Chapter 14: A Flurry of WHAT?!
“Hehe, that tickles,” Pinkie giggled as the bristles of Gentell’s brush touched her skin.
“And if you remain still this will go by a lot faster,” Gentell said trying to gently brush against Pinkie’s skin.
Pinkie tried her hardest to stifle giggles and twitches, but it was nothing more than a losing effort. Thankfully she was the last one that Gentell had to paint as Sweetie, Apple Bloom, Dinky, Silver, and Sunset were already in their painted on garb. Taking her eyes off Pinkie, Sweetie surveyed the room. Gentell’s work was nothing short of stunning, the clothing was so lifelike that even a detailed inspection would struggle to find the difference. It wasn’t without obvious holes, but the girls were going to be carrying enough flyers to make a snap cover.
A smug smirk took over Sweetie’s face as she walked over to Apple Bloom, “So how do you feel?”
“Uh…sticky,” Apple Bloom responded, “That normal?”
“That’s just the paint drying, just stay standing for a few more moments you’ll be fine. Just try not to scratch when it hardens.” Gentell answered.
“And a simple shower will help us get this stuff off?” Apple Bloom asked again.
Gentell nodded, “Recommend hot water with no soap.”
The girls nodded.
“Gotta say Sweetie, this looks pretty convincing.” Sunset smiled putting her hands on her now dry hips.
“Oh totally Sunset,” Sweetie smiled, “I think this’ll work.”
“Pretty bold idea too,” Sunset laughed, “Though I still think something’s gonna go wrong.”
“Don’t worry we’re prepared for that.” Dinky piped in.
“How so?” Sunset asked.
“I got agents at or near every exit so they can rush us out quickly as soon as anything happens as well as some members who will be roaming near us to help deter any gawkers. Simply put we’ll be good.” Dinky responded.
“You sure?” Silver Spoon asked.
Dinky smugly smiled, “Come on Spoon, it’s me we’re talking about.”
“Alright I trust you.” Silver sighed.
Sweetie glanced up at the clock, “It’s almost time everyone remember their assigned jobs?”
“Sunny and I are holding up signs that flanks the table!” Pinkie said between giggles.
“Dinks and I will be manning the table,” Silver answered.
“And that leaves you and me walking around handing out flyers.” Apple Bloom answered.
“Very good, Gentell do you need help cleaning up?” Sweetie asked.
“Nah I’ll be fine,” Gentell smiled, “I’ll be joining you guys after I close up the paint cans.”
“Join as in…?” Silver asked.
“Oh don’t worry I’m keeping my clothing on. Don’t want to risk it just yet. Besides before I go can I just say you guys are so brave I’m almost jealous?” Gentell smiled, “Good luck out there.”
Sweetie nodded, “Alright Pinkie’ll meet up with us when she’s done, let’s start heading over.”
With that the girls, minus Pinkie, started headed out towards the school gym. The initial shock of walking through the school with painted on clothing faded fast as the sounds of students waiting anxiously outside filled the halls. As they walked, confidence swelled within Sweetie Belle. More and more she was sure that this was going to work out.
Then, out of the corner of her eye, Sweetie spotted Breezy Kite limping her way over to the gym.
“Hey guys I’ll catch up with you in a bit,” Sweetie smiled as she broke away from the group. She then walked up to Breezy and tapped onto her shoulder, “Hey Breezy what brings you out here.”
Breezy turned and faced Sweetie, “Oh…hi Sweetie I thought you’d be inside already.”
“Nope, just making our way over now.” Sweetie smiled, “You going to go inside?”
Breezy nodded in reply, “I…I wanted to see what clubs were available.”
“Oh good for you!” Sweetie beamed. In an almost kneejerk reaction she hugged Breezy.
And as soon as she felt Sweetie on her, Breezy figured something out, “Sweetie, are your clothes…painted on?”
Sweetie blushed as she let her friend go, “Oh, um, yeah…please keep hush about it.”
“Why,” Breezy asked.
Sweetie grimaced and explained.
“Oh, oh okay,” Breezy chuckled, “That’s…weird….”
“Yeah but we couldn’t think of a better way to advertise.” Sweetie smiled.
Breezy coughed, “Um…what if you get found out?”
“Don’t worry we’ll be fine, besides what’s a little risk?” Sweetie giggled, “I’ll see you inside okay?”
“Uh before you go,” Breezy said grabbing Sweetie’s arm, “Do you know what types of clubs there will be?”
Sweetie raised an eyebrow, “Any particular reason why?”
Breezy stammered. She wanted to ask exactly where the NLAC’s table would be, but going straight into that route might have Sweetie turn her off the path. Plus she was genuinely interested in what other activities there were, which was strange. In her previous school ventures, she didn’t really care about clubs. Now…
“Just curious.” Breezy answered.
Sweetie smiled, “Don’t worry I’m sure you’ll find something to your tastes. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go get the booth ready.”
And with that Sweetie Belle left. With envious eyes Breezy watched her go. “She’s so brave,” she whispered, “If only I was so…”
That is not bravery, she is a display nothing more. Her mind spoke.
“But she’s…” Breezy started.
She can only get away with that because she is perfect. Not a scar upon her body, not a deformity for anyone to mock. The Goddess blessed her, and she punished you.
Breezy felt her heart pound heavily against her chest. Her mind had a point and a good one. Her skin was scared, charred, and deformed. The beauty she would’ve loved every minute of robbed of her by the goddess for a punishment she did not know the cause of. Sweetie was comfortable in her own skin because she could be, no one would mock her for being that way.
If you tried that, what would the world think? Her mind reminded her. If you think they mocked you before…
“But…but this place is different…” Breezy pleaded softly, starting to clutch her chest.
Because they want you to feel that way! Have I lead you wrong before?!
Normally, the answer would be no. Yet this time Breezy wasn’t so sure. Sweetie had been so genuine with her friendship and her support of Breezy. Even in the short time she had met Apple Bloom Breezy felt more at home and comfortable than ever before. Was it because her friends were nudists, or was it because her friends genuinely wanted to be her friends. Was it both?
A warm feeling took over Breezy as she thought about that. Friendship was such a foreign concept for her, and yet here she was in the middle of it. She looked back towards the gym. Sweetie had done so much to get Breezy to open up and be comfortable, even if it was just for one person. And that had resulted in a genuine interest in checking out clubs at Canterlot High.
DO NOT DENY ME!
But Breezy did so. Taking a deep breath she straightened her posture and looked at the gym. With determination she walked towards it. The noise of the crowd filled her ears and making her heart pound harder. Yet she soldiered on undaunted. Finally she walked through the threshold of the gym doors and into the gym proper. Instantly she was overwhelmed by the myriad of students and booths that were crammed within.
However after taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Breezy rallied. As she made her way through the crowds, she could hear conversations of students either talking with clubs or about the clubs. At first she really wasn’t paying too much attention, but after a few moments she began to look around at the booths and those running them. Many were the clubs that one would find normal in High school: mathletes, drama club, A/V club, and even the wide range of sports clubs.
It was then however that Breezy spotted the Glee club. Instantly she was drawn to the club, her inner songstress longing to be let out. But then her breath caught her throat, she was still in her mask and moreover her burns hadn’t gone anywhere. What if they rejected her before even getting a chance to hear her voice? Fear taking over, Breezy backed off and kept walking around.
Much to her surprise, there were students walking around handing out flyers and/or pamphlets to anyone that wanted them. Breezy took a few but mostly kept to herself as she walked. Yet she found herself glancing back towards the general direction of the Glee club. Was Sweetie having more of an impact than Breezy realized?
As if on cue, when Breezy turned her head back forward she spotted the NLAC’s table. True to form, all of the four club members present had their clothes painted on like Sweetie although it took Breezy a few seconds to process that information.
Outside of Sunset Shimmer, Breezy didn’t recognize any of the other girls there and was very timid in approaching. That didn’t stop others from approaching and inquiring about the seemingly plain looking club. Breezy wondered how they were going to divulge the true nature of the club, but soon chalked it up to information that was provided within the pamphlet.
Rallying, she approached the club desk, and to a very pink girl who was beaming ear to ear.
“Hello there do you want a flyer?!” She shouted at Breezy.
The sudden approach made Breezy a bit timid but she gulped that back, “Um…um…yes please…”
The girl handed it over, “So you interested?”
“I’ve…I’ve heard Sweetie talk about it…” Breezy answered. Instantly she wanted to retract that statement because the pink girl’s face suddenly grew a bigger smiler, her eyes shimmered, she took a very large and deep breath in, stood up, and her body almost looked like it was about explode in a vibrant display of lights and laser.
Thankfully a calming, friendly hand grabbed Breezy’s shoulder before wrapping around her neck and pulling her into a soft embrace, “Oh good you finally made it. Pinkie Pie this is Breezy Kite, the girl I told you about, Breezy this is our club’s public relations officer and baker Pinkie Pie.”
Instantly Pinkie Pie shut everything down and returned to a very gentle and controlled smile, “Oh hello there, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
That made Breezy calm down, “Likewise, I hope to be seeing more of you.”
Pinkie nodded, “Don’t worry, and hopefully I’ll have cupcakes next time. I didn’t think we’d be getting this many guests.”
Breezy chuckled, “It’s okay I don’t mind, thank you though.” Breezy then turned to Sweetie as the duo backed away from the table, “Thank you for that.”
“Yeah Pinks can be very upfront about her meet and greets. If I hadn’t warned her about your timidity she would’ve pulled out a massive song and dance for you.”
“Somehow I’d believe that.” Breezy smiled.
Sweetie giggled, “So how did your club hunt go?”
Breezy was about to answer, but her gaze caught the general direction of the Glee Club causing her to meekly say nothing.
Sweetie noticed it, “Do you want someone to go with you?”
“No! No, no its fine I just…” Breezy mumbled.
Sweetie nodded, “Take your time, today’s just us getting our names out there people can join up at any time.”
Breezy sighed as she looked out towards the glee club, longing for the day when she could propel her voice to the school. This was a new feeling for her, for so long she had locked herself away trying to hide from a world that wanted nothing to do with her. But maybe, just maybe she could find her footing.
Then a thought entered her heart, “Sweetie, you said you guys meet Wednesday right?”
“Uh huh,” Sweetie answered.
“Mind if I come by tomorrow to visit, I…I wanna sample something.” Breezy said.
Sweetie’s eyes widened with shock, “Breezy…are…are you sure you’re…”
“Oh no not that,” Breezy responded turning to face Sweetie, “But I…it’s hard to explain right now…” She sighed and looked back towards the Glee Club.
Sweetie shifted her eyes towards the direction Breezy looked. Somehow she understood, “Alright, Student hour tomorrow.”