“Okay, that’s the last poster!” Sunset said.
Fluttershy nodded, handing Sunset the last Fall Formal poster. She accepted it and stuck it on the wall with some tape. A lovely way to spend a Friday afternoon after school. Quality time hanging Fall Formal posters with Sunset Shimmer before band practice. Friends gathering and making plans, everyone in a good mood because it was Friday and with the hype of the Fall Formal coming up, not to mention the Musical Showcase happening soon beforehand, and spending it all with a best friend. Such a delightful feeling.
“Thanks for helping me, Fluttershy,” Sunset said.
“Sure! I’m happy to help,” Fluttershy said, smiling.
“Are you excited for the Formal?” Sunset said. “I know I am.”
“Oh, of course,” Fluttershy said. “I love to spend time with my best friends. Plus, the formal is an excuse to dress up.”
“Do you know what you’re gonna wear?” Sunset asked. “I have something super cute planned.”
Fluttershy nodded. “Rarity helped me pick it out.”
“If Rarity helped, I’m sure it’ll be perfect,” Sunset said. “I should have her look at my outfit and get some feedback.”
“I’m sure whatever you picked out will be great, Sunset,” Fluttershy said. “You always look pretty.”
Sunset blushed. “Well thanks, Fluttershy. So, you have your eyes on anyone?”
“Hm?” Fluttershy asked. “What do you mean?”
“Y’know, anyone in particular you want to go with?” Sunset asked. “As in… a date?”
Fluttershy blushed. “Oh... oh my... um... I haven’t even thought about that. Am I supposed to want that?”
Sunset shrugged. “No. Just curious. I’m not particularly interested in a date either. I’m just looking forward to hanging out with my friends.”
“Me too,” Fluttershy said. “Besides, if I were to go with a guy, I’d want him to be special.”
“Y’know, I’m sure there’s some guys dying to ask you out, but they’re just too nervous,” Sunset said.
“Ask me out?” Fluttershy said. “Oh no, that can’t be true.”
“What makes you say that?” Sunset asked. “You’re like the sweetest girl in the world, not to mention extremely pretty.”
Fluttershy blushed. “Oh, well thank you very much, but... I don’t know. I guess I’ve never given much thought to being with a guy. None have really stood out to me.”
“Waiting for the right one to come along, huh?” Sunset said.
Fluttershy smiled. “Yeah, you could say that. I feel like when the right guy comes along, I’ll just know. He’ll jump right out at me like an excited puppy.”
Sunset giggled. “I hope you don’t mean literally.”
Fluttershy giggled too. “Of course not. That would be a little weird. But do you know what I mean? When I meet him, my heart will know.”
Sunset couldn’t help but smile. “You are just the cutest thing, you know that?” she said, making Fluttershy blush. “You deserve a great guy. I’m sure when he comes along, he won’t be shy to ask you out. Who knows, maybe you'll be the one to ask him out.”
“Oh gosh... I can’t even imagine...” Fluttershy cooed. “I think I’d be too nervous. How would I even approach him?”
“You never know,” Sunset teased. “But like I said, I think the right guy will be ready and willing to ask you out in a heartbeat.”
Fluttershy giggled. “I hope you’re right. I don’t know how I’d ever work up the confidence.”
Sunset raised an eyebrow. “You can be pretty bold, Fluttershy. Don't sell yourself short.”
“Aw, thank you,” Fluttershy said. “I’m not as strong as you, though. To be honest, I’m surprised nobody has asked you out yet, Sunset.”
“Eh... not really interested in a relationship right now anyways,” Sunset said.
“What about Flash?” Fluttershy asked.
“Maybe...” Sunset said. “I don’t know. I think I need to give some time for him to forgive me. I basically used him. But y’know what? I don’t mind being single as long as I have amazing friends like you.”
Fluttershy smiled. “We’ll always be here for you.”
“Thanks, Fluttershy,” Sunset said before sharing a warm embrace with Fluttershy. “C’mon, we should get back to the band room. The others are probably back from hanging their posters too.”
Fluttershy nodded and began to follow Sunset back to the band room.
BAM!!!
Sunset and Fluttershy flinched at what sounded like a body being slammed into the lockers around the corner.
“You preppies are all talk,” a big voice said, followed by another loud slam. “Not so tough now in an actual fight, huh?”
“I-I never did anything...” another quieter voice whimpered, followed by some sniffles. Sunset and Fluttershy walked closer to the corner to listen.
“Oh, you gonna cry?” the bigger voice said, making the other voice grunt with what sounded like punch in his stomach, making Fluttershy gasp. “You gonna cry about it? You’re nothing but a loser!” he shouted, punching him again. “A little bitch is what you are.”
The other voice cried out as it sounded like he was thrown to the ground. Sounds of more punches, kicks, and pained grunts echoed through the halls. Sunset bit her lip, and Fluttershy stood in shock. When the commotion stopped, sounds of coughing, sniffling, and crying.
“Punkass shadowbolt,” the bigger voice said. Sunset and Fluttershy flinched as they heard footsteps coming their way. They tried to act nonchalant as a big jock walked by them with a grin on his face and cracking his knuckles. He gave them a wink, and the girls could only manage nervous, empty smiles, all too aware of what just transpired. Silence befell the halls, save for the crying and coughing of the jock’s victim.
“C’mon, Fluttershy,” Sunset said. Fluttershy nodded and followed Sunset around the corner. In front of the lockers what a scrawny guy in all black clothing, curled up with his knees held close, surrounded by fallen textbooks and loose paper. The hood of his hoodie was drawn over his head, as if he was trying to hide. The only part of his body that was visible was his pastel white hands.
“You’re worthless... pathetic... a loser... you should just kill yourself...” he whimpered.
“Hey, are you okay?” Sunset asked. The guy flinched, almost jumping out of his skin, scrambling and positioning himself with his back against the lockers, looking defensive. He was visibly shaking.
“What?! What do you want with me?!” he beckoned. It was hard to see his face with his hood up, but there appeared to be blood dripping from his nose. “Wh-Whatever you’re gonna do, just get it over with! You won’t see me again after today, I promise!”
“Whoa,” Sunset said. “We’re not gonna hurt you.”
“Everyone else here hates me. Why should you two be any different?” he said with a sniffle. “I’m just a stupid preppie, right?”
“Preppie?” Sunset asked. “Wait, I know you. You’re the new guy, right? I showed you around on your first day. Coppermane, was it?”
“Huh?” Coppermane said. “Y-You remember me?”
“Of course, I do,” Sunset said. “We’re not going to hurt you. C’mon, lemme help you up.”
Sunset held out her hand. Coppermane hesitated for a second before cautiously reaching his hand up and stood with Sunset’s help. Even when he stood, he was still somewhat recoiled, holding himself in his arms and looking down.
“Are all these papers and books yours?” Sunset asked, to which Coppermane nodded. “Let’s help him, Fluttershy.”
“Y-You don’t have to,” Coppermane whimpered. His voice was so quiet and reserved.
“I insist,” Sunset said. “It’s the least we could do.”
“Um... o-okay,” Coppermane said. “Th-Thanks.”
Sunset smiled and started to help pick up Coppermane’s things, along with Fluttershy. Fluttershy took a glance at Coppermane, who was still sniffling. She gasped when she saw him wipe his nose, and a streak of blood appeared on his hand.
“Oh, you poor thing,” Fluttershy said.
“Um... s-sorry...” Coppermane said, sniffling again. He wiped his nose with his other hand, and a streak just as big as the other one appeared.
“Hold on,” Fluttershy said. She walked away for a moment and came back with some paper towels. “It’s not much, but it’ll help.”
Coppermane accepted the paper towels and blew his nose with them.
“Uh... th-thanks,” Coppermane said, cringing at the gross glob of blood and mucus on the paper towel. He used a different one to wipe his tears and blot his nose as he continued to sniffle. “I-I think that was most of it.”
“Okay, that’s good,” Fluttershy said. “Um... I-I think I should take a closer look. Do you mind putting your hood down?”
Coppermane pursed his lips. “Wh-What if other jocks see me?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll try to be fast,” Fluttershy said.
Coppermane looked down and sighed, but gave Fluttershy a nod and carefully put his hood down. When he did, he looked back up at her, and both of their hearts skipped a beat.
Despite being red and irritated from his tears, Fluttershy couldn’t help but be enraptured by the most handsome face she’s ever seen. His skin was a gorgeous, soft, pearly white color. His hair was teased-up and parted to his right, and was a beautiful dark auburn color, like copper. He had the biggest, warmest, brownest eyes, reminding her of hot chocolate, and stirred a feeling of a soft hearth fire inside her.
Coppermane barely noticed Fluttershy’s staring, because he himself was captivated by the prettiest girl he’s ever laid eyes on. Her hair was like long, gently flowing, pink waterfall. Her skin had no impurities whatsoever. Absolutely flawless, and looked as smooth as butter. And her eyes... her most striking feature. The most gorgeous eyes he’s ever seen. Like two teal stars twinkling in the night sky, accentuated by the teal butterfly pin in her hair. Her beauty was like soft moonlight, giving him a new feeling of tranquility and warmth.
“Fluttershy? You okay?” Sunset asked, placing her hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder, making her flinch.
“What? Oh! Um... of course!” Fluttershy said, breaking out of her trance. “I-I was just checking his... um... h-his wounds.”
Coppermane seemed to snap out of his trance as well, though now he was blushing majorly. He felt his heart beating faster when he made eye contact with Fluttershy again. Reflexively, he looked away, and slowly looked back to see Fluttershy blushing as well, hiding behind her hair and smiling.
“Um... here... y-your eye is a little red,” Fluttershy said, timidly lifting her hand. Her face got redder as her hand touched just under Coppermane’s eye. He winced as she touched his face, and she instantly recoiled. “Oh, sorry!”
“No no, it’s fine,” Coppermane said. “I-I just got punched in the eye. It’s a little sensitive.”
"Aw, I'm sorry. I-I'll be more careful," she said, reaching back out to examine his eye. Her heart felt like it was going to pound out of her chest. His skin felt as perfect as it looked. So smooth and soft. He even smelled like... mint? Whatever the scent was, it gave her chills.
Coppermane shivered as Fluttershy’s delicate hand touched his face. It still hurt to be touched there, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but relish how gentle she was. His face felt like it was on fire, having such a beautiful girl this close to him. He could even smell the aroma of strawberries and cream. Was that the scent of her hair? It was intoxicating.
“Um... I-I think it might blacken, but nothing more than that,” Fluttershy said, retracting her hand. “Do you need an ice pack?”
“I-I can get one at home,” Coppermane said. “But... um... thanks.”
Fluttershy smiled, blushing and playing with her hair. “You’re welcome.”
Coppermane felt himself blush too. There was something about her acting so shy that was so adorable, and it filled his heart with warmth.
“So... I got all of your stuff gathered, Coppermane,” Sunset said.
“Oh,” Coppermane said, blinking and breaking out of his trance. Sunset handed him his books and papers. “Th-Thanks.”
“Oh, I’m sorry, Sunset,” Fluttershy said. “I meant to help. I just got... um... caught up.”
“It’s okay,” Sunset said. “I’m just glad we could help. I’m sorry about those jocks, Coppermane.”
“It’s not your fault,” Coppermane said, looking down. “I-I should be used to it by now.”
“Used to it?” Sunset asked. “This isn’t the first time?”
Coppermane shook his head. “I-It’s been happening all week.”
“Seriously?!” Sunset beckoned.
“They found out I’m from Crystal Prep,” Coppermane said. “I guess they really hate them… and me.”
“Oh, you poor thing,” Fluttershy said. Coppermane immediately blushed. Her voice was so gentle and sweet.
“No, this is unacceptable!” Sunset said. “Well, one of my best friends happens to be Rainbow Dash, captain of all the sports teams, so I’ll have a word with her.”
“Y-You don’t have to get involved,” Coppermane said.
“Coppermane, this shouldn’t be something you have to ‘get used to’,” Sunset said. “I feel so bad after telling you how great it is here when showing you around. I’ll talk to Rainbow Dash and see what’s going on.”
Coppermane pursed his lips, offering a small smile. “Thanks.”
“Of course,” Sunset said. “Alright, sorry but Fluttershy and I have to go. We’re late for band practice.”
“Oh,” Coppermane said. “O-Okay. Um... thanks for helping me.”
“No problem,” Sunset said. “Let me know if those jocks give you more trouble and I’ll see if I can pull some strings.”
Coppermane nodded. “A-Alright.”
“Have a good weekend, Coppermane,” Sunset said. “C’mon, Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy nodded, taking one more glance at Coppermane before following Sunset around the corner.
“Wait!” Coppermane said, reaching out and barely brushing Fluttershy’s arm.
“Oh!” Fluttershy squeaked. She turned around, immediately blushing when making eye contact with Coppermane. “Wh-What is it?”
“Uh... it’s Fluttershy... right?” Coppermane asked.
Fluttershy giggled, blushing and holding her hair close to her face. “Y-Yes, it is. And... y-you're name is... Coppermane?”
Coppermane smiled back, rubbing the back of his head. “Yeah... yeah, it is.”
“Fluttershy, you coming?” Sunset called out, peering around the corner.
“Oh, yes! Just a moment!” Fluttershy replied. She turned back to Coppermane. “I-I'm sorry. I have to go.”
“R-Right,” Coppermane said. “Um... I guess I’ll see you later?”
“Mmmhmm,” Fluttershy said. “G-Goodbye.”
She gave a small wave and met up with Sunset, taking one last glance before disappearing behind the corner. Coppermane relished Fluttershy’s beauty to the last possible second, holding onto the image of her gorgeous face after she left. He didn’t know such a level of beauty existed until he saw her. As if her looks weren’t enough, the way she hid behind her hair and blushed was the most adorable thing he’s ever seen. His heart was still pounding from how close she was to him earlier. Her aroma was still in the air, inebriating his senses.
Coppermane held his belongings close as he walked to the school exit, with a feeling in his heart he’s never felt before. A feeling so new, he didn't even care that his hood was still down. For perhaps the first time ever, his heart was dancing, and in his head echoed a word that gave his stomach butterflies, but also made him smile endlessly...
...Fluttershy... Fluttershy... Fluttershy...