//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 - Romance blooms // Story: A Blackened Sunset // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// In the days that followed, Sunset and Copper felt somewhat awkward after Sunset’s surprise kiss before they were losing some concentration over their homework and paying attention in class. Sunset began considering what was going on, talked to Dusty Pages about it, and the librarian suggested that she was in love. Sunset thought that couldn’t be possible for her, so she went to talk to Celestia about it, the elderly alicorn was surprised about this development, but if Sunset’s found somepony she loves, she’s happy for her, but told her not to get distracted from school, and to talk to Copper about this. After assurance and encouragement, Sunset got some confidence and met up with Copper at the donut shop the next day. The meeting was awkward and filled with blushes until Copper asked. “Hey... Sunset, if it’s all right with you, do you think... if we could do something together?” Copper asked, blushing. “Like what?” Sunset blushed. “I-I mean, not as in magic studies, but...going out together?” Copper blushed all the more, “I-I mean...” “Like a date?” Sunset turned beet red. “N-No, it’s just to test the waters, and if there really is something between us...” Copper explained. Sunset didn’t know what to say, she never thought the relationship would get to this stage, but she slowly nodded. That night, after getting prepared for their ‘date’ Sunset took a bath, made her hair smoother and shinier, and wore the seashell necklace she’d gotten from the beach. Deciding to face this, she made her way out of her tower and over to Copper’s house. When she got there, she knocked on the door and out came Copper, wearing a tuxedo. His eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful mare. “W-Whoa,” he said. “Oh,” Sunset frowned, “I didn’t know we had to dress up...” “I thought I put on too much,” Copper looked at himself, “I told my sister this was too much for me.” “I should head back and get a dress.” “I should take this off.” They both stopped and looked at each other, realizing what they were saying. They both awkwardly laughed. “I-I suppose this’ll work?” Sunset asked weakly. “I-I mean, I can take it off if you want...” “No, I think it looks good on you.” “Really? It’s not too much?” “If anything, I put on too little.” “No, no, you look beautiful like that.” Silence. Copper mentally slapped himself for saying that. “Did you say I look beautiful?” Sunset asked, taken off guard. “I...” Copper slightly sunk to the ground, looking away, “Yes...” He awaited Sunset’s response but she gave none. He cringed before he felt a gentle hoof under his chin. Sunset had him look at her. “I’ve never been told that...thank you,” she blushed. Copper blushed again, “N-No problem...” Chuckling awkwardly, Sunset spoke, “Shall we?” “Let’s.” The date they went on wasn’t spectacular or anything like their vacation. They simply went to the Canterlot Café, ordered some hayburgers and fries. Both felt awkward and shy to talk with one another at first but eventually managed to strike some conversations, not just about magic, but about their interests and their parents. Sunset mentioned she liked going out and doing things rather than being held up in the classroom and study rooms, something Copper never learned about beforehoof. Sunset told him all about her parents, their jobs, and the times they had. Copper did the same and the conversation eventually led into talking about making music together sometime and that they could play some for all of Canterlot to hear. Sunset agreed and expressed that she’d like to play the guitar. Copper exchanged some jokes and laughs with Sunset before ordering some sundaes, both of their favorite dessert. Copper told Sunset about memories at Camp Friendship and learning how to make a s’more, and told Sunset how marshmallow got all in his mane and he fell onto two more fillies, getting them all sticky as well. Both laughed over the story and it encouraged Copper to tell another story of how he and his dad were walking home while it was snowy and icy out. While he was careful, he slipped and fell flat onto his back with a boom. Sunset laughed hard while Copper blushed. After finishing their time at the Café, Copper took her to see a movie of her choice, and Sunset decided to see an action and romance movie with a really good-looking stallion. The movie had an action that got their hearts pounding, big emotions, and wonderful romance. During the halfway mark, Sunset leaned onto Copper, feeling happy, and he wrapped a hoof around her as the movie went on. After the movie’s emotional, yet wonderful ending, both ponies decided to walk around Canterlot taking in all the sites and the city’s skyline. But Sunset’s mind was elsewhere as they walked. She felt happy. She felt complete once again and that she could take on the world. She’s been trying to think of anything else that could explain her and Copper. He’s such a good friend, kind-hearted and humble pony. She’s never felt like this before, and she can’t deny it anymore. She was in love with Copper. Her heart skipped a beat every time they looked at one another, she can’t eat, sleep, but she doesn’t care. She only hoped, and yet feared that Copper may not feel the same, but... something else was telling her that wasn’t the case. The final stop before they headed home was a cliffside overlooking the city lit with its glowing lights, its golden spires shimmered under the moonlight. Both were surrounded by Luna lilies, dark blue flowers that grew at night. Copper picked one and placed it behind Sunset’s ear. They smiled tenderly at one another before gazing into one another’s eyes again. They were entranced. As if they couldn’t look away anymore. Sapphire met turquoise as they leaned closer. Sunset didn’t do anything other than just to keep leaning closer towards those eyes. No words were needed. No discussions. They both knew exactly what this was. So, they leaned closer until... Their lips pressed together. Both melted into the kiss and embraced one another as a shooting star zipped overhead. Their faces turned beet red, hearts raced as the adrenaline began running. The kiss felt like it lasted an eternity, but it lasted for about 15 seconds before they pulled away, pleasant smiles on their faces. “I... think I know what we’ll do from now...” Sunset mumbled in a dreamy state. “I concur...” Copper replied, a big dopey smile on his face before their lips met again. Over the few days, and after celebrating Sunset's eighteenth birthday, Sunset and Copper began going on more dates across Canterlot and eventually revealed to Copper’s family that they’re together and going out. Copper mentioned that he had a thing for something before their vacation and always admired her. Sunset was very touched and is glad she’d found him. They were happy for them and held a small celebration at their house that night. When Sunset mentioned it to Celestia, the alicorn was very happy for her pupil but warned her not to take the relationship too far into territory not yet suitable for young ponies such as themselves. Sunset was a little embarrassed by the talk, having recieved it from her parents, but because of how well she was raised in a city filled with pompous ponies, cared for, and being responsible in the School, she agreed, and she said that with full confidence. Sunset didn’t bother sending a letter to her parents because they haven’t sent anything, filling Sunset with disgust. Forget about them, she’s living a good life at a magic school, is excelling, and has a coltfriend now. She had it all and felt as if she could take on the world. Sunset kept to her studies but took occasional breaks earlier than what she normally does so she and Copper can hang out. While Sunset loved him, she felt as if she were the one leading the relationship. In addition, she asked him to keep their relationship a secret until she saw fit to reveal it, and he agreed, but that didn’t stop them from casting some loving looks and giving one another small tokens on school days whenever they could. Some ponies caught wind, but they didn’t fully pick up what was going on. After a week had gone by, and Sunset began cutting a little loose with flirting and flattering Copper some, and vice versa. They did have some disagreements here and there, but they never went too far and they quickly mended their relationship. Sunset wasn’t seen as much in the library or studying as much, but she was still excelling and coming out on top. Thanks to her, Copper’s grades are improving. Over the second week of them being together, Sunset and Copper began going on short day trips together across Equestria, just the two of them and having a good time. But Sunset began slipping some in her studies, surprising the Princess and her teachers. Celestia had some talks with Sunset and the unicorn held some remorse about it and promised to do better. It took her a little bit to study, which meant she couldn’t see the pony she loved as much as she would’ve loved to. It upset her but she was doing something else she loved, so it wasn’t... oh, who was she kidding? She felt incomplete without her lover and magic partner coming in and providing his advice. Hanging out again at a theater, Sunset’s happiness began growing, she had completely forgotten herself as a proud, yet responsible student and had completely fallen in love. However, due to her impulsiveness of being alone and the small urge to control that had emerged, having somepony she cares for and he cares for her, one action would soon be over the top. A couple of days passed and Sunset got fed up with studying. She found Copper and invited him to her tower, something she never did for anypony, and showed him everything in it she had before, feeling in complete control of the relationship... She began seducing him. Her alluring smile and movements really got to him despite him being very hesitant about what she was doing. And in a moment of complete irresponsibility, impulsiveness, and recklessness, Sunset, using all of her techniques managed to get Copper into bed with her and things got very steamy between the two lovers.