Sweet and Delicate

by Nordryd

Ch.12: Definitions

Fluttershy woke up like she always does, to the sounds of birds singing in the shining sun. But something was different…she was happier. Not that she wasn't normally happy, but this morning, she just felt…different. Fluttershy got out of bed and felt something in her mane…like a knot or something. She went to the mirror to discover a single cherry blossom in her mane. The same one from last night.

Fluttershy smiled at the memory. She had caught Coppermane staring at her because of said cherry blossom. He told her she was…beautiful. Fluttershy never considered herself to be a particularly pretty pony. Not that nopony tells her that, but Fluttershy just never believes them, such is her humble nature. But when Coppermane told her, she actually kind of believed him. She actually felt…beautiful.

Fluttershy's mind drifted to last night. If Coppermane's goal was to make her feel special, he definitely succeeded. He took her to a gorgeous cherry blossom grove; his secret sanctuary. He brought her there for no other reason but to spend time with her. He prepared a lovely picnic, told her about how he felt about her (partly, at least), and even gave her an amazing private concert that he’d been preparing all day…just for her.

But what Fluttershy enjoyed most about last night wasn't the picnic. It wasn't the gorgeous grove he took her to. It wasn't even the private concert. It was when they simply cuddled together. Just the two of them, alone, serenaded by the symphony of crickets and cicadas underneath the vast and unblocked night sky. Just lying down next to his warm body, feeling him hold her close, making her feel safe. She never wanted it to end.

She was disappointed that they didn't kiss, but Fluttershy attributed that to nerves. Coppermane was an extremely shy pony, just like her, so it wouldn't be surprising if his nerves got the best of him. In a way, she was disappointed in herself to. If he couldn't close the gap, why didn't she try herself? If she really wanted to kiss him that badly…

Fluttershy loved being around him, and loved how he made her feel, but did he feel the same way?

Fluttershy's mind drifted to a key thing Coppermane said last night:

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

Friend. Friend.

Probably some stupid concerns, but Fluttershy was so new to all of this. She's never been so close so somepony else before, and didn't want to mess up. Fluttershy has seen Coppermane for the amazing colt he is, and she didn't want to lose him.

Fluttershy decided to push those thoughts off to the side for now. Today she was spending the day with Rarity, helping her out with her new fashion line.

Maybe Rarity could help me understand my feelings. If we take a break at some point…maybe…

With a lot on her mind, Fluttershy began to head for Rarity's boutique, but not before readjusting the cherry blossom in her mane.

Why didn't you just kiss her?

Coppermane’s been berating himself since he failed to kiss Fluttershy for the second time in a row. Why didn’t he just kissed her? She was right there! He couldn't just lean forward a little further?

You know you wanted to Copper, and she looked like she wanted you to as well…

But I don't know that for sure…what if she doesn't like me like that? What if I did, and that's not what she wanted? What would I do then?

Losing the sweetest and most beautiful pony ever? Losing the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria? Copper could hardly bear the thought. Fluttershy was the only pony who understood him, and accepted him even after sharing his deepest darkest secrets. If he lost her…

Now, this wasn't to say that Coppermane didn't love what happened last night. He loved doing something special for Fluttershy, and he'd do it again in a heartbeat. He loved making Fluttershy smile, and most of all, he loved cuddling with her. Just feeling her warm body snuggled up with his, with nothing but the peaceful tranquility of the grove around them, enjoying her company. Coppermane loved spending time with her, and would gladly go out of his way just to spend even fifteen minutes with the most amazing mare in the world.

They've gotten especially close lately. Fluttershy has even opened up a bit, telling him about how she takes care of large variety of animals, and lots of them. She also told Copper about her fear of dragons and how she used to get teased about being a weak flyer.

"It's not that impressive, I know," Fluttershy said, "Not like what all of my other friends do."

Coppermane just smiled at her, "Don't say that, Fluttershy.  Of course it's impressive. I admire anypony who can take care of so many different animals at once. That can't be easy."

Fluttershy smiled, "Oh, it's not. But it's worth it."

"And, as far as the flying goes…you're a very graceful flyer,” Coppermane said with a smile.

"I…I am?" Fluttershy asked.  Coppermane nodded, making her blush.  "Th-Thank you, Coppermane.  You’re…You’re too sweet.”

But the ever important question was still left unanswered…did she like him back? He didn't want to make any big moves until he knew for sure.  Then again…if he really wants to know…he might have to take a risk…try something bold…

I don't want to ruin what we have. I really like her…but I don't want to scare her away…

Coppermane tried pushing those thoughts off to the side and looked down at the chocolate pastry sitting on the counter. He’d been coming to Sugarcube Corner every morning for breakfast since he came to Ponyville. A bit unhealthy? Sure. Tasty? Absolutely. Sugarcube Corner had great stuff, and it gave him a chance to talk with Pinkie Pie for a little bit. She was incredibly friendly and funny, albeit a bit crazy. It was that perfect balance though, and you couldn't help but enjoy her presence.

Pinkie Pie stood behind the counter, and noticed that Copper was a little less talkative today. His pastry looked completely untouched too. He'd usually be done with it by now. What was on his mind?

"Coppermane? You okay?" Pinkie Pie asked, walking up to him.

"What? Oh yeah…I'm…I'm fine. Why?" Copper asked, looking up at the pink mare.

"Well, you're usually done with your treat after about five minutes. Is something bothering you?" Pinkie Pie asked.

Coppermane looked down. Guess he wasn't doing a good job at looking calm. He looked up at the pink mare. What was he supposed to say? He couldn't just tell her about his feelings for Fluttershy…could he?

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of somepony entering the establishment.  It was Twilight Sparkle.

"Oh, hi, Coppermane.  I didn't expect to see you here," Twilight said, trotting forward towards the two ponies, "Hi Pinkie."

"Hi, Twilight!" Pinkie Pie said, "Coppermane's been coming here every morning for breakfast! He's great company!"

"That's great!" Twilight said, "Guess that chocolate cupcake got you hooked, huh?”

"Hehe, yeah…" Copper said, looking back down at his pastry with a melancholy expression. Twilight grew concerned.

"Um…you okay, Copper?" Twilight asked, sitting down next to the colt.

"I was just asking him about that! He's usually done with his food by now, but not this time," Pinkie Pie said with her usual perkiness. She looked back at the colt, "Is everything okay, Copper?"

"Um…well…I don't really want to talk about it," Copper said, refusing to make eye contact with either of the mares.

"Aw, c'mon Copper," Twilight pressed, "We're just worried about you."

"Yeah!" Pinkie Pie said, pressing as well, "You just don't seem like yourself today. You can talk to us."

"I…I…I don't know…" Copper stammered. He was unsure about disclosing such sensitive information.

"Coppermane…" Twilight said, putting her hoof on his shoulder, "If you have a problem, the best thing you can do is talk through it with friends. We won't make fun of you or anything like that, we promise. We just want to help."

Copper looked up at Twilight…and then at Pinkie Pie.  They both looked genuinely concerned.  He thought for a second.  They wouldn’t make fun of him, would they?

Well…I guess I could tell them…

"Well…okay…" Copper said. Twilight and Pinkie both perked up, and listened intently for what Copper had to say.

Copper did a quick pan of the shop to make sure they were the only three there. Coast was clear. Copper took a deep breath…here we go.

"Okay…so I've been hanging out with this…mare. I've been hanging out with her a lot lately. Um, we've gotten really close, and, I've even taken her out a couple times. Actually, we hung out last night. She's…amazing. But I don't know if she feels the same way, and, it's killing me inside, y'know? I…I really like her, but I don't want to go any further if she doesn't feel the same way. I don’t want to scare her away. It’s funny…I…I almost kissed her yesterday…"

"You almost kissed Fluttershy?!" Pinkie suddenly burst out.

"Oh, Fluttershy, thank you for modeling these dresses for me. You've been such a big help," Rarity said, adjusting Fluttershy’s dress.

"You're welcome, Rarity," Fluttershy said.

"Oh, you look gorgeous!" Rarity said.  She stopped when she looked in the mirror at Fluttershy, and noticed something. "Is that a cherry blossom in your mane?"

Fluttershy's heart dropped, "Oh…um…yes.  I can take it out if you want me t—"

"Oh no, dear, I love it! You look so adorable!" Rarity said with a smile.

Fluttershy blushed, "Oh, okay…thanks," she said in a melancholy tone.

Rarity couldn't help but notice that Fluttershy looked a little down. Her mind seemed pre-occupied.

"Fluttershy, sweetness, are you okay?" Rarity asked.

"Oh…um…of course I am," Fluttershy said, but then she remembered something:

Fluttershy, you wanted to ask Rarity about your feelings remember? This is your chance.

Fluttershy took a deep breath, "Um…actually, Rarity,"

"Yes, dear?" Rarity asked.

"Um…c-can I talk to you about something?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh, of course, darling. I think we can take a bit of a break," Rarity said, relieved that Fluttershy is reaching out to her, "Here, let's get you out of this dress, and we can talk over lunch, okay?"

"O-Okay," Fluttershy said.

Rarity helped Fluttershy get out of the dress, and the two of them adjourned to the kitchen where Rarity fixed them up some tea, sandwiches, and biscuits.

"So, darling, what did you want to talk about?" Rarity asked, sipping her tea with her magic.

Fluttershy sipped her own tea, and took a deep breath, "Um…I-I need help understanding some things…"

Rarity looked intrigued, "What kind of things?"

Fluttershy began to look away from Rarity, "Well…there's this…colt…that I've been seeing…"

Rarity smirked and raised an eyebrow, making Fluttershy blush, but she carried on, "And…well…um…I like him.  I like him a lot. He's so nice…so sweet…and so kind. He took me out last night, and it was amazing. I think he might like me too, but…I don't know for sure, and…well…it's hard not knowing. I don’t want to ruin what we already have. I don’t know what to do.  This all so new to me. It…it's funny, we…we almost kissed yesterday…"

Rarity let out a loud gasp, "You and Coppermane almost kissed?!”

"You almost kissed Fluttershy?!" Pinkie Pie suddenly burst out.

"Pinkie!" Twilight snapped. Pinkie Pie put her hooves over her mouth.

Coppermane's heart stopped, "You…you guys know?!" he said, almost shaking.

"Well…we tried to be discreet," Twilight said, glaring at Pinkie Pie, "but yeah, we know."

"I'm sorry! I just got so excited! You and Fluttershy almost kissed! I knew you two would be great together! AAAH!" Pinkie Pie screeched.

"Calm down, Pinkie!" Twilight said to the ecstatic pink mare.

"H-How did you guys find out?" Copper asked, desperate. Did they eavesdrop on them?

"Oh well, um, we were hanging out yesterday, and we were wondering where Fluttershy was, and Applejack kind of said, nonchalant, that you and her were hanging out," Twilight said, rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof.

"Wait…Applejack told you?!" Coppermane asked, a little mad at Applejack.

"Don't worry, Coppermane, she didn't mean for it to slip out, she said so. She immediately looked remorseful when she said it. Don't get mad at her," Twilight said, trying to calm the colt down. Thankfully, it didn't take much to calm Copper down.

“Oh…okay…” Coppermane said, blushing profusely.

"Y’know, Coppermane, when I first met you, I actually thought you were a lot like Fluttershy,” Twilight said with a smirk.

"Yeah, I did too!" Pinkie Pie said.  Coppermane blushed even more.  "So…you like her?" Pinkie said in an intrigued voice.

"Well…yeah.  I like her a lot.  It’s just…well…I don’t know if she feels the same way.  I don’t want to tell her how I feel, and end up scaring her off.  I can’t lose her.  I just don’t know what to do…” Coppermane said, looking worried.

Twilight pondered for a moment.  She’s never experienced anything like this before, so she wasn’t sure what to do either.  But…she could at least try.  She decided to approach this like she approaches all things new to her:  understanding the basics.

"Well, Coppermane, let's start with you. What do you like about Fluttershy?" Twilight asked.

Copper looked up at her, "W-What do I like about her?"

Twilight nodded, "Mmmhmm.  Tell us everything. We need to analyze how you really feel, and we can work from there. Besides, for nothing else, Pinkie and I are just curious," she said in a calm, more comforting tone.

Pinkie Pie nodded, "We want to help you, Copper," she said with a more sensitive tone, "And for Fluttershy's sake too. You both are our friends, and we don't want either of you to get hurt," she said with a soft smile.

Twilight nodded in agreement with Pinkie, and looked back at the worried colt, "So Coppermane, tell us.  Why do you like Fluttershy?"

Copper pondered for a moment, and then took a deep breath as a smile grew on his face, "Oh wow…where do I start…?"

"You and Coppermane almost kissed?!”

Fluttershy's heart stopped, her face turning bright red.

"Y-You know?" Fluttershy asked in shock.

"Oh, I'm sorry, darling. I just got so excited. But, yes, I do know about you two." Rarity said flatly.

"H-How did you f-find out?" Fluttershy asked, her face still bright red.

"Well, darling, the girls and I were hanging out together and we were all wondering where you were. Suddenly, Applejack said that you were out with Copper. She didn't mean to say it, she said it just slipped out," Rarity said.

"A-Applejack knows?" Fluttershy asked.

"Oh yes. Applejack said that she saw Coppermane rehearsing on that hill where we first heard him sing. He told her that he was planning something special for you. Oh, how sweet!" Rarity let out a shrill squeal before continuing, "Applejack and Coppermane are very close dear. I'm sure he wouldn't give that kind of information out to just anypony."

That must've been him practicing for my private concert…

"I-I guess you're right," Fluttershy said, her face still a bright shade of red.

Rarity giggled, "Oh, Fluttershy, there's nothing to be embarrassed about! I'm thrilled you've found a special somepony!"

"Well, actually, that's w-what I w-wanted to t-talk to you about. I-I don't know if he…likes me back or not," Fluttershy asked to Rarity's disbelief.

"Oh, don't be ridiculous, Fluttershy, why wouldn't he be totally in love with you?"

"Oh…well…thank you, Rarity, but…I don’t know what to do.  I like him, but what if I tell him, and…he doesn’t feel the same way?  What would he think of me?  I…I don’t want to ruin what we have.  He just so amazing, and…I…I can’t lose him,” Fluttershy said, tears starting to fall down her face.  “I…I’m sorry.  I-I’ve never felt this way about somepony before, and…this is all so new to me…” she said, choking up a little.

"I know it is, dear, I know, don't be sorry," Rarity said, walking over to the distressed, crying mare, giving her a hug, "Shh…don't cry. I'm here for you." she said in a comforting tone. Sometimes Rarity forgot just how sensitive Fluttershy was.  This was uncharted territory for her, and could understand why she would be scared.

After a couple minutes, Fluttershy calmed down.  Rarity released her and walked back to her chair.  Fluttershy’s eyes were still a little bloodshot.

"Now then, let's start with you. What exactly do you like about him?" Rarity asked.

Fluttershy wiped the tears off her face and looked up at the white mare, "W-What I l-like about him?"

"Yes, darling," Rarity said, "Tell me everything.  Let’s see how you really feel about him.  Besides, you and Coppermane are both dear friends.  You’re two very sensitive ponies, and I don't want to see either of you get hurt," Rarity sipped her tea and looked back at Fluttershy, "Now tell me, sweetheart, why do you like Coppermane?"

Fluttershy looked down for a second, then back up at Rarity with a soft smile and blush, "Oh my, there's…so many things…"

"Oh wow…where do I start? Well, when I first met her, I knew there was something special about her. I couldn't quite put my hoof on it, but something in the back of my head told me that this mare was something else. And wow…I was right. She's nothing short of amazing. She's the kindest, sweetest, most thoughtful, most compassionate, and most caring mare in all of Equestria. But…I guess most of all…is that she knows my deepest darkest secrets. Secrets that would make anypony else cower in fear, or even run away. But…she stuck with me. She told me that I'm not a bad pony…that I'm not a crazy pony…that I'm just…misunderstood. Even after seeing me at my weakest, after learning of my past transgressions, she stuck by me. She allowed me to let go of my past. She saved me from myself. In fact, we were closer than ever.  I feel like I can be myself around her, because I know she'll accept me no matter what. I would go out of my way just to spend five minutes with that mare.  And she’s just…beautiful.  The most beautiful mare I’ve ever seen.  Her mane, her coat, those gorgeous teal eyes, and that smile that never fails to brighten up my day. She’s so delicate…and I feel this instinctive need to protect her. To shield her from the any threat that may present itself to her. She makes me feel like I'm worth something. She's sweet, she's beautiful, she's accepts me for me, and she's…Fluttershy. Yeah…she's just…Fluttershy."  Coppermane had a big smile on his face as he stared off into space, thinking about Fluttershy.

Twilight and Pinkie Pie's eyes were wide. Pinkie Pie had a huge grin on her face. The two mares looked at each other. They came to one unanimous conclusion:

"Copper…" Twilight said, with her hoof of her heart, "This isn't a crush. This is love."

Pinkie Pie was hopping up and down with excitement, giggling to herself.

“I…love her?” Coppermane said, trying to process his thoughts.  As he pondered, a heart-warming feeling filled him.  “I…I love her…” he said with a smile.

"AAAHHH!" Pinkie Pie squealed in excitement, bouncing up and down rapidly.

"Pinkie," Twilight said, trying to calm the pink mare down.

Pinkie Pie calmed down a little, "Sorry, it's just…AAH! He loves her!"

"I…I do…" Copper said with a smile.  However, his expression turned sorrowful at his next thought.  “But…does she?"

Twilight put her hoof on his shoulder, "Copper, honestly, I don't think there's any way for Fluttershy to not love you. You've done so much for her already."

Pinkie Pie said, "Fluttershy is the sweetest pony in the world! She would never turn down a pony like you!"

Coppermane was unconvinced, “But what if she doesn't? What would I do then? I-I don't know if I can live with that…"

Twilight and Pinkie Pie looked at each other. This colt had a point.  What if she didn't love him back? The two mares honestly didn't know what to say. They've never been in a situation like this before. Coppermane looked truly distressed, picking at his still uneaten pastry, refusing to make eye contact with them.

Twilight finally spoke up, "Copper, I think when the moment feels right, you should tell her how you feel. From what you've told us so far, there’s a high likelihood that she likes you too, but there's only way to find out right?"

Pinkie Pie spoke up too.  "Copper, she has to like you. Don't you think it would've been over after the first date if she didn't?"

Copper actually chuckled. Pinkie Pie's logic was spot on. "I…I guess you're right. We actually cuddled last night…and…she actually initiated."

"See? She has to like you!" Twilight said.

"Okay, I…I'll tell her…when the moment is right." Copper said, finally smiling.

"That's the spirit!  I'm so happy for you!" Twilight said, hugging him.

"Hehe. Hey, girls, um…thanks…I-I really needed this…" Copper said, hugging her back.

Pinkie Pie came from around the counter and hugged Copper too, "You're super-duper welcome!" she said.

"That's what friends are for." Twilight said. The girls released Copper from their hug, and Pinkie Pie glanced over at Copper's still uneaten pastry.

"Hey, Copper, do you want a new pastry, on the house? I think that one might be a bit stale now." Pinkie Pie said.

"Oh, hehe, yeah, that would be great," Copper said, a little embarrassed. Pinkie Pie took the stale pastry went in back to whip up a fresh one while Twilight and Copper talked about magic and being Princess Celestia's student. But Copper's mind kept drifting back to somepony else: Fluttershy…the mare of his dreams.

"Oh my, there's…so many things. He's…amazing. He's been through so much.  He told me about his past and…I couldn't help but cry. He's been bullied and neglected all his life, and somehow, even after years of that, he's the sweetest, kindest, most thoughtful colt I've ever met. One day…we were supposed to spend time together, and Angel was sick, so I couldn't go. But then, he used his magic to cure him, not only to help Angel, but so he could spend time with me. He puts in so much effort, for no other reason but to spend time with me. Yesterday, he gave me a private concert he’d been preparing all day…just for me. He knows my deepest secrets, and actually likes me more because of it. And yesterday, we…cuddled. I loved the feeling of him next to me. Whenever I'm with him, I just feel…safe. I feel like no matter what comes along, he'll protect me. And well…he's really handsome too. I love his pearly, white coat; his soft smile, his coppery, unkempt mane; and his warm, brown eyes," Fluttershy took the cherry blossom out of her mane and held in her hooves. She looked at it as her eyes began to tear up from the warm memories, "He’s so sweet.  When I with him…I feel special.  I feel pretty.  I feel loved.  He’s…Coppermane,” she said, staring at the cherry blossom with a smile, thinking about him.

Rarity gave a girly squeal, "Oh, Fluttershy! You are totally in love!" she said as pulled the blushing pegasus into a big hug.

"I…I am?" Fluttershy said, with a small, hopeful smile on her face.

"Darling, those kinds of feelings don't come from crushes. You're feelings go much deeper. This is love, sweetie," Rarity said with a big smile on her face.

Fluttershy processed her thoughts for a moment, but came to a conclusion that made her smile and tear up a little. It took some help from a close friend…but she could finally say it with sincerity:

"I…I love him…" Fluttershy said with a smile, but it soon faded, "but…does he?"

Rarity pulled back in disbelief, "What are you saying? How could he not love you?"

"I'm…I'm nopony special…I don't have much to offer…" Fluttershy said humbly.  Rarity wasn't convinced. Fluttershy looked down at her tea, refusing to make eye contact with Rarity.

"Fluttershy, look at me," Rarity said, using her hoof to bring Fluttershy's chin up, "Everything that Coppermane has done for you, the way you described it, are things that ponies do for each other when they're in love. I don't think he wouldn't go through so much trouble just to spend time with you if he didn't," Rarity looked down at the cherry blossom in Fluttershy's hooves, "Did Coppermane put that cherry blossom in your mane?"

"Oh, no, he didn’t.  It fell in my mane when we were cuddling. He told me the thinks I’m…beautiful," Fluttershy said, smiling and blushing at the heart-warming memory.

"You see, dear? All the signs are there," Rarity said as she gently took the cherry blossom with her magic, and put it back into Fluttershy's mane.

Fluttershy pondered for a moment, "But…when do I tell him?"

Rarity giggled, "When the moment is right, darling. And who knows? If the moment is right, he might tell you first."

Fluttershy smiled. She was in love.  Such a wonderful feeling. "Thank you, Rarity.  Thank you so much for your help."

Rarity pulled Fluttershy into a big hug, "You're absolutely welcome, dear! Oh, I'm so happy for you!" Rarity said, giddy as all heck.

"Th-Thank you, Rarity,” Fluttershy said.

"Now, let’s get back to work! I have so many other dresses for you to try on!" Rarity said with excitement.

With that, the two mares walked back into the shop area. While she tried on Rarity's dresses, one thing kept creeping back into her mind: Coppermane…the colt of her dreams.

Coppermane was spending the day flying around, trying to find place he could bring Fluttershy. He had to take her someplace truly spectacular. This was going to be the moment of truth.  The moment he confesses to Fluttershy how much he loves her. There had to be some place he could take her. Some place better than the cherry blossom grove.

After wandering around for a few hours, Copper spotted something that could be perfect. He spotted a small, secluded ledge on the side of the mountain where Canterlot rested. Upon closer inspection, he saw lots of pink dots. Copper flew towards the ledge to examine up close, and see what the view looked like.

The ledge offered a grand view of Equestria and Ponyville.  Looking above, you can see Canterlot in all its glory. Copper might not like Canterlot, but he couldn't deny how majestic it looked from the outside. The view of the night sky was spectacular, and the ledge was covered with, of all things, cherry blossom trees! Copper had hit the jackpot. He took note of where this ledge was, and he flew back home to Ponyville to plan out his next date with Fluttershy.