Chapter 10: In for a Penny, in for a WHAT!?
Breezy said goodbye to her friend at half past seven at night after a good day of hanging out. Sweetie had spent a good two hours in the nude with Breezy in her den as the duo watched TV, which helped to dampen the weirdness of the situation. It was only when her Guardians called them up for lunch that Breezy actually remembered that Sweetie wasn't wearing anything. And even then, Sweetie was more than willing to put a robe on to at least not upset matters.
But alas the day ended and Sweetie had to go home. And when she did so, the torment within Breezy’s mind began. She had done something with Sweetie she had not done in years, at least willingly. In that moment, Sweetie had seen Breezy’s true form and did not flinch. Or at least Breezy didn’t see Sweetie flinch. The trouble with being mortal is that it is sometimes hard to read others internal thoughts.
What if Sweetie had indeed flinched or gasped internally at Breezy’s horrendous appearance and was lying straight to Breezy’s face? No Sweetie wouldn’t do that, it was too cruel. She sat next to her naked what could possibly motivate her to lie? And yet those thoughts didn’t go away. They pestered her all through dinner and even into the night.
Finally fed up, Breezy took the one course of action that she knew would calm her. Gently and carefully she made her way from her room to her Viola Organista. Tucked away in the den and surrounded by thick walls, Breezy would and could play the instrument without fear of waking her guardians. Even in her previous homes, Breezy always made sure it was in a place she could easily get to and play without disruption.
Only illuminated by one candle light over the keys, Breezy sat down at her seat and looked at the keyboard. Switching on the motor, Breezy began to play. She had no song, no tune, and no melody to go off of. She was simply going to play.
Play, for me. Her mind spoke.
And Breezy did so, pressing her fingers down on the keys creating a sharp echo that echoed into the night. Next came scales off that key, rising in a sharp manner that ended in a high ranging howl. She held the howl for a moment before repeating the notes in a lower tone. It was from there her fingers began to craft the music.
Play,
C sharp, A sharp, D minor, any and all keys that Breezy would play she did as she crafted a melody and song to ease her discomfort. With the house dark and no one around to spy, her mask was not needed. In fact Breezy was only in her pajamas as she played her melody, gentle white that comforted her scarred body without sacrificing warmth.
Play
Breezy let her thoughts slip as she played the notes. Soon a rough, sorrow filled melody began to form as Breezy ran her fingers up and down the board. The song became hypnotic and gentle despite the howls and growls she was working into it. Her eyes closed as she became absorbed by the music, allowing it to envelope her in its protective cocoon. It wasn’t perfect yet, but it soon will be. This was the process Breezy took every night she was here, for in this spot she could be herself. It was here she could be free.
Play, my only friend.
Her thoughts drifted back into a dark void filled with a hazel mist that flowed like wispy waves reacting to the keys. Images began to appear before Breezy’s closed eyes of days going back into her past. First she could see the fire and her mother’s arms reaching out to save her. Then she was in the hospital, her weeping Guardians nearby. Soon she was in her schools, the mask once again covering her face. But then the images changed; flashes and memories, of the mask either being gone or violently ripped off, her flesh exposed to a cruel and mocking world. The pangs of her heart beat fused itself into the chords, causing the once gentle mist to become jagged and harsh.
Play for me!
Breezy’s fingers danced on the keyboard, driving the song to a deafening crescendo. Finally she slammed onto the highest keys deemed worthy for this song, holding them there for mere moments that felt like hours. Her mind flashed a lasting image, that of Sweetie Belle holding out Breezy’s mask in apologetic friendship.
It was then the song ended. Breezy snapped back into the world, her breathing heavy and her mind slowing down. She looked at her hands, magenta and scared, they were shaking as she raised them from the keyboard. Gathering her senses, Breezy shut off the motor and sighed.
You exposed yourself, her mind said, the words harsh yet distant.
“I know, but she’s my friend.”
She is not your friend.
“She’s different.”
They all were different, and then they became the same.
“No, you’re wrong, I can feel it. Maybe she can…”
What, save you, pull you away from this life the Goddess has left you in? Do you really think she is capable of that? Who has protected you for so long, kept you hidden from this harsh world?
“You have.”
And yet you turn from me.
“Because she can too.”
Sweetie Belle awoke Sunday morning just as the sun broke over the horizon to illuminate Canterlot. Crawling out of bed, she walked over to her windowsill and looked out upon the neighborhood. These early mornings were perfect for her as she could look out front without the fear of being seen by bystanders. The painted sky looked gorgeous and the way the sunlight was slowly wrapping around the houses was a sight to behold.
Yet, as the nudist sat in her window looking out, her mind wasn’t on the picture before her. No it was on Breezy. Yesterday was a big accomplishment for Breezy; she had shown her face to Sweetie Belle. Of course Sweetie had to get naked in front of her but it was an acceptable trade off. And for Sweetie, it was all that mattered.
Simply put, Breezy needed help and Sweetie was determined to give the girl the help she needed. Yet caution and slowness were the name of the game, as both Rarity and Button Mash advised. It stood to reason that Sweetie told Rarity about what had happened first, and then Button shortly before she went to bed, though ironically both ended up imparting different advice.
Rarity was all for the steps Sweetie had taken yesterday, saying that while they were unconventional it was a method that worked. Button however wasn’t so sure and felt Sweetie was moving too fast and could easily screw up. Both had their merits. If Sweetie pushed too hard there was a strong risk that Breezy could regress or worse shut down entirely. Yet yesterday was a testament to things working out. Sure Sweetie might’ve gotten lucky, but it was a luckiness she was willing to test out.
The question was how to proceed. Taking Breezy straight to an NLAC party was out of the question right now. Seeing your best friend naked was one thing, but classmates including guys were different matters entirely. That being said, Sweetie did remember a line from the book she once studied; people respond better to seeing their similar genders naked early on. If that was certainly the case, the next logical step was to introduce Breezy to Sweetie’s friends before they hung out with her naked.
But there was also the question, why would her friends get naked if Breezy wasn’t going to? In fact why push that angle at all? Sure Sweetie getting naked at Breezy’s was a good step to building a bridge on their friendship, but the same might not be true for Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Dinky, and Silver. Maybe Breezy would feel the same about them, since she knew they were nudists too, but then again maybe not. Yet, what was Sweetie’s end goal? Was she going down a road to make Breezy a nudist?
Breezy’s introverted state and her mentioning of past torment seemed to put the kibosh on that idea right now. However there was the question of down the road, when Breezy’s confidence was back. Would she want to join the group, especially if everyone was so blasé about it? If that did happen, would Sweetie advise caution or stop it outright? Did she even have the right to do that?
And if Breezy did end up converting, would it help? Mental issues don’t just go away with the wave of a magic wand; Sunset Shimmer was a good testament to that. Even after getting hit by that magic beam way back in the Fall Formal, Sunset was still very remorseful and guilty about what had happened. It had even led to her concealing her naturist lifestyle to her friends. What would happen to Breezy if she got struck by the hypothetical “nudist beam?”
Sweetie snapped back to reality with a chuckle. Once again she found herself in a familiar situation: asking questions. It seemed to be something she was doing a lot of recently, and yet she never had the answers at the moment she asked them. Of course this wasn’t similar to the situations she had found herself in the past; but it was still interesting. In the past, going with her gut had given her all the answers she needed. Maybe going with her gut in this case was the right answer, if not now then certainly down the road.
And that meant expanding Breezy’s horizons. Sweetie got off the window and walked over to her phone, which was sitting on her nightstand fully charged. What Breezy needed was friends, not a lot of them, but ones who could be there when she needs them. Dinky was a decent option but the big problem was Ditzy. As klutzy as she was there was a risk she might expose Breezy too soon, or overwhelm Breezy. So Sweetie quelled that thought. What about Silver Spoon? While she was down to earth now, the glitz and glam of her rich upbringing would be too much. Scootaloo, Rumble, and Button Mash were of course studying abroad.
That left one option, and thankfully she just happened to be awake at this hour.
Hey AB you inside yet? Sweetie texted after picking up her phone.
In no time at all the response came, Yup, just got back from doing my morning chores. What’s up?
You wanna hang out today?
Sure. Your place or mine?
Yours, actually. Is Granny still away on scouting duty?
She got back yesterday, but she’s gonna be at CHS for the rest of the day prepping tomorrow’s meal.
What about your brother?
He's going out to chill with Sugar Belle in Canterlot Proper. She wants to take him to a bake off she’s attending. Why're you asking?
‘Cuz I wanna see if I can bring Breezy Kite with me.
The masked girl? You do know I’m gonna be naked right?
She knows, don’t worry. Think you can throw on a robe until she gets settled?
Why…wait I can take it off afterwards?
I’ll explain later. Mind if we come over?
I’ll clear it with AJ first, but I don’t see why not. Mind telling me what this is all about?
Like I said: I’ll explain later. Thanks, AB.
No problem, SB. See ya in a bit.