Sweet and Delicate

by Nordryd

Ch.11: Counting Stars

Ponyville was truly a special place. Every day Copper spent here was better than the last, and made him feel better about himself as a pony. Here, he was accepted. He could walk around town, and ponies wouldn't be scared of him. They wouldn't whisper behind his back about how he was a psychopath or anything. In fact, Applejack and Pinkie Pie in particular had made sure everypony in town knew who Coppermane was in regards to the Celebration, so there were ponies saying aloud to their friends stuff like, "Isn't that the pony performing at the Celebration?" and, "I know him, he's performing at the Celebration! He must be really talented." It was flattering beyond belief for Copper.

Of all these wonderful things happening around him though, only one thing dominated Copper's mind:  Fluttershy. The image of that beautiful mare would not leave Copper's mind. He still couldn't fathom how she was still there even after revealing his deepest darkest secrets. Just like she promised, when he was all done, she was still beside him. He felt so much closer to her. Then he thought back to how close he was to…kissing her. He was so close, but he probably shouldn't have, considering it was their first date.

Wait…was last night…a date? It sure felt like one by the end of it. He took Fluttershy on a date last night?  Wow…

Regardless of whether it was an actual date or not, Copper had to do something special for her. She just did so much for him last night, he just had to thank her.  But how?

Copper thought for a minute…but soon came to an idea that made him smile. It would take some preparation, but he knew she would love it. Without missing a beat, Copper immediately got to work.

It was a normal day for Applejack.  Walking around the orchard, bucking apples, putting them into buckets, and bringing them back to the house. Same old, same old, and yet, it wasn't. So much had been happening around Ponyville lately, mostly since the arrival of Coppermane. She was so happy that she got him to sing for her and the girls, and that he had come out of his shell a little. Applejack chuckled at the memory of leaving Coppermane and Fluttershy alone together. Applejack knew Coppermane had a huge crush on Fluttershy, and saw that as a rare opportunity for them to have some time alone to talk. Applejack hoped Copper wouldn't be too mad at her for leaving him out to dry like that, but also hoped he would take the opportunity to actually talk to the mare he liked.

Applejack was bucking apples when she heard a familiar group of voices singing on the same familiar hill. Applejack walked over to investigate, and sure enough, there was Copper practicing with his quartet again. Sounds like he was practicing some new songs. Applejack couldn't resist, she had to listen. She walked up, and hid behind the tree on top of the hill.

"Sounded great guys," Coppermane said, "I just hope she likes it."

"What makes you think she won't?" Copper1 asked.

"It's not that, I just want this to be something special. I feel like I owe her for yesterday." Copper said.

"I mean, you sang for her last night, didn't you?" Copper2 asked.

"Well, yeah, but it was just a tag. I feel like I owe her more than just thirty seconds." Copper said.

Applejack was shocked. Her? Last night? Did Coppermane spend time with Fluttershy yesterday? She had to ask him, but couldn't just reveal herself here. She couldn't reveal to Coppermane that she was eavesdropping. She snuck her way down to the bottom of the hill, and walked on the path alongside the hill, trying to act as nonchalant as possible, then called out to Copper from the bottom of the hill.

"Howdy, Copper!" Applejack said, walking up to him.

Copper jumped slightly, but it was nothing like their first encounter. He dismissed his clones and looked towards Applejack, "Hey, Applejack. How's it going?"

"Oh Ah was just buckin' apples, and couldn't help but here y'all practicin',” Applejack said.

"Oh, you heard me again? How did it sound?" Coppermane asked curiously.

"It sounded great! How've y'all been?" Applejack asked.

"I've been doing…really well actually,” Coppermane said, smiling.

"Glad ta hear that!  If y'all don't mind me askin', y'all been talkin' with Fluttershy at all lately?" Applejack asked with a teasing tone.

Copper immediately blushed. "Oh…um…well…funny you should mention that," Copper said, making Applejack raise an eyebrow. "I…um…actually hung out with her yesterday."

Applejack's face lit up. She was right!  He did hang out with her last night! "Really? Well darn tootin'! What did y'all do?"

Copper then explained what happened yesterday, minus the details about Copper's past and everything, claiming that Fluttershy just wanted to hear him sing again, and even told Applejack about how he and Fluttershy almost…kissed. Applejack got a big grin on her face, and her eyes widened.

"Honey, sounds like you and Fluttershy went on a date,” Applejack said with a smirk.

"It…It does?" Copper asked in disbelief.

"Sugarcube, the way y'all described it, it was most definitely a date,” Applejack said, smiling.

"I…took her out on a date last night?" Copper asked, still in disbelief.

Applejack laughed and gave Copper a big hug, "Ah'm mighty proud of ya, sugarcube!"

"Hehe…thanks…" Copper said, blushing majorly.

Applejack released him, and smiled at him, "So…y'all doin' anythin' else for her today?" she asked, recalling what she overheard.

"Well, I had this one idea…" Copper said, then he explained his plan for today.

"A private concert?" Applejack asked, wide-eyed.

"Yeah.  I didn't really sing much for her yesterday, and I feel like I owe her,” Coppermane said.

"Is why y'all are practicin' so early?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah. I…um…I want it to be something special," Copper said, rubbing the back of his neck and blushing.

Applejack giggled, "Aw, that's mighty sweet."

Coppermane blushed.  "I just hope she likes it…"

"She will, sugarcube, Ah know she will." Applejack said.

"But…what if I mess up or something?" Copper said, his nerves starting to get the best of him.

"Honey, she'll appreciate the fact that y’all even thought of givin' her a private concert in the first place. Ah know y'all won't mess up, but even if ya do, she'll still love the gesture," Applejack said reassuringly.

“You really think so?" Copper asked. Applejack replied with a nod. “Sorry…I'm just nervous.”

Applejack giggled.  “Ah understand, sugarcube.  Don’t you worry none.  What y’all are doin’ for Fluttershy is mighty sweet, and I know she’ll appreciate it.”

Coppermane smiled.  “Um…one more thing.  Do you have a picnic blanket I can borrow?”

Coppermane…

Thoughts of that colt dominated Fluttershy's mind. She had such a wonderful time last night with Copper.  She had no idea Coppermane's past was so rough, but was thrilled that she could help him get it off his chest. It meant a lot to Fluttershy to know that she was the only pony that knew what he had to go through, and it made her feel much closer to him. She couldn't wait for their next date. Wait…date? Was last night…a date? Fluttershy blushed at the thought. It sure felt like one by the end, especially when they almost…kissed. The memory made Fluttershy blush.  His muzzle was so close to hers. His big brown eyes…so warm and inviting. Could Coppermane actually…like her? Fluttershy blushed at her thoughts. She was starting to see what an amazing pony Copper really was, but Coppermane actually liking her? She didn't think it would be possible. Fluttershy never considered herself anypony special. Not to say that she disliked herself; she just saw herself as a normal mare.  Still though…could Coppermane like her?

Fluttershy decided to not dwell on that. Copper was probably just trying to be nice…

But…he almost kissed me…

Fluttershy's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door, making her jump a little bit. She answered the door, and was pleasantly surprised to see Coppermane standing on the other side.

"Oh, hi Coppermane," Fluttershy said, involuntarily blushing and smiling, "N-Nice to see you."

"Hi, Fluttershy.  N-Nice to see you too," Copper said, blushing, "Um…I was th-thinking…I had a really nice time last night…and…I was hoping maybe…we could do it again?"

Fluttershy’s eyes widened, and broke into a smile, "Oh…um…I-I’d love to. When were you thinking?"

Copper rubbed the back of his neck, "Um…if it's okay…right now?"

"Oh…" Fluttershy said, a little surprised.

"S-Sorry, I-I knew it would be a bit sudden, we don't have t—”

"Oh, no, it's fine," Fluttershy said with a smile, "I-I just wasn't expecting it is all. C-can you…um…give me a minute?"

Coppermane smiled.  “A-Absolutely.  Take your time.”

Fluttershy smiled, and walked back into her house to say goodbye to her pets. She was so excited! Just to be sure, she checked her mane in the mirror before she left. She went back outside to see Coppermane waiting patiently for her.

"Thanks." Fluttershy said, smiling.

"No problem." said Copper.

"So, um, what did you have in mind?" Fluttershy asked.

"I-It's a surprise." Copper said, blushing.

Fluttershy giggled, "Okay. Are we going back to the hill?"

"Actually, I have a different location in mind," Copper said with a smile.

"Oh?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah, and um…I think you'll really like it." Copper said, still blushing.

Fluttershy giggled. He looked so cute when he blushed. "Well, sh-should we get going then?”

"Yep. L-let's go. Um…it might be faster if we fly."

Copper was so excited, and hoped Fluttershy would like what he had planned. He really felt like he owed her for yesterday.

Coppermane pointed down to a forest area, "Down there," Copper said as he began his descent. Fluttershy descended with him. The two ponies landed outside the forest area in front of a small opening in the trees. Fluttershy looked into the forest cavity, and felt a little uneasy. It was no Everfree Forest, but still, it looked dark inside…

"Here we are," Coppermane said, gesturing for Fluttershy to follow him inside.

Fluttershy looked hesitant, "Um…are you s-sure it's safe?"

Copper walked up to the mare, "Fluttershy, trust me, you're going to love it," he said with a smile.

Fluttershy was silent. She looked away from Copper and down at the ground. She was obviously scared. Copper had to remember how timid and delicate she was…almost as much as him.  Looked like this was going to take some coaxing. She obviously was afraid to go inside the forest, but he knew that once they got to their final destination, she would absolutely love it. He tried something bold. He walked up to the frightened mare and put his hoof on her shoulder.

"Fluttershy…" he said.

Fluttershy felt his gentle hoof, sending tingles throughout her body. She looked at her shoulder, and then up into Copper's warm, comforting brown eyes.

"Don't worry, nothing bad will happen," Copper said in a tender voice, offering a smile, "You're going to love it in there. I won't let anything happen to you, cross my heart."

Fluttershy looked up into his warm brown eyes. She was scared to go into the forest, but at the same time, there was something about Copper's presence that just made her feel…safe. She took her hoof and placed it on top of his and smiled at him. "O-Okay…I-I trust you."

Copper smiled at the mare, and with that, both of the ponies ventured into the forest cavity…

Fluttershy remained close to Copper the entire time they walked. She also kept her head down, looking at the ground. Copper suddenly came to a stop.

"We're here," he said.  Fluttershy looked up, and she was in awe.

It was a small forest clearing, and surrounding it were countless cherry blossom trees, all in full bloom. Cherry blossoms were scattered around, falling gently from all of the trees, and above the clearing was a grand view of the sky. While Fluttershy was in awe, Copper started setting up the picnic blanket on the ground.

"Coppermane…it's beautiful…" Fluttershy said in astonishment.

Copper chuckled at her reaction.  "I'm glad you like it," he said as he set up the picnic blanket. He laid down on the blanket and invited Fluttershy to sit down as well.

"What is this place, Copper?" Fluttershy asked, laying down on the blanket in front of Copper.

"Well, this is a place I discovered a while ago, long before I came to Ponyville. It's a place I come to when I'm feeling down, which is often, so I'm here a lot,” Coppermane said, somewhat shamefully.

“Does anyone else know about this place?” Fluttershy asked.

Coppermane smiled.  “Actually…no.  I’ve never brought anypony else here before.”

Fluttershy eyes widened, "You mean I’m…the first?"

Copper nodded, "The very first."

Fluttershy was touched. "But…why me?"

Copper sighed, "Because…I feel like I really owe you for yesterday. You have no idea how much it helped me. Now that I've finally told somepony else about my past, I feel like I can…let it go. Knowing that I'm not a psychopath or monster…I just feel liberated…and I have you to thank.”

Fluttershy blushed, "Aww…you don't have to thank me. I was more than happy to help," she said with a smile.

Copper smirked, "Well, you're getting thanked anyways," he said with a chuckle.

Fluttershy chuckled and continued to blush. "Well, th-thanks.  That’s very sweet of you."

Now it was Copper's turn to blush, "N-No problem. You hungry at all?" Copper asked before going over to the basket and opening it up. Inside were hayfries, a wide assortment of fruit, a water-filled thermos, marble cupcakes, and paper plates. Fluttershy's stomach growled.

"Um…maybe a little…" she said, blushing at her growling stomach.

Coppermane chuckled, "Well, help yourself.”

Fluttershy moved over next to Coppermane, lying down next to him, and the two dug into the basket. They mostly sat in silence, just enjoying each other's company. The sun was beginning to set, making spectacular patterns in the sky. The two laid down next to each other on the blanket, gazing at the gorgeous sky above, and occasionally sneaking glances at one another. However, Coppermane, lingered for a little bit when he noticed that a cherry blossom had fallen in Fluttershy’s mane.  The flower adorned her face, and made her look so pretty…even more than she already was.

Fluttershy tried to sneak a glance at Coppermane, but was surprised when she caught him staring at her. He immediately darted his head away, his face bright red. Fluttershy blushed a bit herself.

"Is…Is something wrong?" she asked.

"No no, um…it's just…um…a cherry blossom landed in your mane." Copper said, looking back at her again.

Fluttershy blushed and tried to find it with her hoof, "Oh, where is it?"

"Um, it's above your eye…but…it actually looks…really nice." Copper said, blushing.

"R-Really?" Fluttershy asked, flattered.

"Yeah…um…you look…um…you're really pretty…" Copper said, his face bright red.

Did Fluttershy hear him correctly? Did he just say he thought she was pretty? "You…you really think so?" she asked, her face almost as red as Copper's.

"Yeah…I-I really do…y-you're a beautiful pony, Fluttershy." Copper said, quieting down towards the end, hoping he didn’t cross the line by saying that.

Fluttershy's heart melted. Nopony, especially no colt or stallion, has ever said anything like that to her.

He thinks I'm…beautiful?

She smiled and felt compelled to try something bold.  She scooted over closer to Coppermane, and snuggled up with him.

"Th-Thank you, Coppermane," Fluttershy said, nuzzling Copper, "You’re too sweet."

Copper smiled as his face grew bright red, and he cuddled back with her, "Th-Thanks. S-So are you."

And for the next few minutes, the two of them cuddled together, enjoying each other's company and warmth as the sky slowly turned to twilight. The nighttime symphony of crickets and cicadas rose up from the silence, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The night sky slowly became darker and darker, filling with countless stars and nebulae, unblocked by any artificial light. Truly a sight to behold, and yet the two cuddling ponies still found themselves sneaking glances at each other.

Coppermane's eyes wandered down to the mare cuddling with him. He couldn't believe it.  He was actually cuddling with Fluttershy. Was Copper dreaming? If he was, it was the best dream ever. Fluttershy looked so captivating. The way the night sky reflected in her gorgeous teal eyes. The moonlight softly shining down upon her, perfectly illuminating her soft coat and pink mane. The cherry blossom in her mane…somehow making her look even more breathtaking than she already was. Fluttershy was so…beautiful…and right now…she was all his. Coppermane was the happiest colt in the world. He loved spending time with her. She was the only mare who truly understood him, and accepted him for who he is. She knew his deepest darkest secrets, and instead of running away like everypony else, they were closer than ever. The only thing that plagued his mind was this:  Did she feel the same way? Coppermane somehow managed to pull his gaze away from Fluttershy and looked back up at the slightly-less beautiful night sky.

Fluttershy looked up at the colt she was cuddling with. She was actually cuddling with Coppermane.  It was almost too good to be true. She was waiting to wake up and just be laying in her bed…but it never happened. This was reality. Fluttershy thought the night sky was gorgeous, but she still found herself distracted by Coppermane. The night sky reflecting in his warm, brown eyes. The moonlight illuminating his pearly, white coat and his messy, unkempt mane. Yeah, he definitely was a handsome colt. Fluttershy thought about it. He had endured years of bullying…years of neglect…and somehow didn't turn into a cold, bitter pony. On the contrary, he was the sweetest colt she's ever met. Coppermane has been so nice to her lately, and so open. She knew his deepest darkest secrets, and felt so much closer to him because of it. He went out of his way to cure Angel when he was sick, for no other reason but to spend time with her. He made her feel important. And just being here with him, cuddling next to him, feeling his warmth, it made Fluttershy feel…safe. The only thing that plagued her mind was this:  Did he feel the same way about her? Fluttershy somehow pulled her gaze away from Coppermane and looked back at the slightly-less appealing view of the starry night sky.

The two ponies laid in silence, just enjoying each other's company and warmth, with nothing but the nighttime symphony of crickets and cicadas making sound.

While there were no words to describe how much Fluttershy was enjoying her time with Coppermane right now, there was still one question she craved an answer to.

"Um…Coppermane?" Fluttershy asked quietly, looking up at the colt.

"Yes?" Copper said.

"Is…Is there a reason why you brought me out here?" Fluttershy asked.

"I-I told you. To thank you for last night." Copper said.

"I-I feel like there's more." Fluttershy said.

Copper looked down at the ground, and then regretfully broke the cuddle and sat up. Fluttershy sat up to, waiting to hear what he had to say.

Copper took a deep breath. "Fluttershy, thanking you for last night is part of the reason why I brought you out here. A way to thank you for everything you've done for me, and in such a short period of time too. You've allowed me to let go of my past, and just move on with my life." Copper paused and look right into Fluttershy's eyes. The two ponies were very close to each other yet again, "But the main reason is…well…because…I think…I think you're something special."

Fluttershy's heart soared. "You…you really think so?” she asked, blushing.

Coppermane smiled and nodded.  "I…I really do.  You're the kindest, most thoughtful, most compassionate pony I've ever met. You know my deepest darkest secrets, and you didn't run away. I couldn't ask for a better friend."

Fluttershy had never felt happier in her entire life. He felt that way about her? He thought she was special?

But, he said…friend…

Copper wasn't done, "And, I wanted to do something special for you,” he said cryptically, making Fluttershy look up in curiosity, "I recall you wanting me to sing for you last night, and I feel like I kind of cheated by just doing a thirty-second tag."

Fluttershy looked at him curiously, "What did you have in mind?"

Copper then stood up and backed away. He used his magic to summon magical beacons to light the area in the night. Then he used his magic to summon three copies of him. Fluttershy gasped.

"Coppermane, what is this?" she asked with wide eyes.

All four Coppermanes smiled and simultaneously said, "Your own private concert!"

Fluttershy's face lit up, gasping with excitement, "Really?!"

The original Copper spoke, "Yep! I figured you deserve more than just thirty seconds of song. We've been rehearsing all day with some new songs, so I hope you like it."

Fluttershy's eyes widened, "You've been rehearsing all day…for me?"

Copper smiled, "Of course."

As if Fluttershy couldn’t be any happier.  Copper played an F on his pitch whistle, and proceeded with Fluttershy’s private concert.

…

{Songs: Penny Lane/Good Day Sunshine, Gonna Build a Mountain, Drive My Car, It Only Takes a Moment}

Coppermane was nervous, sure, but he was only performing for one pony, so it wasn’t as bad.  Seeing Fluttershy’s smile and bob her to the beat gave him all the energy he needed.

Fluttershy was so happy.  He sounded fantastic, just like last time.  He was so talented!  He’s been preparing this all day…just for her?  Wow…

…

Fluttershy gave him excited applause, positively thrilled, and unable to stop smiling.  Coppermane dismissed his clones and walked up to Fluttershy who was still clapping her hooves.

"So…what'd you think?" Copper asked bashfully.

Fluttershy sprung up and hugged the colt, "Coppermane…that was amazing!"

Coppermane hugged her back, his face turning red, "Glad you liked it. It was all for you."

Fluttershy released him, and gave him a warm smile, "Thank you so much. It means to know you spent all day rehearsing…for me.”

Coppermane blushed profusely.  "I wanted to do something special…for a very special pony.”

Fluttershy’s face went bright red, her heart soaring, "Thank you…thank you so much…" she said, and then let out a mighty yawn.

Copper chuckled at the groggy mare.  Even though he didn’t want this night to end…

"Do you want to head home now?" Coppermane asked.

Fluttershy felt saddened. She was tired, but didn't want this night to end. It’s been amazing.  She just wanted to cuddle for a little while longer.  Feel Coppermane's warmth one more time before the night was over. Well…why does it have to end now?

Fluttershy looked up at Coppermane, "Um…well…actually…do you think we could…cuddle some more? I mean…if it's alright with you," she said bashfully, blushing profusely.

Copper rubbed the back of his neck with his hoof and blushed. It was like Fluttershy had just read his mind.

"I-I’d love that," Copper said to the blushing mare.

Fluttershy smiled, and the two ponies laid down on the picnic blanket again next to each other, cuddling, enjoying each other's warm bodies, and gazing up at the unblocked night sky.  It had truly been a magical night.

Fluttershy and Coppermane found themselves again on the bridge to Fluttershy's cottage.

"Um…Copper…thank you so much for tonight. It was amazing," Fluttershy said with a huge smile on her face.

"N-No problem. It was fun," Coppermane said.

"And the private concert…that was really sweet of you. I really appreciate it," Fluttershy said.

"The pleasure was all mine,” Coppermane said, rubbing his neck and blushing.  “Um…do you maybe wanna do this again tomorrow?”

"Oh…um…I’d love to…but…I promised Rarity that I'd help her with some of her dresses tomorrow," Fluttershy said, "I'm sorry."

"Oh…okay…that's fine." Copper said, obviously disappointed. "Maybe the day after?"

Fluttershy's face lit up, "Of course, I'd love to."

Coppermane smiled.  "Great.  Well…good night.”

"G-Good night…" Fluttershy said.

The two of them hugged each other, savoring each other's warmth, and then found each other in a very familiar scene. The two ponies, close together, and their muzzles only inches away.

Fluttershy stared deep into Coppermane's warm eyes as her mind went into overdrive. Oh my…he’s so close to me.  Is he really going to…?  What if I mess up?  What if he doesn’t like it?  Still…I want him to…so badly…

Copper's mind fared no better as he stared deep into Fluttershy's captivating eyes. This is my chance.  I could kiss her…right now.  I just have to lean forward.  Should I?  What she doesn’t like me like that?  What if I mess up?  I shouldn’t...but…I really want to.  Her lips look so…sweet…

Suddenly, Copper felt his head involuntarily moving forward. Fluttershy noticed this, and her stomach filled to the brim with butterflies. Oh my…he's leaning in…is he actually…?

Fluttershy felt her head involuntarily move forward to, but…

"Um…yeah…good night…" Copper said suddenly, pulling back, his nerves getting the best of him…again.  His heart was still pounding.

Fluttershy just stood there for a moment.  So close…so close. "Yeah…um…good night. Thanks again for tonight."

"Y-You're welcome,” Coppermane said.

"Good night,” Fluttershy said, offering a small smile.

"Good night,” Coppermane said, blushing and smiling.

The two ponies turned away from each other and began to go their separate ways. Fluttershy however took one more look at the colt. He was so close. Did Fluttershy do something wrong? She was so sure that he liked her too. Her mind drifted back to what he said before:

"I couldn't ask for a better friend."

Friend. Just a friend. But the signs were all there. Maybe she could talk with Rarity about this tomorrow. Fluttershy knew one thing:  she had a huge crush on Coppermane. The only question was…did he feel the same way?

Copper began to walk back to Ponyville, but took one more glance back at the mare. He was so close.

Why didn't you just kiss her? You know you wanted to.

Yes. He wanted to. So badly. But he couldn't. His nerves got the best of him again. He didn't know for sure if she felt the same way about him.  It was too risky. But…all the signs were there. What if she did want him to kiss her?  Oh no…she probably hates him now…

Coppermane needed some time to think about this. Coppermane knew one thing though: he had a huge crush on Fluttershy.

You should've just kissed her.

I know…I know…