Unlucky Chapter: Butterflies

“No! I’m never coming out! The whole town thinks I’m a slut now!”

“Fluttershy, the only ones out here are me and Bonbon. Nopony in your living room thinks you are a slut.” Rainbow Dash called, leaning against the wall just outside the locked bathroom door.

“Just leave me alone, I don’t want anypony to see me. Everypony knows about me and Applejack, and that I was drunk at the party. They’ll think I’m some kind of sex crazed alcoholic.” Fluttershy’s voice trembled. Her normally soft tone replaced by a high wail.

Bonbon leaned her ear against the bathroom door, listening intently for sounds of movement. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, I lost my head. I wasn’t mad at you, I should have thought about what I was saying.”

There was only silence from behind the door. Bonbon took a step back. With a shrug she shook her head at Rainbow Dash. “I didn’t know she would react like this.” she whispered.

Dash whispered back, “It’s Fluttershy, what did you expect? The girl’s a walking mental breakdown.” Turning her attention back to the door, she shouted to Fluttershy, “Come on out, nopony here is going to judge you. And I’ll bet that, by tomorrow, nopony in town is even going to remember about you and Applejack.”

“That’s easy for you to say, you’ve never even had a special somepony. What do you know about what other ponies think?” A sudden impact shook the bathroom door. The sound of shattering glass rang through the cottage. A small pool of dark red liquid began to soak the carpet lining the doorway.

Bonbon leaned down, sniffing at the puddle. “Fluttershy, is that wine? You aren’t drinking in there are you?”

“Shut-up, after what you did, you have no right to judge me.” Fluttershy was shouting now, her timid demeanor now completely abandoned.

“Where did you even get wine in the bathroom?” Dash asked Fluttershy as she glared at Bonbon.

“I brought it in here last night. I took a bath and drank some. It helps me relax.” Fluttershy let out a loud groan, her stomach was becoming upset. “You aren't my parents, and I am an adult. Would you rather I went everywhere in a constant state of panic?”

“What do you mean ‘went everywhere’? Fluttershy, how often do you do this?” Rainbow Dash asked, confused. Fluttershy never acted drunk, and she hadn’t noticed anything out of the ordinary at the party.

“It’s none of your business! You both just need to leave. I have plenty to do today, it’s almost noon and I haven’t done any of it.”

Bonbon’s ears drooped, “Okay, we’re leaving. Just promise us you won’t do anything rash. We’re your friends, we care about you.”

“You didn’t seem to care much about me when you said those awful things to Applejack.” Fluttershy mumbled, almost inaudibly, through the closed door.

Bonbon and Dash turned around and began slowly walking towards the exit. Hoping with each step that Fluttershy would change her mind and tell them to stay. Upon reaching the front door Dash hesitated. She turned around and opened her mouth, ready to call out to her friend still barricaded in the bathroom. No words came to her mind. She closed her mouth and, quietly, the two mares left.

Pinkie Pie happily bounced down the dirt path. A shiny plastic name tag hung from a candy patterned lanyard on her neck. Today was a good day, she got to visit a good friend during work hours and get paid for it to boot.

Waving at everypony she passed and enjoying the bright sunshine, she let her imagination run off with her, thinking of the adventures she could have and the great pranks she would play with Rainbow Dash after work.

Speak of the devil!

Pinkie could recognize the two familiar forms anywhere. Now bouncing as quick as she could, she waved and shouted “Hi Dashie! Hi Bonbon!”

The two slowed to a stop as Pinkie approached. They had been talking quietly between themselves but quickly fell silent when she drew near.

“What’s up girls?” Pinkie asked cheerfully. When no reply came, her perpetual smile began to fade. “You two look really serious, is something wrong?”

"It's Fluttershy, she's in a really bad mood." Bonbon avoided making eye contact with Pinkie. She knew it wouldn't matter though, Pinkie was Pinkie and if she didn't know yet she would soon.

"Yeah, a bad mood. No idea what could have caused it." Dash added indignantly, staring at Bonbon through narrowed eyes.

"Oh… Well I was just on my way there to talk to her. You think I should bring her a cupcake or something?"

"Hehe, she definitely could use something to eat, and a pot of coffee." Dash joked. With a cough she continued, "Sorry, that was inappropriate. I really don't think she is in any shape to have visitors."

"Oh dear…" Pinkie's expression soured. "I'll take care of her, I know just what to do."

Rainbow Dash and Bonbon exchanged worried looks, "Pinkie, I don't… think…" Dash started before returning her gaze to Pinkie Pie, who was now a good way down the dusty road galloping full speed towards Fluttershy's cottage, kicking up a small cloud of debris with each step.

Continuing, Dash shouted "THAT'S NOT A GOOD IDEA PINKIE!"

She did not respond. Whether she was ignoring Dash, or simply didn't hear her, Pinkie was not slowing. In a moment she had galloped out of sight.

"We should probably hurry to the library. This is getting out of hoof." Bonbon said as she and Dash resumed their course.

Dash nodded, "Mmhmm."

The broom was in the closet, where it always stayed. Fluttershy still had to enlist Angel's help to find it. Even then she had forgotten to find the paper towels. Luckily, Angel remembered those as well.

The puddle of wine seemed much larger than she thought at first. In her daze, she seemed to be pushing the liquid around rather than soaking it up. Angel had brought a bottle of vinegar to her. It took her quite a while to realize it was for removing the wine from the carpet.

Fluttershy's ears perked up. She heard a loud tapping sound. Listening carefully, after a moment she heard it again. She glanced at Angel, his eyes were scrunched shut, one paw rubbing his forehead the other extended, pointing at the front door. He let out an exaggerated sigh.

As the pieces connected themselves in her wine addled brain, Fluttershy once again heard the knock at the door.

Before she could respond a voice called out, "Fluttershy, I'm coming in! Don't freak out!" Immediately the door swung open, revealing the pony on the other side.

Fluttershy squinted, having trouble focusing her eyes, it took her a moment to register exactly who was standing at her door. "Pinkie Pie? What are you doing here?"

"Wondering why you are drunk before noon is what." Pinkie's voice was cold and flat. "You promised me you were going to stop doing this."

"I'm sorry Pinkie, it's just that Bonbon…"

"No excuses Flutters! You Pinkie promised you would stop if I agreed not to tell our friends. I've been as supportive as I can, trying to help you kick this in secret, but if you aren't going to hold up your end then I have no choice."

Pinkie Pie trotted to the bathroom door where Fluttershy was still attempting to soak up the spill. She took Fluttershy's hoof and pulled, carefully helping her to stand. "We're going to get you sober and then go talk to Twilight."

"But I still have to make those pet treats. The Cakes will be mad at me if I don't get them there today."

"Don't worry about that, we'll work on them while you recover." Turning her attention to Angel, Pinkie asked, "Can you pretty please take care of this mess while I take care of her?"

Angel nodded, gave a sharp salute, and ran off. He returned a short moment later with the wet/dry vacuum in tow.

Fluttershy leaned against Pinkie. With a hiccup she asked, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Pinkie giggled, "Short answer? Booze."

It had been about an hour since Pinkie arrived. The sweet smell of the baking treats mixed with the nutty aroma of the freshly brewing pot of coffee. Fluttershy entered the kitchen, a towel draped over her waist and her mane weighted by cold water, she shivered.

"I'm making a new pot, have another cup, it'll help warm you up." Pinkie said with a smile. She pointed to the table where a simple daisy sandwich sat on a napkin. To the side was a tall glass of water, an empty mug, and a banana.

"Thanks Pinkie, I'm feeling much better now." She took a sip of water. It tasted sweet to her dry tongue. "Wait, isn't eating daisies bad when you've been drinking?"

Pinkie stared at the sandwich for a moment, "I'm fairly sure that's daffodils. All the same, would you like something else? Cause I'll eat it if you won't."

"If it's not too much trouble, I would just like some toast."

"Sure! No trouble at all." Pinkie flashed Fluttershy a wide smile. "By the way, I met Melvin while you were in the shower. You weren't kidding, he really is the tippy-tops of adorableness." Her hoof in the breadbox, she searched for the thickest slices wheat bread.

"Yeah…" Fluttershy smiled to herself.

Pinkie's face turned serious again, "If your head is clear enough now, we really need to talk about your problem."

Fluttershy nodded.

"I agreed to stay quiet about it on the condition that you were making progress. AND that you stopped drinking in the morning." Pinkie pushed the lever down on the toaster. "You broke both parts of our agreement. We need to tell our friends and get help."

"I'm pretty sure Bonbon already took care of that." Fluttershy sniffled.

"Whatever Bonbon said doesn't matter. You have to confront this. Besides, you Pinkie promised." Pinkie poured two large, fragrant mugs of coffee.

"I guess, but can we do it after we deliver the treats?"

"Absolutely."