Fuzzy Blue Lights

Fluttershy stopped. She looked... normal. Most days, her pale skin brought out the dark bags under her eyes, but she was surprised to see that they had gradually reduced to the point that she no longer needed to put any makeup on at all. She looked normal.

Pleased with this discovery, Fluttershy went about preparing for the day with a hint of a smile on her face. She took a warm shower, then dressed in the clothes she had laid out. She was nervous about wearing a tank top, but Rarity said it would look nice on her. Fluttershy examined herself in the mirror.

Today, she vowed, is the start of a new Fluttershy.

Rainbow Dash munched on a Pop-Tart while she glanced over her homework. She frowned at the equations on the sheet.

Seriously, screw graphing.

"Hey, you good to play again tonight?" Rainbow Blaze asked, lightly punching her shoulder. Rainbow Dash nodded.

"Yeah, I'm good. No flukes this time."

"Alright. See you later."

Rainbow Dash waved as her brother exited. Officially, he was going to lift weights in the school gym, but in reality, Blaze was probably just gonna fool around with some girl.

Rainbow Dash chewed the eraser on her pencil, tapping her foot rhythmically.

Whatever, I'll finish it later.

Rainbow Dash snatched the paper up, flinging crumbs as she stood up. She had somewhere to go before she headed to school.

Fluttershy shivered. It was a cool, slightly foggy morning, but the alien sensation was so exhilarating, Fluttershy didn't bother going back for a coat.

"Yo, Fluttershy!" Fluttershy turned to see Rainbow Dash jogging towards her. "Whoa, I like the new look. Cute."

Fluttershy blushed, lowering her head. "Um, thank you."

"So anyway, the Wondercolts got another game tonight. Wanna come watch?"

Fluttershy rubbed an arm. "I don't know, Rainbow."

Rainbow Dash's smile faltered. "Uh, I'll be playing. You can cheer me on."

I hate watching people get hurt. Why would I want to see you get hurt?

"I'll make sure you won't have to pay to get in, or anything." Rainbow Dash added with a hopeful tone.

Fluttershy gave a small sigh. Rainbow Dash really wanted her to be there. "I'll come watch."

"Awesome!" Rainbow Dash pumped a fist.

Awesome isn't the word I'd use for it.

"Hi!"

Fluttershy couldn't stop herself from jumping. The girls warned her that Pinkie Pie had a tendency to pop up from out of nowhere, but Fluttershy never saw it coming.

"Hello, Pinkie."

"Beautiful day, isn't it? Nice skirt! Ooh, whatcha got there?" Pinkie Pie pointed at the notebook Fluttershy kept tucked protectively under her arm.

"Um, it's for my sketches."

Pinkie's jaw dropped. "You can draw? Why didn't you tell me? Can I see them?"

Fluttershy subconsciously gripped the notebook tighter. "Um, I don't know. They're not very good."

"Pfft!" Pinkie Pie threw her hands up in a So what? gesture. "You don't have to be 'good' to have fun and be proud of yourself."

Fluttershy bit her lip.

"I Pinkie Promise that I won't hurt them."

How... curious that sounded. But in some strange way, Fluttershy felt reassured by the words. She could trust Pinkie. Hesitantly, she handed the notebook to Pinkie.

Pinkie flipped through the pages, careful not to bend or rip any of them. Fluttershy didn't think it was possible for Pinkie Pie to smile any wider, but she pulled it off.

"These are pretty good!" Pinkie Pie gushed. "My favorite is the mermaid with the anchor." She closed the notebook, offering it back to Fluttershy.

"Thank you." Fluttershy whispered as she accepted it.

"You know, I'm glad you're getting better," Pinkie Pie said as they continued their walk to class. "It's not good to think so lowly of yourself."

Huh?

"Huh?" Fluttershy echoed her thought.

Pinkie Pie shrugged. "I was just worried for you, because I know that look you had. But you're happier now, so yay!"

Fluttershy slowed. How could someone like Pinkie possibly know what Fluttershy felt? Everything about her screamed Hug me, I'm loveable!

"We all have to grow in weird ways, Fluttershy." Pinkie Pie smiled wryly, as if reading Fluttershy's thoughts. She then began skipping merrily to her class. Fluttershy stammered, still confused and worried.

"Wait, Pinkie. H-How did you know about... what I was going through?"

"Just a hunch," Pinkie lied through her teeth, having in fact already read two chapters ahead. "Good luck, Fluttershy!"

"Isn't she just so precious!" Rarity squeed at the sight of Fluttershy. Clearly, she was pleased to see that Fluttershy was taking her advice to heart. A confident body builds a confident heart.

Fluttershy blushed as she sat down. She stuttered a thanks, biting into the apple she bought to give her something to do.

"So Fluttershy," Applejack smiled mischievously. "What were them city boys like?"

Uh... excuse me?

"Oh yes," Rarity giggled. "I've been meaning to ask that. Please, you must entertain us, darling!"

Fluttershy swallowed. "The... the boys. Well, they're, um..."

How many black eyes?

"...Strong."

How many different ways did they make her cry?

"Smart."

How often would they gang up on her?

"Work well in teams."

How long did they hurt her, without anyone so much as batting an eye?

"And a little rebellious."

"I won't lie," Rarity blushed. "I wouldn't mind a bad boy sweeping me off my feet. Carry me off into the sunset on his motorcycle."

Applejack chuckled. "I'd like a strong, hardworking man. Someone to work with every day, who's really got a sweet caramel center."

Fluttershy brushed her hair back. I don't know if I would want anyone.

"Oh, how I so do wish I lived in the city." Rarity sighed dreamily.

No you don't.

"Spitfire, this is my friend Fluttershy."

Spitfire looked Fluttershy up and down. "The new girl? Why didn't you introduce me sooner? Welcome to Canterlot."

She brought up a fist, causing Fluttershy to involuntarily flinch. Spitfire chuckled.

"You pound it, girl," She shook her head at Rainbow Dash. "Come on, don't be so skittish. You act like everyone wants to hit you."

I thought you were.

Honestly, Fluttershy felt perfectly justified. She had grown quite fond of Rainbow Dash's friends, no longer only hanging out with them just because Rainbow Dash did. But being in a room full of athlete-types was a bit... much.

Rainbow Dash rested an arm across Fluttershy's shoulders. "Don't worry, they're not so bad." She whispered.

Fluttershy tried to calm her breath. Rainbow Dash wouldn't lie to her.

"Sorry. I-It's nice to meet all of you."

They all seemed to think that was satisfactory. Fluttershy exhaled in relief after Rainbow Dash led them away.

"Well, that's my team."

Fluttershy nodded. Seniors are big. Why couldn’t Rainbow Dash play more soccer? They don't tackle each other in soccer.

"Hey girls!" Pinkie Pie screamed as she barreled around the corner. Her eyes were wild with excitement. "Did you hear about the new student?"

Rainbow Dash raised her eyebrows. "Another new student?"

"Yes!"

Rainbow Dash laughed, then lightly slugged Fluttershy's shoulder. "What do you think about that? You already lost the title of 'New Kid'."

Fluttershy offered a miniscule shrug. "Well, I just hope they're nice."