Element of love (MLP Equestria Girls x Autistic reader)

1

Y/N stepped out of the car, his gaze scanning the unfamiliar building in front of him. The sight of Canterlot High was intimidating, with students chatting in groups, laughter echoing around the courtyard, and bright banners welcoming newcomers. The noise was already starting to feel overwhelming, and he found himself fidgeting with the strap of his bag.

Y/N: whispers "I don't like it here..."

Beside him, his mom, A.K. Yearling, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. She gave him a small smile, one that was both encouraging and just a little tired. Moving had been hard on her, too. She'd been quieter these days, the usual spark in her voice dimmed. They both knew why, but neither of them talked about it much.

A.K. Yearling: "I know, Y/N. It's... different. But I think you'll settle in just fine. Your sister wouldn't have recommended this school if she didn't think you'd be happy here."

Y/N nodded but felt his stomach twist. His sister and her wife had been so welcoming, giving him a place to stay, to figure things out. But it wasn't home. Nothing felt quite right anymore. Everything just felt a little off.

Y/N: "Can I just... wait in the library? Away from... all this?"

His mom chuckled softly, clearly used to his tendency to stick to quieter places, away from crowds.

A.K. Yearling: "Of course, but at least give the day a chance. Maybe you'll find something here that surprises you."

Y/N shrugged, looking down at the ground. The idea of meeting new people and navigating through so much chaos felt exhausting. He was about to reply when the first bell rang, signaling that the day was beginning. The sound echoed through the courtyard, making him flinch slightly.

Y/N: "I guess I'll try..."

As they walked toward the front entrance, his mom gave his shoulder a small squeeze, grounding him just a little. It didn't make the nerves go away, but it helped.

Y/N adjusted his headphones, pulling them down around his neck as he followed his mom toward the main entrance of Canterlot High. His familiar comfort items were with him: his blue hoodie with thumbholes cut out, frayed at the edges from years of wear, and a small, textured sensory toy clipped to his belt loop, something he could fiddle with when things got overwhelming. He also carried a small notebook, its edges soft from use, which he sometimes used to jot down thoughts or sketches.

As they stepped inside, his gaze dropped to the floor tiles, avoiding the sudden flood of voices and faces around him. Just ahead, two girls were chatting near a row of lockers. One had beige skin and soft, two-toned hair in shades of blue and pink—Sweetie Drops, or "Bon Bon" as her friends called her. Beside her was a girl with mint-green skin and cyan-colored hair, her sunglow eyes bright and curious—Lyra Heartstrings.

Y/N barely glanced at them as he walked by, but he could feel their eyes on him. He heard Bon Bon gasp, her voice soft but surprised.

Bon Bon: whispering to Lyra "Lyra, look! It's a new guy!"

Lyra grinned, nudging her friend with her elbow.

Lyra: "Yeah, and a really cute one, too."

Y/N kept his eyes forward, cheeks warming as he sensed others beginning to take notice. Some of the girls in the hallway turned, a few glancing at him with soft smiles or blushing cheeks, while a few guys shot him looks that were less welcoming. The attention made him grip his notebook a bit tighter, thumb running over the edges for a sense of grounding.

All he wanted was to get to a quiet corner and avoid this much attention.

As Y/N walked down the bustling hallway, he became acutely aware of murmured voices and giggles following him. His ears picked up bits of conversation that he couldn't quite ignore, despite his natural inclination to block out the noise. Glancing around, he noticed a group of girls looking his way, exchanging amused glances and whispers as they sized him up with obvious interest.