see the facade you put out for them. An act for the people. A smile, that never quite reaches your eyes. They think you're happy when you smile. They believe you're confident when you stand straight. But they don't really see you. With eyes that were once a vibrant crystal blue; now reduced to a washed out cold grey.

The ones that do, the ones that can see how you really feel. You push can see when it all melts away.

The act disappears when you think you're alone when they can't see you. The smile fades and your shoulders drop. Your eyes don't lie, but you do.

"I'm fine."

"Nothings wrong."

"Everything's good."

"There's just something in my eye."

But you're not fine. Something is wrong. Everything is not fine and dandy. Nothing is okay. When the people around you turn their back, even for just a second, everything falls apart. You're hurting, but you won't let anyone in. You won't let anyone help, forcing yourself to cling to that fading mask.

And for that, you live together...alone./

The words on the screen speak volumes. Words that I am unable to say to the faces who 'care'. I leaned back in my chair. Glancing around the dimly lit room, the effects of my time here were clearly showing.

*This place is a wreck.* I scowled at the blankets scattered across the ground, littering the floor was small shreds of sketchbook paper along with tiny flakes of plastic. The small lamp next to me lit up the pale wall, flickering ever so slightly. Illuminating a small photo of the good times. ~sigh~ *I miss you guys. I wish that we could all go back, back to when everyone was alive and sane. To when we were a family. Before all of that went down, before everything was destroyed. Before my mind left me,...before everyone knew.* I snorted a small laugh at a memory, *Back to when He made us take that stupid picture.* Sighing again, I ran a hand through my overgrown silky blonde hair, and started back to my writing.

Not even getting half a sentence in, the door cracks open. *I thought I locked that.* Turing questionably towards it.

"David,"

"Hrmm," It's my sister, nosey brat.

"David you need to get out of here." Her voice filled with worry.

"I don't want to, not yet. Not when I'm this close..." I ignored her, turning back to my work.

Bad choice.

With lightning speed, she flicked on the overly bright light and spun me around till I was forced to face her. Her blood red hair swishing across her soft face, strong hands pinned my arms. My eyes blinking rapidly with the sudden change.

"It's been THREE YEARS since Church, three goddamn years since you saw that armor again," her voice was shaking, getting closer to a complete breakdown with each passing second. "You need to get out of this damned room. Go outside, spend some time with the guys, hell, make out with Tucker, I don't care. I need to see my little sister again, the way she was back then." She gestures to the photo, "Back with the others, back with Maine. You were so happy, I need to see that again...you need to be that again. I can't just sit here and watch you run yourself into the ground chasing ghosts like me..." She paused, tears blinking in her eyes.

"Please, don't end up like dad...Stuck in the past." Her nails were digging into my arms. Shaking with frustration and worry. I can't deny her, not when she's like this.

"Alright. Alright, fine. I'll, come out I guess and, I don't know, do something around the house...for you 'Lina." A sweet smile crossed my lips. She sighed in relief.

"Thank you." She gently kisses my forehead. "Get a shower and put on something clean, I have a certain something planned for tonight." she smiles mischievously.

I winced at that last part. I knew exactly what this 'loving' sister of mine had planned, it was different every year but always the same date.

My birthday.

AN: Well...wasn't that interesting.

Tex: "The beginning was really nice but, overall could use a lot of work"

Oh yeah, definitely.

Wyoming: "Your character introductions are a little odd.."

Yeah, this is a really old story...

Washington:"WHY AM I A GIRL?!"

Cause why not.

Wash:*grumble*

Anyway guys, hope you enjoyed this BETA story. See you next time.