Fluttershy stared at herself in her bathroom mirror with a solomn look on her face.
"That's it!" she said wiping tears from her eyes
"Enough is enough."
She rifled through her clothing and grabbed whatever she could whilst simultaneously sending a message to the group text.
All caps:
Fluttershy: MEETING AFTER WORK. USUAL PLACE.
Rainbow Dash: I'll be there, you ok?
Applejack: What's up sugar cube?
Twilight: I'll be there right after school.
She stared at her phone whilst dressing and wondered if she had thought this through
Sunset: Band practice isn't till tonight so I'll see you there.
Rarity: Of course Darling.
Pinkie: Should I bring cake?
Fluttershy replied: We're meeting at a cake shop Pinkie!!!
Rainbow Dash: Fluttershy is using explanation points, must be serious.
She threw her phone in her bag and headed off for her last day of work as a teenager.
It was almost 3pm, she finished work at the animal shelter at five and the nerves began to eat her up. What could she possibly ask of her friends that could help with her situation?
Would they push her into doing some kind of karaoke on stage in front of people? She would hate that. Maybe one of them would dare her to jump of a high dive at a swimming pool or maybe try a rollercoaster. Non of these things would be in Fluttershy's normal repertoire but they still wouldn't help her with her shyness, it would just be like torture, like an everlasting game of truth or dare which Fluttershy played once in her teens and then faked being asleep at the sleepover before it reached her turn.
She pushed these thoughts to the back of her mind and carried on attempting to clip the nails of the poor doggy that had been left outside in the rain by its owner, it sat and looked at her, the poor girl was malnourished and hiding in the corner. She always had a great understanding of animals and she saw herself in this badly treated dog. She knew that with the correct food and her special way of communicating, that this young pup would be an excited, friendly and ready to be have a new owner within a week.
"Ok!" she said to herself.
"If this pup can do it then so can I. If I can get through this week with the help from my friends then by the last day I should be able to do anything!"
She smiled at the pup and it sauntered over and offered her paw,
"Good doggy." All it took was a confident smile from her and the pup was already on the mend.
"You make it look so easy girl." She said to the doggy with a half smile.
5pm hit and Fluttershy walked from the animal shelter over to 'Mrs. Cakes Shakes', Pinkie was already there as she worked there from time to time and yes, she did bring cake.
"Pinkie, my birthday isn't until tomorrow."
"Any day is a good day for cake." Pinkie said with her usual zesty way.
"And this, this is just a snack for me!" she laughed as she munched on the side of the cake whilst simultaneously getting frosting in her eyebrows and hair.
Just as Pinkie was sucking frosting from her hair, Sunset walked in with Twilight,
"Nice one Pinkie." Sunset joked.
"Is everything ok Fluttershy?" Asked a concerned Twilight.
"I'm gonna wait until everyone is here first Twi."
After a few minutes the rest of the girls showed up and ordered their usual coffees and shakes, Fluttershy sipped her lady grey tea and looked across the table at the six people she trusted more than anyone in the world.
"Girls, I'm through with being this way."
They all looked on as Fluttershy continued.
"I'm twenty years old tomorrow, I can't keep acting like a kid just because I'm nervous, a man brought in his sick hamster a week ago and I couldn't even bare to speak to him because his voice was so loud, I just stood there at the front desk motionless."
"You know we've been down this road before right?" Remarked Applejack removing her Stetson and taking a gulp of cider.
"And no offence darling, but you've stood your ground many times in the past but seem to fall back into your usual ways once the confrontation is over." Added Rarity.
Fluttershy stared down at her tea,
"I just feel like I need to do something drastic to get me out of my comfort zone."
"Well we're all here for you and we'll help in any way you want." Twilight said with a smile.
"You seemed kind of serious in your message, did you have some kind of plan or something?" Sunset put her hand on Fluttershy's shoulder, "You aren't planning on bungee jumping or skydiving for your birthday are you?"
"Awesome!" Yelled Rainbow almost spitting out her milkshake.
"No, nothing like that, well, actually, that's kind of up to you guys if I'm honest." Fluttershy said looking at her friends.
"What's up to us?" Said a bemused Applejack.
"As of tomorrow I want all of my decisions to be made by you. ALL OF THEM!" Fluttershy didn't blink as she said the words.
"For this week, I will have no say in what I do. I trust you all with this and I'm hoping it will open up my eyes to the way you do things and how you interact with everything and everyone around you."
There were blank stares all across the table.
"You still get to choose when you go for a pee though right?" Rainbow Dash said jokingly.
Pinkie laughed spraying butter icing through her nose.
Fluttershy laughed,
"Of course I still have to make some decisions Dashie, I mean, I wouldn't expect you to follow me around all day telling what to do."
"It seems rather drastic." Rarity said pushing her espresso glass to one side.
"How's this." Rainbow Dash said leaning forward,
"I'll take first watch, tomorrow is your birthday, I'm not gonna go too crazy with it since it's your first day but I'll be your decision-maker tomorrow."
Twilight butted in,
"Please don't make a mockery of this though Rainbow, Fluttershy seems serious and I've read studies about similar types of experiments before and some have actually been successful so let's give it our best shot."
"I had already taken the week off work for my birthday the timing is perfect, tomorrow is Rainbow Dash day." Said an optimistic Fluttershy.
Author's Note
This is my first time writing anything like this, it's clearly incomplete as I have six more characters to each have their own chapter. I have no story thought out as such, I was just seeing where this would take me.
Please feel free to comment with advice or tell me if I'm doing anything wrong.
Thanks
Lauryn.
Chapter Two - Rainbow Dash
She woke from her slumber at 5am and started her routine, DJ Pon3's mix in her headphones, pushups, pull ups, and squats completed in quick succession one after another until she couldn't any more. Then came her protein shake and coffee combo followed by a quick two mile run.
Once she got back to her home she had a quick shower and then got changed for work.
"Ok, I'm alive now." She said to herself. Rainbow dash worked part time at Canterlot High as an assistant coach of their football team as well as many other sports. After this she worked at the local gym doing fitness routines for groups as well as one-on-one guided fitness for people. She took immense pride in her health but tried to not let it interfere with her social life. For example, if the girls were getting pizza, she was getting pizza too, she just knew how many miles she would need to run or planks she would need to do to burn off the calories.
She texted Fluttershy at around 7am as she knew she woke around that time.
Rainbow Dash: Good morning buddy. How does it feel to be the big 20?
Fluttershy: Morning Dashie, well thank you, no difference yet, should I be nervous for today.
Rainbow Dash: No chance, all will be good today. First thing, wear something AWESOME today.
Fluttershy: And what would you consider awesome?
Rainbow Dash: I'm sure you'll figure it out. I'll check in on you later. Happy Birthday pal.
Fluttershy: I'll do my best, thank you for the birthday wishes.
It was around 11am and as she ran drills with the Wondercolts at Canterlot High School she kept wondering how she could push Fluttershy's boundaries a little, but she also had to make sure what she chose wasn't too harsh of a change for the timid girl she had known for so long.
Rainbow Dash: Mrs. Cakes for Lunch?
Pinkie: Duh?
Fluttershy: I'll be there.
(How the hell did Pinkie reply to a text I only sent to Fluttershy? That girl confuses me.)
She had pre ordered her omelette at the start of the week, Rainbow Dash ate her lunch at Mrs. Cakes most weekdays as it was close to Canterlot High. As she munched on her protein her mind wandered, if I could get Fluttershy to come to a bar or something with me, I could get a few drinks into her and maybe get her to chat to some new people or maybe even dance. Sometimes I wish she would just relax and realise that not everyone is focused on her ...
Just as she said that, Fluttershy walked in the door and this time, all eyes were on her.
"Wow Flutter, you look great."
"Thanks Dashie, you said to wear something awesome so I wanted to pick something you would approve of."
A year or so ago, Rainbow was trying to get everyone else on her health kick and bought everyone new workout clothes to all start going to the gym together, but they slowly filtered away and once again it was only her, Sunset and Rarity in the gym.
Fluttershy walked over, sat down and lifted the tea that Rainbow had bought for her and gave it a gentle blow to cool it down. She wore bright red sports leggings with open mesh sides that hugged every curve, the matching halter neck, sports bra covered her from her neck down but what amazed Rainbow was the fact that Fluttershy had her midriff on show. Now this was normal in the gym, but in the outside world it looked amazing. She also teamed it with wedge heels which made it look like an actual outfit someone would wear on a night out. The way she confidently walked over to Rainbow wasn't the usual Fluttershy she had known since she was a child, she oozed 'Rainbow Dash' confidence.
"What made you pick that outfit?" asked Rainbow as she finished off her food.
"Well you said to pick something awesome, I know you well enough to know what you'd like. I'm taking this 100% seriously Dashie. You told me to do something and I did it."
"Ok, so if I asked you to do something nuts like jump on the table or something, you would do it?"
"Yes." said Fluttershy in an instant, "But I know you won't, this is about helping me, not humiliating me."
"Well how's this?" Asked Dash. "Instead of our usual get togethers, how about we go into the city on Friday, no one has work the next day, we can hit some bars or clubs. Are you up for it?"
"Dashie, this week is about you guys making the choices for me, so if that sounds like something you think would be good for me, then let's do it." Fluttershy's face didn't change as she said it, she didn't wince or anything.
"Awesome, this is great, I love the attitude, the look, the confidence, you're doing it buddy." Rainbow looked at her friend proudly, "We'll still party tonight closer to home for your birthday."
"Can't wait." Declared Fluttershy, "I'm gonna head back home as I'm sure I'll get a few visits today."
They both got up to leave giving a quick wave to Mrs. Cake on the way out.
"I'll be over after work with your gift." Announced Rainbow Dash.
Fluttershy blew a quick kiss and strolled back to her house as Rainbow watched her walk away.
After work Rainbow showered, fixed her hair, put on a little make-up, threw on a dress and some Converse and headed off to Fluttershy's party. Her gift had been bought weeks ago so she was a bit worried that 'new Fluttershy ' may not appreciate it like yesterdays version would but she didn't have time to exchange it now.
She saw Applejack heading the same direction and walked with her.
"How's the first day of 'ordering Fluttershy around' going?" Laughed the country girl.
"I have literally only told her to do one single thing since this morning and already she seems to have changed." Said Rainbow, "But for the better."
"That's good to hear." Answered Applejack, "Let's hope it sticks."
They both walked into the party to see Twilight waving them over to where the rest of the girls were sitting.
"Hey Twi." Said Applejack whilst scanning the room, "Where's the birthday girl?"
"She's not here yet, what have you all got her for her birthday?
Pinkie excitedly yelled, "Scuba diving!!!"
Everyone looked at her confused.
Pinkie continued, "She loves animals right? All animals, but I don't think I've ever seen her take a fish for a walk so instead we'll walk to the fish."
"That actually makes perfect sense to me, or have we being hanging around too much Pinkie?" Chuckled Rarity adding, "She was looking at this gorgeous crystal tea set last time we were in the city so I got that for her." Said Rarity.
"That's so her style." Nodded Twilight.
"I was a little worried about my gift if I'm honest." Said Sunset sheepishly, "I got her a supercar experience. There's a track where you can rent supercars for a few hours and run them around the track with an instructor. I was going to get her a back up gift just in case but then she went and told us she wants this week to be about new experiences so I think it's the perfect time."
"That's awesome!" Yelled Rainbow. "I know what I want for my next birthday."
Twilight "Well, I've been studying this rare species of owl that many thought was already extinct, I have paid for a trip where Fluttershy could go and see them and use her communication talents to maybe help them get off the endangered list."
Rainbow Dash looked to the floor, "I'm a little embarrassed by my gift after hearing all of these. What did you get her AJ?"
"Can you remember a long while ago I had a bat infestation and they were eating my whole damn orchard." Everyone nodded at Applejack, "Well Big Mac, Apple Bloom and I have cornered off a half acre of our trees for the bats to have, the ones furthest away from the barn. We've built numerous little shacks all around it for the critters to sleep in too."
"She'll love that." Said Sunset with a smile.
Fluttershy walked in whilst talking with Trixie and everyone shocked her yelling SURPRISE!
"Goodness, you totally caught me off guard, I thought my party was starting tonight."
Pinkie bounced over to her, "Well that's the best way to plan a surprise party silly." She ran at Fluttershy and skidded on the wooden floor straight through Fluttershy's legs then got up and tapped her on the shoulder and whispered, "Misdirection."
Pinkie fist bumped Trixie for keeping Fluttershy occupied and the gift giving commenced.
"I absolutely love the outfit Fluttershy." Said Rarity looking her up and down approvingly, "It's like a mishmash of gym-freak chic with heels."
"Well, we have Rainbow Dash to thank for that, it was inspired by her."
Rainbow Dash had been keeping herself out of the way pretending to talk to other people whilst Fluttershy was chatting and opening her gifts. She could hear lots of "Oooh's!" and "Aaah's!" Coming from the nearby table they were all sitting at and watching Fluttershy open each gift. Once she had opened her last gift she walked over to see Dash sitting alone.
"Why are you over here by yourself Dashie?" Asked a bemused Fluttershy.
"Everyone's gift is so cool and I wasn't sure about mine so I just kinda wanted to give you mine when you were by yourself."
"Well here I am."
Rainbow dash produced a tiny, slim box from her pocket and handed it over. Fluttershy ripped off the paper and opened up the box to see a ridiculously delicate golden necklace with three butterflies arranged in a triangle.
"Oh my, I love it Dashie, put it on me."
Rainbow walked around her oldest friend and fastened the necklace around her neck. "You know, it's only been a day but we're all loving the new you. I mean, we loved you before, but it's cool as hell to see this new side of you."
Fluttershy looked down at her knees, "I'm enjoying it too, I feel like a new person right now."
"How so?" Ask Rainbow.
"I'm trying to understand it myself to be honest. All of the fears I had in the past are all aimed at me or based around me, but with this little experiment of ours, we have taken me out of the equation and in doing so, my fears have left too."
Rainbow Dash scrunched her eyebrows, "How does that even work, I mean, you're still you?
"I have no idea, if you asked me to do a dance in front of all these people yesterday I would be too scared as I'd be thinking about what they would all think of me. But today, if you asked me the same thing, it wouldn't be about me any more, it'd be about you. So my fears don't come into play."
You could almost see a comedy sketch sized question mark appear over Rainbow Dash's head. "Am I dumb or is this not making sense?"
"Ok, how's this, a baby runs out into the street and a truck is driving toward it at high speed." Fluttershy continued, "The mommy on the side of the road runs over to save her baby. Can she stop a truck? No, but it isn't about her any more, it's about her baby."
"Ok, that makes more sense now." Said Rainbow Dash, "But don't you hate it, it's like being told what to do?"
Fluttershy blinked and looked up and a little to the left like she always did when she was deep thinking, "No, I actually like it, it's hard to explain but I'm doing something for people I love so I actually really want to do it."
"Well, I think after I explain this to the rest of the girls you're gonna have a fun week."
"I think so too." Said Fluttershy with a smile.
"So just as a test, I want you to get the mic from the DJ and thank everyone for coming tonight." Rainbow Dash jokingly demanded.
Fluttershy replied, "For you Dashie, anything."
