//------------------------------// // 2. A Brand New Feeling // Story: Loveliest of Trees // by Nordryd //------------------------------// “There you are!” Rainbow said as Sunset and Fluttershy walked into the room. Everyone was set up with their respective instruments, looking bored, as if they’d been waiting for a while. “Where’ve y’all been?” Applejack asked. “Lose some of your posters or somethin’?” Sunset shook her head, retrieving her guitar case from a nearby shelf. “Sorry, everyone. Someone got jumped in the hallway and we stepped in to help.” “Really? Oh dear,” Rarity cooed. “Who was it?” “The new guy who came from Crystal Prep,” Sunset said, taking her guitar out and starting to tune it. “I showed him around school on Monday.” “Ooh, I know who he is! What was his name? It’s on the tip of my tongue!” Pinkie said, thinking hard. “Oh, his name is Coppermane,” Fluttershy said, feeling her cheeks heat up slightly. “That’s right! Coppermane! I said hi to him on Monday,” PInkie said. “He was really nice, but super-duper quiet. Like Fluttershy!” Fluttershy blushed, holding her tambourine close. “Coppermane?” Rarity asked. "That name sounds familiar. Didn’t we get a new student in our chemistry class, Sunset?” “Yep! That’s him!” Sunset said. “You’re in there too, Fluttershy. Remember the new guy we got?” “Oh, that’s right,” Fluttershy said, blushing more. “I-I guess I forgot.” “He did seem rather quiet when he was introduced,” Rarity said. “Huh... well I’ve never heard of him,” Applejack said. “He must be real quiet then.” “Yeah. I haven’t heard of him either,” Rainbow said. “I remember Sunset saying something about a new student, but I’ve never heard of the name Coppermane.” “Really, Rainbow?” Sunset asked. “Are you sure none of the jocks have said anything about him?” “Huh?” Rainbow asked. “Um... no? Why would they?” “Well, because that’s who was beating Coppermane up a second ago,” Sunset said. “Wait, what?!” Rainbow beckoned. “One of my players?” “Yeah,” Fluttershy said. “We found him crying in the corner of the hallway afterwards. The poor thing had so many cuts and bruises...” “Argh! How did I not know about this?!” Rainbow cried. “Do you know who it was who jumped him?” “I’m not sure,” Sunset said. “I don’t know them by name.” “Me neither,” Fluttershy said. “Shoot...” Rainbow said. “What the heck is their problem with him? Did he do something to piss them off? I’ve never even heard the name until now.” “Well, according to Coppermane himself, it’s because they found out he’s from Crystal Prep,” Sunset said. “He said it’s been happening all week. His first week, too. Poor guy.” Rainbow sighed. “Just because of school rivalry, huh? Not cool. Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to tell them all that bullying won’t be tolerated on my watch.” “Thanks, Rainbow,” Sunset said. “So, did y’all get him to the nurse’s office or somethin’?” Applejack asked. “Sounds like he was hurt pretty bad.” “Indeed,” Rarity said. “I’ve never heard of anything like that happening at CHS.” “Thankfully, it wasn’t that bad,” Sunset said. “I helped him gather his things since they were scattered everywhere. I guess whoever jumped him knocked everything out of his hands. Fluttershy checked on his injuries.” Sunset looked over at Fluttershy, and noticed her hiding behind her tambourine, blushing majorly. “How bad were they?” Rarity asked. “I hope there weren’t too many bruises.” “Um... quite a few actually,” Fluttershy said, smiling and holding her hair. “His nose was also bleeding a bit, and he had some bruises on his... um... his face. But nothing too bad.” “Uh, Fluttershy?” Applejack asked. “Why are you smiling talking about his injuries?” “Hmm?” Fluttershy asked, before gasping. “Oh! Um... I-I wasn’t smiling about his injuries! No, it was because... um... w-well... b-because... he... um...” She could feel her heart beating faster and her face reddening by the second. “Fluttershy, maybe now would be a good time to ask...” Sunset said. “What was going on with you and Coppermane when you were checking on him?” “What?” Fluttershy asked. “Wh-What do you mean?” “Oooh! Did something happen?!” PInkie asked. “Maybe,” Sunset said, smirking. “All I know is that when I was done collecting Coppermane’s things, I saw him and Fluttershy just staring into each other’s eyes.” Rainbow chuckled. “Oh, really?” Fluttershy whimpered, hiding her bright red face behind her tambourine. “I-I was just examining his eye. I-It looked like it might blacken.” “I believe you, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “But I think there’s more going on here." Fluttershy just shrunk behind her instrument more. “Oh my gosh!” PInkie cheered. “Fluttershy has a crush!” “What? N-No I don’t!” Fluttershy cried. “Darling, you’re blushing so much,” Rarity said, giggling. Fluttershy whimpered, hiding behind her long hair. Even as embarrassed as she felt, she couldn’t stop herself from smiling just a little bit. “I-It’s not my fault that he has such big brown eyes...” Fluttershy cooed, blushing majorly. Pinkie suddenly squealed at the top of her lungs, rushing over to give Fluttershy a big hug. “EEE!!! This is so exciting!!!” Pinkie cheered, hopping energetically. “Oh, don’t be embarrassed, Fluttershy,” Rarity said. “Pinkie’s right. This is exciting!” “It was the cutest thing ever when you were checking on him. You were blushing so much,” Sunset said, walking over to Fluttershy and putting her hand on her shoulder. “I think you examined him just to get close to him.” “Fluttershy’s pulling some moves, eh?” Rainbow said, smirking. “Quite the smooth operator, aren’t ya?” Applejack remarked. “It’s not like that! I-I was making sure he was okay,” Fluttershy said, playing with her hair. “He looked so hurt. He reminded me of some of the puppies at the shelter. I just wanted to give him a big hug and... hold him close... tell him everything was going to be okay...” Fluttershy stopped when she noticed how big everyone was smiling at her. “Um... th-that's why.” Rarity giggled. “That is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard!” “You were really close to him, Fluttershy,” Sunset said. “You probably could’ve kissed him if you wanted to.” “OooOOOooh!” Pinkie cried. Fluttershy couldn’t help but squeak, covering her hands over mouth. That thought alone made her heart skip a beat. Sunset giggled. “Sorry, Fluttershy. We only tease because we’re really excited for you.” Everyone nodded in agreement, making Fluttershy blush even more, as if that was possible. “I’ll be extra sure to keep an eye out for the jocks bullying him, then,” Rainbow said. “Wouldn’t want your crush to get hurt.” “I’ll keep an eye out too,” Applejack said. “I can whip those jocks into shape if I catch them.” “So, does he like you back?!” Pinkie asked. Fluttershy gasped. “Oh... um... I-I don’t know...” “I think he does,” Sunset said with a smile. “Did you see how much he was blushing?” “R-Really? Well... m-maybe he was blushing at you, Sunset?” Fluttershy said. “I mean... y-you are prettier than me...” “What? Don’t be ridiculous, darling!” Rarity interjected. “You’re both equally stunning.” “Yeah, don’t sell yourself short, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “Besides... he was definitely blushing at you, Fluttershy,” Sunset said, winking. “A-Are you sure?” Fluttershy asked. “He seems shy. It could just be normal for him to blush like that.” “I don’t think so,” Sunset said. “His face wasn’t nearly that red when I was showing him around.” “Fluttershy, are you scared of your crush liking you back?” Rainbow asked. “No! I-I mean... oh gosh...” Fluttershy said, holding her hair tightly. “I-I just don’t know what he would like about me.” “What’s to not like?!” Pinkie said. “You’re like the sweetest, kindest, cutest girl in the whole school!” “Not to mention incredibly pretty!” Rarity said. Fluttershy couldn’t help but blush. “Well... thank you. I don’t know, this is all so new to me. D-Do you really think he might... y’know...?” “Have a crush on you?” Sunset said. “From the way he was looking at you? No doubt.” Fluttershy felt her heart dance, making her giggle. She held her hair close to her face to conceal her blushing cheeks. “Y’all know what’s next, right?” Rainbow said, smirking. “Hmm?” Fluttershy cooed. “Duh! You gotta ask him out!” Rainbow said. Fluttershy squeaked. “Wh-What?! B-But... what do I say? Wh-What if he doesn’t like me back? I-I don’t want to freak him out!” “Fluttershy, calm down,” Sunset said. “You don’t have to ask him out just yet.” “What do you mean?!” Rainbow said. “Just go for it! What the worst that could happen?” “Y’all ever had a crush before, Rainbow?” Applejack asked. “It’s extremely daunting when you try to talk to them,” Rarity said. “It gives me butterflies!” Pinkie said. “Also, it would be a little weird to just ask him out after just meeting him,” Sunset said. “So, what you really need to do next is get to know him. And maybe we can help you a little with that...” “Coppermane, dear, are you sure you just fell down the stairs?” Coppermane’s mother asked, handing him an ice pack. “Y-Yeah, that’s all,” Coppermane said, accepting the ice pack and placing it on his eye. Instantly, a feeling of relief surged through him. “Ooh... that’s better...” “Okay... are you sure that’s all that happened?” his mother asked. “I’ve never heard of anyone hurting their eye falling down the stairs.” Coppermane nodded. “I’m sure.” His mother raised an eyebrow. “Sweetie, are you absolutely sure? If something’s happening at school, you need to tell me.” Coppermane bit his lip. “There’s nothing happening, I promise. This was just an accident.” His mother was silent for a moment, before just sighing. “Alright, then. But if something’s happening at school, please tell me. I ask because I love you and I worry about you, okay?” “I know,” Coppermane said. “Thanks. But don’t worry. I’m doing fine.” “Alright then. Whatever you say,” his mother said, walking up and kissing his cheek. “Go relax for a bit. I’ll text you when dinner’s ready.” Coppermane nodded, heading upstairs to his room. He got there, took off his backpack, and a dark feeling suddenly crept over him as he let out a heavy sigh. He didn’t like hiding the truth from his mother like that, but she and his father had their own problems in life to worry about. They didn’t need to get involved in his battles. He didn’t need to become more of a burden than he already was to them. His problems were his own. To get anyone else involved... that would be selfish. He slumped down in his bed, staring at the ceiling, holding the ice pack on his injured eye. His heart felt like knives were being driven into it. While everyone else at school would be hanging with friends, he’d be spending it all alone... again. Transferring schools didn’t seem to change a single thing about his social life. He was still the trademark, invisible school loser. But today wasn’t all bad. After all, he met the prettiest girl ever before leaving school. Her name was still resonating in his head. Fluttershy... Fluttershy... even her name was beautiful. The image of her acting shy, blushing while holding her luxurious pink hair, was burned into his memory forever. So adorable. Though thinking about her gave him some ease, the darkness quickly returned. How was a guy like him supposed to win over a girl like her? Especially after seeing him crying pathetically after being beaten up, how could he even hope to be attractive? What’s less attractive than a guy who can’t even defend himself? No way. There was no chance. She could find a way better guy. Someone else to make her feel beautiful... take care of her... cheer her up when she’s sad... give her hugs... make her happy... Coppermane shook his head. The more he thought about it, the more it tore into his heart. Why was he even thinking about all of this when he just met her? Maybe it was because of the way she blushed at him before she left, and how nervous she seemed. But she could just be naturally shy. There’s no way she could actually like him back. Even if he did muster the courage to talk to her, she’d see how boring and pathetic he really is, and then never want anything to do with him again. Oh well. A guy can dream. With a heavy sigh, he glanced at his desk, fixating on the notebook. His journal. At least, that’s what he maintained. In reality, it was basically a diary, though he didn’t dare call it that. As taboo as it was for a someone like him to have a diary, what else what a lonely, quiet teenage boy with no friends supposed to do when he’s all alone? Pursing his lips, he sat at his desk and opened his journal up. His heart grew heavy as he turned past the many other depressing entries. Basically, a log of his tears. How pathetic. At least tonight, he could write about something less depressing. Even if it was impossible for him to ever have her, he could still write about Fluttershy, and how sweet and beautiful she is. It was the only thing to make him smile, if only for just a few minutes.