She looked across the fire at him, watching him look off into the flames. His eyes were always so sad, so distant when he did so. It made her want to go over to him and hug him and promise that she’d always be his friend, and that she’d do anything to help.

        But what could she offer him? She was only a girl, nothing special in the vast world, save for the friends that she traveled with. And she knew how it could feel, that sensation of being so insignificant in the scheme of life. And yet, she fought against it every day.

        She smiled softly as she watched him. He wasn’t insignificant. He was a rare individual with a wry sense of humor and enough good looks to catch the attentions of several women. Yet none of that seemed to make him happy. In fact, he usually retreated further into himself at the attention.

        She made a comment, just a small one, watching the dry smile flicker across his lips as he replied simply. No, he wasn’t a man of a lot of words, but those words he offered were enough to reveal the wit held in check behind those eyes.

        She didn’t know why, but she started to sing the words quietly, uncertain of where they came from, or what they would ultimately mean. But they were worth saying. “Can't remember when I last saw you laughing. If this world makes you crazy and you've taken all you can bear, you call me up. Because you know I'll be there.” Her eyes met his. “And I'll see your true colors shining through. I’ll see your true colors, and that's why I love you. So don't be afraid to let them show: your true colors, true colors are beautiful… like a rainbow.” He looked at her steadily for a moment, and then he blushed. But he didn’t get up and walk away, didn’t close himself off.And that, she thought, was a good sign.

(True Colors - Cyndi Lauper, Tom Kelly, Billy Steinberg)