Fluttershy's House, December 31, 9:32 am...
Fluttershy woke up to a beautiful morning. Realizing what kind of morning it was, she let out a squeal of excitement. Today was New Year's Eve, and on this year, Canterlot High is holding a New Year's Eve party, where the students of the CHS could celebrate and initiate the new year together. And even better, Vinyl Scratch will appear and play some music for the crowd, from what her friends told her.
Fluttershy remembered the time where Vinyl Scratch picked her to dance for the crowd at the Starswirl Music Festival. At first, she was very nervous, but she found her groove and got the crowd thrilled in the end.
Downstairs, Fluttershy ran into her parents, who were already making breakfast for her and her brother.
"Morning, sweetheart.", Posey said, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, Mom. Really good, if you ask me.", Fluttershy responded.
"Are you excited for the New Year's Eve party in Canterlot High this night? I heard that some people might bring their parents too. I wish we could come, but we have to take care of business in town, and by the time we get done, it's already this late.", Posey said.
"That's okay. I'll just invite Rushing Wind to come along. I'm sure he's got nothing up on this day, so he might be open.", Fluttershy said.
"Say, sister, is it even allowed to bring someone who isn't a student at the CHS over to the school for a party?", asked Zephyr, Fluttershy's older brother.
"I don't know, brother. But if it's not, I'm sure Principal Celestia would tell us.", Fluttershy said.
"And if it is, I'm sure you and your friend will have a lot of fun on the party.", Posey said.
Fluttershy blushed. She hasn't told her parents or her brother about her relationship with Rushing Wind. They knew that he was her friend, but they still didn't know that it went... deeper than that. Her mind flashbacked to the Summer, where she and Rushing Wind met up on the meadows, a bit far from Canterlot City. They had talked to each other, and soon after, they admitted their love to each other. And the bond was so strong that Rushing Wind would entrust Fluttershy to do things even he would usually do alone, like racing and such. Even if Fluttershy wasn't into those kinds of things, she did try it, and she really liked it. However, she kept these things she did with him a secret between the two. And so far, none of the people Fluttershy knew had the slightest clue about the true relationship between her and Rushing Wind.
After breakfast, Fluttershy went back upstairs and put on her usual attire. Since this winter day wasn't this cold unlike others this year, she decided to take another stroll through town and take care of a few things before she needed to get ready for the big party. After she put on her clothes, she picked up her phone and called Rushing Wind.
"Rushing Wind here.", the person on the other end said.
"Hey, Rush. How are you doing?", Fluttershy asked.
"Very good, if you ask me. Final day of the year, always a nice event.", Rushing Wind said.
Fluttershy laughed. "Haha, I can see that. Hey, how about we do something tonight?"
"Like what?"
"There's this party at Canterlot High which starts at 10 in the evening. I wanted to go there after taking care of a few things in town, and I was wondering... If you want to go there with me?" Fluttershy's heart started to beat faster and excitement started to form on her face. She was hoping that he'd say yes, so she could bring him along.
"Sorry, Fluttershy. But I already have plans.", Rushing Wind said.
It was in this moment that Fluttershy felt like her pulse stopped. "What? Why? And what plans?"
"This year, I want to fire off some rockets myself, and I want to build them on my own. And doing this will take a lot of time, so... I'm sorry, I really want to join the fun party you mentioned, but sometimes, I have plans that I want to complete for once."
"Aw, too bad. I hope that you might have enough time for the midnight program. From what I heard from my friends, the midnight program of the party will be the highlight.", Fluttershy said, hoping she could bait him.
"We'll see. Maybe I'll be there by that time. I gotta go now - work to do. See you later, Flutty." Rushing Wind gave Fluttershy a smooch through the phone before he ended the call.
A little bit disappointed that Rushing Wind couldn't come to the party, Fluttershy shrugged, grabbed her scarf and threw it around her neck before she left her house.
Canterlot High School, 10:06 pm...
Fluttershy arrived at the CHS for the party, along with her friends. They all put on their beautiful Fall Formal Dresses, because they agreed that for an occasion like this one, it deserves to be a special one.
"I'm so excited for the party! This is gonna be awesome!", Rainbow Dash said, excitement clearly audible in her voice.
"Me too! I can't wait to show everyone my new dance moves on the party! Whoohoo!", Pinkie Pie screamed.
"And I can't wait to see the fireworks. Those are the best thing on New Year's Eve.", Twilight stated.
As the Mane 7 went inside, the party was already underway, and everyone was having fun. Some of them talked to each other, others were in the gym, where the main stage for the midnight program was being prepared.
In the gym, the Mane 7 put down their bags and went over to have fun with the party. They watched Micro Chips as he put on different tunes to play so that the mood wouldn't dim around here. And it worked - everyone had fun, and some of them danced to the music.
The buffet was also quite delicious. There were fruits, sweets, snacks, everything possible to eat. At the chocolate fountain, Pinkie already held her mouth into it to just drink the chocolate. The rest of the Mane 7 laughed, since they knew Pinkie, and she always came up with something crazy.
Next, they watched a dance-off. Two dancers, Sweetie Drops and Minuette in this case, danced to the music and earned cheering from the crowd. The one who earned the most cheering would win, and in this case, Sweetie Drops took the win as the current song came to an end.
Time passed by, fun was had, food was consumed, and chatter was going all around the school, mostly resolving all about the midnight program. And everyone became more excited the further time passed.
Though Fluttershy enjoyed the party very much, there was almost nothing else to do, and it was still 30 minutes until midnight. She went over to her bag, which to her surprise started to vibrate once she reached it. Opening it, she found her smartphone and answered the call.
"Hello?", Fluttershy said.
"Fluttershy!" It was Rushing Wind. He sounded quite excited: "Drop what you're doing, drop the clutch, and get over to the forest near your house, like right away!"
"Whoa, Rush! Slow down. What is it?", Fluttershy said to calm him down.
"I have got a really cool surprise for you! Come on, get over here!", Rushing Wind said.
"But Rush, I'm at the New Year's Party at Canterlot High right now... Can't this wait until tomorrow?", Fluttershy asked.
"It can't! You have to get over here now! Once you reach the forest, follow the green flares. That's how you'll find me.", Rushing Wind said.
"Okay, I'm coming.", Fluttershy said and ended the call. She certainly didn't want to leave her friends just 27 minutes before the new year began, but Rushing Wind was always open for a nice surprise. And after all, she knew that she could trust him, and so could he trust her.
Fluttershy went over to Rainbow Dash and shyly said to her: "Hey... Do you mind if I leave early? Rushing Wind called me, said he got a surprise for me..."
"No, not at all... Just make sure you come back in time for the midnight program. Word has it that Vinyl Scratch will play some sick beats here!", Rainbow Dash said in excitement.
Thankful about Rainbow's response, Fluttershy patted her friend on the back and said: "Okay, see you!" Then, she went off and out of Canterlot High where several students danced to the music in the front yard. But Fluttershy had no time to think about that. She wanted to get to Rushing Wind to witness the surprise he had for her.
Her car was parked down the road near Canterlot High. She quickly got in and started to drive. Soon, she got to the forest which was near her house and spotted the Senna that Rushing Wind usually drives. Getting out of the car, Fluttershy realized that the forest path was not paved, and she had no intention in getting her beautiful boots dirty, since they were the only ones that fit her Fall Formal Dress.
She pulled off her boots and put them into her backpack before she threw it on her back again. Now barefoot, she started to walk into the forest. The green flares that Rushing Wind mentioned were easy to spot, so she followed them. Over the path, then through trees and up a hill until she found Rushing Wind.
"Hey, Rush.", she greeted him.
Rushing Wind looked back and saw his beloved friend. "Ah, you're here. And just in time. There's just 4 minutes left on the clock.", he said.
"I know. So, what did you want me here for?", Fluttershy asked.
"Well, first up, look at this beautiful view. This here is the perfect place for New Year's Eve if you want to enjoy the fireworks...", Rushing Wind said in bliss.
Fluttershy knew what he meant - the view is stunningly good, and she has the perfect view into the sky when the fireworks show up. "Aw, too true. I can see that.", she said.
"And also, since I love tinkering with cars, I also started to work on some special fireworks myself. Too bad your friends couldn't come along, they would've loved it too. I can just say this much - it will prove that the seven of you are all my friends, with you being the best of them.", Rushing Wind explained.
"Oh, sounds interesting. I can't wait to see that.", Fluttershy said, getting a bit excited.
"I get you. Alright, eyes ahead. Not too long now...", Rushing Wind said.
The last seconds of the year were ticking down. 22... 21... 20... 19... 18...
"Get ready for the show, Fluttershy...", Rushing Wind said and looked at the clock. The first rockets flew up and blew in beautiful colors. Then, he started to count down.
"10... 9... 8...", he counted.
Fluttershy soon joined in. Together, they counted down: "7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1..."
Upon hitting 1, Rushing Wind pressed a button and unleashed a series of firework rockets coming out of the forest.
"Whoooo!", the two screamed as the clock hit zero and the new year officially began. Fluttershy looked into the sky, at the firework show, not just in the distance, but also nearby, where Rushing Wind launched the rockets.
"Wow... That is beautiful... No wonder you wanted me up here...", Fluttershy said. Back at CHS, she would never have such a beautiful sight at all the wonderful colors the firework rockets unleash with each explosion.
"And now, for the big surprise..." Rushing Wind pressed another button on the remote and unleashed another rocket with that. Upon exploding, it shows three light blue diamonds.
"Whoa... Is that Rarity's mark?", Fluttershy asked.
"Yep. But that's not the only one I have...", Rushing Wind said before the next rockets flew up and showed a cloud with a rainbow lightning coming out of it, three party balloons in two different colors, three red apples, a purple star with five white ones surrounding it and a red and yellow sun.
Fluttershy enumerated the names of her friends fitting with their marks: "Rainbow Dash... Pinkie Pie... Applejack... Twilight... and Sunset Shimmer..."
And finally, two more rockets flew up, and as they burst together, three pink butterflies and a white checkered flag appeared in the sky.
"And that's you and me...!", Fluttershy realized, stunned by those beautiful colors that Rushing Wind's surprise fireworks unleashed.
"Yeah. Even though your friends couldn't come, I'm really happy that at least you came to see it...", Rushing Wind said.
As the fireworks went on, the two looked each other in the eyes, and once again, there was this feeling they experienced a few months ago...
Fluttershy gave Rushing Wind a kiss on the cheek, which made him blush a bit. "Thank you, Rush...", she said, before she hugged her friend.
Rushing Wind gave his friend a kiss on the forehead and hugged her back. "Happy New Year, Fluttershy.", he said.
After a minute, the two broke free from the hug, and Fluttershy remembered something: "Oh, the midnight program!"
"Midnight program? You mean the one you told me about?", Rushing Wind asked in curiosity.
"Yes! Vinyl Scratch will visit Canterlot High and play some music there! I gotta get back!", she said, panicking a bit.
"Hey, that sounds like fun. Mind if I join in?", Rushing Wind asked, "I might drive you there if you want."
"Sure thing.", Fluttershy said, "Now come on, we don't have time!"
Rushing Wind followed his friend through the forest. Normally, he was the one who was into being fast and getting somewhere quick. But this time around, it was reversed. He slightly giggled, seeing that his friend is going faster than she usually does.
Getting out of the forest, Fluttershy got into Rushing Wind's car, while he took the driver's seat. "Right, hang on, Flutty!", he said as he started the engine. Then, he drove off and raced over the roads in usual Rushing Wind manner. Within a few moments, they reached Canterlot High.
Quickly, Fluttershy got out of the car and ran to the entrance, in such a hurry that she didn't realize that she still didn't wear her boots. Rushing Wind also got out of the car and followed her into the school.
Back in the gym, Fluttershy saw that the stage was already prepared for Vinyl Scratch. "Oh no, I missed the entire show!", she thought.
Rainbow Dash noticed that Fluttershy was back. "Oh, hey Fluttershy. You're not gonna believe this, but the midnight program hasn't even started yet!", she said.
"Oh, why not?", Fluttershy asked in surprise.
"Well, it turns out that Vinyl Scratch had problems getting here. Apparently, a tire blew on her van, so there's still a little delay before she gets here.", Rainbow Dash said.
Rushing Wind came running into the gym. "Whoo, what's up? Am I too late?", he asked.
"No, you're not. Vinyl Scratch had a blown tire, so she's delayed.", Fluttershy said.
"Rushing Wind? What are you doing here? I thought you weren't a student at the CHS.", Rainbow Dash stated.
"Who said you'd have to be a student here to join the party? Anyone can have some fun, right?", Rushing Wind said.
"He's right.", a familiar voice said. It was Principal Celestia. "While he technically isn't a student here, I have set no restrictions on who can join the party."
"Thank you, Principal Celestia.", Rushing Wind said. She answered with a nod and went off.
"Alright, I guess then it's fine.", Rainbow Dash said.
Suddenly, an announcer said over the speakers: "Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, are you ready to party wild?"
Everyone cheered, since they knew what was coming now.
"Alright, give it up for... Vinyl Scratch!", the announcer said.
Vinyl Scratch came up onto the stage specially prepared for her. Using a hand sign, she got the crowd to calm down. Then, she put up a song and signalled the crowd to dance.
Fluttershy pulled Rushing Wind to her. "Come on, Rush! Let's dance together!", she said.
"Alright!", he said. And as the song went on, the two danced together, even dancing as a duo for the crowd at one point of the song. When the song ended, they took a pose and earned a lot of cheering from the crowd, making Fluttershy blush and giggle shyly.
After that, everyone kept on having fun on the party with Vinyl Scratch's songs until it ended at 2 am. Everyone left the school, pretty much tired out from the wild party.
"That was an amazing party. What do you say, Fluttershy?", Rushing Wind asked.
"Yeah, I really loved it. And it was something better, now that you were there with me.", Fluttershy said.
"It was a pleasure for me. Now, how about I drive you back to your car? I saw you left it at the forest near your house.", Rushing Wind said.
"Yes, please.", Fluttershy said.
After the two got into Rushing Wind's Senna, he started to drive. And as they reached the forest, he stopped the car. "See you later, Fluttershy.", he said and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Fluttershy lightly giggled. "Thanks. And see you soon too!", she said before she got out of the Senna and ran to her car. The two sounded their horns before they drove off.
None of the two will forget this night. It will last forever in their mind...