Book three of "Who We Become."
Sunset's life is far from glamorous, but when she learns that Fluttershy has it even worse, Sunset can't help but take it upon herself to solve her friend's problems and give her a safe place to live.
For Fluttershy, t...
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It was just a day like any other. Another school day, where Fluttershy would go to her classes, meet with her friends, and have seven hours away from everything. Fluttershy loved school. Next to the time she spent out with her friends or helping at the animal shelter, school was Fluttershy's favorite time of day.
But reminding herself didn't seem to be helping. All Fluttershy could do was look up at the school building, frozen in intimidation at the thought of going inside. It wasn't even like anything bad was going to happen. Ever since the Fall Formal two weeks earlier, the entire school had been nothing but kind to her. Everyone was always eager to talk to her, to ask questions about what happened, or to give their thanks for her part in everything.
Which, to be honest, was a little overwhelming. Fluttershy sighed and turned away from the school, looking at the ground instead. In a lot of ways, it had been easier when no one noticed her. Most days she was okay with the attention, but on days like this, when all she wanted to do was fade into the background...
"Uh, you okay?"
Fluttershy snapped to attention at the voice. It had been two weeks since the Fall Formal, and Sunset Shimmer was her friend now. But no matter how often she reminded herself that she shouldn't be afraid of her friend, it was hard to resist flinching whenever Sunset caught her off guard.
At least Sunset didn't seem to take offense at the unintended reaction. Fluttershy smiled in an attempt to pretend like it didn't happen, but she was sure her nervousness still showed. "Oh, yes. I'm doing just fine, thank you. How are you doing today, Sunset?"
Unlike Fluttershy, Sunset did nothing to hide her disdain for the day ahead of her. She scowled at the school, where they both knew her experiences with the student body would be vastly different than Fluttershy's. "Oh, you know. Just dying for another fun-filled day at CHS."
Fluttershy felt childish. What right did she have to be worried about her day when Sunset was going to face so much worse? "I'm sorry. I know it must be hard to have to listen to the things everyone says..."
Sunset shrugged and smiled. "Nah, don't worry about me. Trust me, I know I deserve a lot worse than what I got. Besides, I have you and the others now. I'll be okay."
Fluttershy nodded. She wished she could be more confident, like Sunset.
"So, ready to start the day?"
Although she wanted to agree, Fluttershy held back. She was being stupid. If Sunset could start another school day with a smile on her face, then why couldn't she do the same?
"Yeah, okay, something's up." Sunset shifted in place and seemed to be unsure of what to do. It was kind of a strange sight; Sunset was naturally charismatic and always knew just what to say.
"I uhm..." Fluttershy shook her head. "I'm sorry, I guess I'm just not looking forward to school very much today."
"If you're not feeling well, I could take you home," Sunset suggested. "It's not like I really need to go to first period for my grade or anything."
