//------------------------------// // Ch.13: Love Me Tender // Story: Sweet and Delicate // by Nordryd //------------------------------// Time: 11:00 AM, Saturday, Coppermane's Cottage, Days Until Celebration: 7 One more week… One more week until the Summer Sun Celebration, the ultimate reason for coming to Ponyville. An event that Copper had been dreading at the beginning, but now has come to look forward to it. Not to say he wasn't still nervous, but he was more excited about it than before. Copper figured the nervous aspect would never go away. It was natural to be nervous. He was performing for one of the most important events in Equestria after all, for all three princesses, and almost all of Ponyville and then some. What normal pony wouldn't be nervous about that? Copper had one other thing on his mind though. Something he would gladly choose over performing at the Celebration in a heartbeat…Fluttershy, the mare of his dreams. The mare he was in love with. Yes…love. Twilight and Pinkie Pie had helped him figure that out yesterday, and Copper had never been more excited in his life. The two mares even reassured him that there was a VERY high likelihood that Fluttershy would reciprocate Copper's feelings. Copper was still skeptical though, such is his nature. He would believe it when it happened. However, it wasn't too far away from happening. Copper had stayed up all night trying to plan out an amazing date for him and Fluttershy in order to confess his love for her. He had found a perfect ledge on the mountain where Canterlot rested, and it was had a grand view of Equestria and Ponyville. Best of all, it was covered with, of all things, blooming cherry blossom trees! Copper thought back to how gorgeous Fluttershy looked with a cherry blossom in her mane, her face blushing and smiling. She was just…adorable. Copper always thought the cherry blossoms were beautiful on their own, but now, every time he saw one, he thought of her, and it made them seem even more beautiful. The warm memory of them cuddling together under the stars in the cherry blossom grove always brought a smile to his face. The two of them close together, alone, silent, just enjoying each other's company. Copper never wanted it to end, and he'd do it again in a heartbeat. Even though she didn't believe it, Fluttershy was truly something special, and Copper tried everything in his power to make her feel just that way that night. And soon…he'd be out with her again. He could hardly wait! Copper was getting ready to go out and practice for Fluttershy's second private concert (of course, she was getting a second one), when he heard a knock on the door, and then a slip of paper fell through the mail slot. A telegram? Copper went over to the note, opened it, and began reading: … My faithful student, Coppermane, I hope you're enjoying your time in Ponyville. Only one week before the Summer Sun Celebration. I can hardly wait to hear you perform. I know you're nervous, but I also know that you'll be fantastic! I do, however, need an important favor from you. As you may know, Princess Cadence of the Crystal Empire will be here for the Summer Sun Celebration. As a member of royalty, she will need an escort to bring her to Canterlot. She knows this, and has formally requested that her escort be you. I recently mentioned to her that I had chosen my new student to perform at the Summer Sun Celebration, after I heard his beautiful voice, and she is very anxious to meet you. She was wondering if you could give her a sample of your singing, and also to get to know my newest pupil. And I have no doubt that if any harm comes her way, you will do everything in your power to protect her. She is expected to arrive on Thursday, and while you're in Canterlot, Princess Luna would also like to hear a sample. I don't want to keep Princess Cadence waiting any longer, so please board the next train to the Crystal Empire from Ponyville if at all possible. The Crystal Empire is a gorgeous place with lots of nice ponies, including the Princess herself. I know this is sudden, but I trust you can handle it. Safe travels! Her Grand Royal Highness, and Proud, Supportive Teacher, Princess Celestia … Copper's mind went haywire. The Crystal Empire? Escorting Princess Cadence herself? By HER request? Copper was astounded. What an honor! Copper was positively ecstatic. He had always wanted to see the Crystal Empire, and he was finally going to get a chance. And he was going to meet and escort the princess herself! She wanted to hear him sing, AND get to know him. And not only her, but Princess Luna too? Copper felt so honored, and had a hard time containing his excitement. But all that excitement immediately subsided when Copper realized what this meant. His date with Fluttershy had just been postponed. Copper's mood immediately darkened. He had everything planned. He had the perfect location. He was finally going to…confess his love to her. Now he would have to wait… Well…maybe not. He didn't know when the next train left. If the train didn't leave until later on today… Copper immediately rushed out the door and headed for the train station, fueled by hope. Hope that his plans would still work out for today. Time: 11:30 AM, Saturday, Ponyville Train Station Copper rushed up to the schedule for today and looked for the Crystal Empire. The train was due to leave at…2:30 PM… Figures… Their date was postponed…Copper's mood darkened once again. How was he going to tell Fluttershy? How would he tell her that their third date was going to have to wait? More importantly, how would Copper feel being separated from her for, at minimum, five days? Could his heart take it? Copper missed being around Fluttershy for even one day yesterday. Copper tried to replace the negative thoughts in his mind with the positive ones about how much of an honor it was for Princess Cadence to personally request him as his escort…but unfortunately, he felt it was hard. Copper didn't want to be ungrateful about this opportunity…but nevertheless… And it's not just Fluttershy either. He would be separated from all of his friends. Applejack, Twilight, Pinkie, Rarity, Rainbow…how was he going to tell them? They would probably be excited for him, and rightfully so. Ponies would kill to be in Copper's position right now. Copper! You jerk! Do you realize what you've been asked to do? Not only is it a great opportunity, but it's an important task. You have to make sure Princess Cadence gets to Canterlot unharmed. Can't you let Fluttershy go for five days and focus on this task? You're being so ungrateful. I know…I know…I'm trying…it's just hard… Copper started to walk back to Ponyville, trying to organize his thoughts. He looked up and watched the clouds, trying to focus his mind on anything else. He tried to focus on the important task at the moment: Telling the girls what was going on. But how? Copper looked up at a cloud floating a little low to the ground, and saw a rainbow tail dangling off the edge. Rainbow Dash. If Copper got her attention, he could give her the letter and tell the girls to meet him at the train station so he can say goodbye to them. He had to do something special for Fluttershy though…Copper decided he would worry about that later, and walked up below Rainbow Dash. "Hey, Rainbow Dash!" Copper called up. He saw the cloud stir a bit, and then a blue mare with a rainbow mane poked her head up, looking around for the source of the sound. "Wha…who…oh, hey Copper! How's it hangin'?" Rainbow asked sitting atop her cloud. "Um…well…I have some news for you all," Copper said, pulling out the letter from Princess Celestia. "Okay…what is it?" Rainbow said, descending from her cloud and landing on the ground. Copper held the letter out in his hoof, offering it to Rainbow Dash, "Well, I've been asked to be Princess Cadence's escort for the Summer Sun Celebration." "Wait, what?" Rainbow said, snatching the letter from Coppermane's hoof and skimming it over. When she finished reading, her eyes got wide. "She personally asked for you?!" she asked, jumping off the ground and hovering with excitement. "Yeah, I guess," Copper said, trying to be humble. "But it says you have to leave…on the next train," Rainbow Dash said as she read that line again on the letter, "You're leaving today?" "I guess," Copper said, "Um…I need a favor from you." "Sure, whaddya need?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Can you tell the girls to meet me at the train station at around 2:00 or so? The next train leaves at 2:30 and I want to say goodbye to you all," Copper said. Rainbow looked confused. "Um…no offense, Copper, but, wouldn't you want to let them know yourself?" Rainbow asked, "Especially…um…Fluttershy?" Copper nervously rubbed the back of his neck, "Yeah, well, um, I have something special that I want to do for her, but I need time between now and then to work on it." Rainbow looked at Copper curiously, "Oh really?" she said in a teasing tone, "Whatcha plannin'?" Copper blushed, "You'll…You'll see at the train station." A frown fell on Rainbow's face, but she understood. She sighed, "Okay…whatever you say…hehe." "Look, can you do this for me or not?" Copper asked in a more serious tone. "Yeah, yeah, yeah, I can do that. You'll see us all at the train station at 2:00, don't you worry," Rainbow Dash said. "Thank you so much," Copper said, letting out a sigh of relief. "No problem, I'll get on it right now. Be seeing ya!" Rainbow Dash said before zooming off in the sky, leaving a rainbow in her wake. Now with that out of the way, Copper could focus on the more important task at hand: Doing something special for Fluttershy before he leaves. But what? Copper pondered for a moment…and suddenly, a lightbulb! He had no time to lose, and with a smile on his face, he took off into the sky towards a familiar grove… Time: 12:45 PM, Saturday, Sugarcube Corner Rainbow Dash decided it would be easier to get all the girls to congregate in one place and tell them all at once than going to each individual pony. She went to Pinkie Pie first and asked if they could all meet at Sugarcube Corner, and she agreed with her signature Pinkie Pie perkiness. All of the girls were there situated around a table with Pinkie Pie in the kitchen making snacks for all of them. They were all there except for one…Rarity. "Where is she?" Rainbow Dash asked impatiently, "I told her 12:30 like I told all of you." "She's probably coifing her mane for the fifteenth time," Applejack remarked with a chuckle. Twilight laughed, "She's probably just busy working. I'm sure she didn't forget." Pinkie Pie came to the table, "Here we go! Cupcakes and pastries! Dig in girls!" Pinkie Pie scanned the room quickly, "Rarity's still not here?" "We don't know where she is," Fluttershy said, "I hope she's okay." Suddenly, the Sugarcube Corner door opened and rung the bell, signaling that somepony had just entered. Standing in the archway was Rarity. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry I'm late girls." "Where were you?" Rainbow Dash, mad at Rarity for making her and the girls wait. "Calm down, Rainbow Dash, I was just…" Rarity scanned the room and saw Fluttershy, "Um…uh…working on a dress…yes…I had a stroke of inspiration and I didn't want to let it die…you know…?" Rarity spoke in an oddly nervous tone, making all the ponies look at her with confused faces. "Well, in either case," Twilight said, speaking up and making all the ponies snap out of their confusion, "Rainbow, why did you want to see us exactly?" "Right…it's about Coppermane," Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy immediately perked up. Coppermane? Was something wrong? "He's not giving this news because he said he has…" Rainbow Dash looked at Fluttershy, and started to sweat a little, "um…to run errands…yeah…" Fluttershy was a bit confused…did she just stop Rainbow Dash from saying something? She waved it off though. There were more important things to worry about, like what was going on with Copper? "He gave me the letter that he received, and told me to tell you what was going on, so I'll read it out loud," Rainbow Dash said. She then read the letter aloud to the girls. When she was done, everypony was excited. "He's escorting Princess Cadence to Canterlot?!" Rarity exclaimed. "She asked for him personally?!" Applejack said with excitement. "He's going to the Crystal Empire?!" Twilight said with equal excitement. "AAAAHHH!" Pinkie Pie squealed with equal excitement, bouncing rapidly up and down. "That's amazing!" Fluttershy said in excitement. "Yeah, but he has to leave today, and it says that Princess Cadence is scheduled to arrive on Thursday," Rainbow Dash said, her excitement dwindling a bit, "That means he'll be gone for at least five days." The collective excitement dwindled a bit, but they were all still excited. Well, at least most of them were. "Fluttershy…are you okay, darling?" Rarity asked, looking at the saddened mare. "He…he's leaving…today?" Fluttershy said in a quiet voice, obviously disheartened by the news. She looked down at the table, refusing to make eye contact with her friends. The girls looked around at each other, worried about the saddened mare. They had all recently found out about Fluttershy's feelings for Coppermane. Knowing that he would be leaving today for a while was probably a little hard for a delicate pony such as herself. Applejack walked over to the saddened mare. "Oh, it's alright, sugarcube," she said, putting her hoof on her shoulder, "he ain't leavin' for good. It's just for a few days." Fluttershy blushed, but still didn't smile, "I…I know…but…" her voice trailed off. "He'll be back for the Celebration, Fluttershy," Rainbow Dash said, trying to comfort her, "He is still performing, remember?" Fluttershy still didn't make eye contact with any of her friends, "I…I know…but…we…we were going to…spend time together today…" she said, her eyes watering a little bit, "Oh, I'm sorry, I sound so selfish." Twilight walked up to the mare and tried to comfort her, "Fluttershy, you're not selfish. I have no doubt that he was looking forward to it as well, and I know that when he comes back, he'll make it up to you. Pinkie Pie walked up to Fluttershy, and spoke in a more sensitive tone, "Coppermane's one of the sweetest colts I've ever met. Twilight's right, he'll make it up to you, and it'll be amazing when he does." Fluttershy got a small headache, her mind was filled with mixed emotions, happiness, sadness, excitement, sorrow. She looked up at her friends… "It's just…I'm…I'm really going to miss him…" Fluttershy said, her eyes watering again. "We know, dear," Rarity said, pulling the mare into a hug, "We'll all miss him." All the mares gave Fluttershy a group hug. Fluttershy finally smiled. Fluttershy looked around her with all her friends around her. All of them there to support her. Fluttershy truly had some of the best friends any pony could ask for. They would help her get through it, no doubt, but she still had to think about all of this. After a moment, the girls sat and talked for a bit, and then they all adjourned back to their respective homes to get ready to see Coppermane off. Time: 1:25 PM, Saturday, Fluttershy's Cottage Fluttershy sat in her cottage alone, just going through her thoughts. She was indeed excited for Copper. He was getting the opportunity of a lifetime to be a Princess's escort, and at her personal request to. But she couldn't help the fact that she was going to miss him terribly. She had only recently come to terms with the fact that she was in love with Coppermane. Yes…love. Beautiful Love. But it was frustrating at the same time. Fluttershy had really been looking forward to tonight. Looking forward to whatever Coppermane had planned for her, and curious as to whether or not he'd be able to top their last date. Fluttershy thought about that night…warm memories flooding her mind. She went to the mirror and looked at herself. She noticed the cherry blossom still in her mane. Fluttershy had kept it in her mane as a reminder of that magical night. She was very excited for Copper and what he had been tasked to do, but she was also a bit frustrated, because tonight, she had hoped to…confess her feelings. She didn't know how long she could keep her feeling bottled up inside, just simmering inside, yearning to be free. But nevertheless, she would have to wait. After all, it was by order of the princess herself that Copper go on this mission. There was nothing she could do about it. She pondered her thoughts for a minute until glancing at the clock and seeing what time it was: quarter till two! She needed to get going! She quickly went to the mirror, fixed her mane, adjusted the cherry blossom, and headed for the train station… Time: 2:00 PM, Saturday, Ponyville Train Station Copper stood there and waited. Two o'clock is what he told Rainbow Dash right? He hoped that he got the message out…especially to Fluttershy. His worried were diminished upon seeing a group of six familiar mares, including…her. Wow…she was so much prettier in the flesh than in his memories. "You guys came. Thank you so much. And thank you Rainbow Dash," Copper said. "No problem! Told you I could do it," Rainbow Dash said with a smirk. "Sorry I couldn't tell you guys personally, but…I had errands to run," Copper said nervously. "It's okay, Copper," Twilight said, walking up to the colt, "It means a lot to us that you wanted us here." "Well, you guys are my best friends. I couldn't just leave without saying goodbye right?" Copper said with a smile. Suddenly the train blared, and the conductor came out of the train, "All aboard!" "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now," Copper said. "We'll miss ya, sugarcube. Have fun." Applejack said, as she gave the colt a hug. "Princess Cadence is a lot of fun. You two will get along great," Twilight said, giving the colt a hug. "Go get 'em, Copper," Rainbow Dash said as she hugged Copper. "Have fun, Copper! I hear they have the best rock candy in the Crystal Empire!" Pinkie Pie said cheerfully, and also gave Copper a hug. "The Crystal Empire is simply gorgeous, you'll love it there!" Rarity said, giving the colt a hug. Rarity, however whispered something in Copper's ear, "She's going to love it, Copper, don't worry." Copper mouthed the words "Thanks" to her, and walked over to Fluttershy, who was staying more in the background of the group. He noticed the cherry blossom in her mane. Is that the same cherry blossom from…that night? She's kept it all this time? "…Fluttershy?" Copper said, walking up to the mare. Fluttershy looked up and beheld Copper's big brown eyes, "Y-Yes?" Unbeknownst to Fluttershy and Copper, the other five mares were watching them very closely with huge smiles on their faces. Copper walked closer to Fluttershy, his stomach filling with butterflies the closer he got to her, "Um…I'm really sorry about tonight. This came up today out of nowhere and—" "Oh…it's fine. It…It's an amazing opportunity you're getting. I'm really happy for you," Fluttershy said, trying to mask her sadness that he was leaving. Copper, however, was unconvinced. "Are…are you really happy for me? Y-You don't look like it," Copper said. Fluttershy looked up at him, "Oh no, I really am happy for you, it's just…it…I was r-really looking forward to t-tonight." Copper's eyes widened, "Y-You were?" "O-Of course. I-I love spending time with you, Copper," Fluttershy said, blushing profusely. "I-I love spending time with you too, Fluttershy," Copper said, also blushing profusely. The other five mares couldn't help but giggle. "Oh, they are just so adorable!" Twilight said with a giddy grin. "Oh, I know!" Rarity said, also giddy. Back with the two love-struck ponies, Coppermane and Fluttershy were still blushing profusely. "I-I was really looking forward to tonight too, Fluttershy," Copper said, "But I promise, I-I'll make it up to you when I come back." Fluttershy smiled, "I-I can't wait. Thank you." "Anything for you, Fluttershy," Copper said, offering a warm smile, "Oh that reminds me, I-I got something for you." Fluttershy's eyes went wide, "You…You did?" Copper got his suitcase and opened it up, "I…I wanted to give you something special before I left." Fluttershy was touched. He had gotten something for her? What was it? "Here it is," Copper said, holding her present in his hoof, "I made it myself. I know it's not much but…do you like it?" Fluttershy was speechless… EARLIER TODAY: Time: 12:15 PM, Saturday, Carousel Boutique Rarity was working on a dress when she heard a knock on the door. Rarity went to answer it and on the other side, to her surprise, was Coppermane. "Copper? What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here, darling?" Rarity asked. "Um…I need your help with something," Copper asked, blushing. Rarity looked beside him and noticed a basket full of…cherry blossoms? "Would it have anything to do with the basket, sweetie?" Rarity asked curiously. "Oh…um…yeah. I wanted to make something for…for…" Copper said, stuttering at the end. "For Fluttershy?" Rarity said, with a smirk on her face. Copper's face went bright red, "…Yeah…for…Fluttershy…I mean…if you're not busy…" Rarity's face lit up, "Oh it can wait! I'd be happy to help you. Come in! Now, what exactly do you need help with, dear?" "Um…how do I make a necklace?" "Oh, it's gorgeous! She's going to love it!" Rarity exclaimed. "Hehe, I sure hope so," Copper said, admiring his work. "But, sweetie, why were you in such a hurry to make this?" Rarity asked. "Um…it's…it's a secret," Copper said cryptically. "Oh c'mon, dear, you can tell—" Rarity paused when she looked at the clock, "Oh no! I'm late! Sorry Copper, dear, Rainbow Dash wanted all the girls to meet up with her right now. I need to go. But don't worry, darling, Fluttershy's going to love it. You're such a sweet colt." "Hehe, well, thanks so much for your help. You made this possible," Copper said, smiling at the white mare. "Oh it was no problem at all, darling. Always happy to help! But now, I have to go. Please…don't touch any of my equipment…it's really delicate." "Don't worry, I'll be out of here right behind you," Copper said. "Good luck, dear," Rarity said, "Goodbye!" "Goodbye," Copper said as he watched the mare walk out the door. Copper lingered for a moment, examining the final product. Not too shabby. Rarity had really been a huge help. He stood there looking at their work, hoping that Fluttershy would like it… PRESENT TIME "Here it is," Copper said, holding her present in his hoof, "I made it myself. I know it's not much, but…do you like it?" Fluttershy was speechless… It was a necklace, made almost entirely of cherry blossoms. It was absolutely gorgeous, and so unique. "C-Copper…" Fluttershy said, completely dumbfounded. She covered her mouth with her hoof in disbelief. "Do you like it? They're the same cherry blossoms from the grove," Fluttershy could only nod her head in response. Oh, Coppermane… "Do…Do you want me to p-put it on for you?" Copper boldly asked, to which Fluttershy only could nod once again. Fluttershy put her hoof down as Copper approached her. Copper went up close in front of her and put the necklace on over her head, brushing her mane out of the way. Copper couldn't help but notice how soft and fragrant her mane was. Also…how close their muzzles were. Fluttershy shuddered at his touch. He's playing with my mane… "I-I'll admit, I had some help from Rarity to make this…but I think it turned out alright. W-What do you think?" Copper asked, backing up only slightly. Fluttershy looked down at the necklace that Copper had made…just for her. She looked back up at him, "I-It's perfect. I love it. Th-Thank you…" she said, holding back her tears of joy. Copper smiled widely, "I-I'm glad. Y-You look pretty with it," he said, blushing. Fluttershy blushed as well. She would never get tired of hearing him telling her she was pretty. "I-I notice you still have the cherry blossom in your mane," Copper said. Fluttershy blushed profusely, "Oh…um…yeah…I…I like wearing it. It…reminds me of you." Reminds her…of me? Copper was touched. His face was bright red, "Well, y-you look really pretty with it." The two just stared into each other's captivating eyes for a moment. Entrancing, yet only one dreadful thought ran through their minds… I'm not going to see her for five days… I'm not going to see him for five days… The other five mares watched the two love-ponies interact, giddy beyond belief. "Oh! I knew she would love it!" Rarity said in an ecstatic, yet restrained voice. "That Coppermane's just the sweetest thing, ain't he?" Applejack said, giggling to herself from sheer joy. "They're so cute!" Pinkie Pie said, with a giddy smile. "Just say you love each other already," Rainbow Dash said, being uncharacteristically giddy. Back with the two love-ponies, still staring into each other's eyes, trying to imprint the image of the other in their minds before parting. "Um…Fluttershy?" Copper began to say. "Y-Yes, Coppermane?" Fluttershy asked. "I…I…" WHOOO! WHOOO! The train whistle snapped the two lovesick ponies out of their trance, and suddenly the conductor spoke, "Last call for the Crystal Empire! All aboard who's coming aboard!" Copper looked at the conductor, then back at Fluttershy. "Um…I guess I should get on then…" Copper said, looking into Fluttershy's eyes. "Y-Yeah…you should…" Fluttershy said, staring into Coppermane's eyes. "I…I guess I'll see you soon then…" Copper said. "Yeah…I'll…I'll see you soon…" Fluttershy said. "Goodbye, Fluttershy…" "Goodbye, Coppermane…" The two shared a long, loving embrace that they never wanted to end. They stared into each other's captivating eyes for a few more seconds before, only through sheer willpower, Copper managed to regrettably pull himself away from the mare of his dreams. He walked over to the other five mares, completely oblivious to the fact that they had watched their entire interaction. "Goodbye girls. See you soon," Copper said to all of them. "Bye, Copper!" the five mares said simultaneously. Coppermane picked his luggage up with his magic and proceeded to the train car. As Fluttershy watched Copper walk towards the train, she had a thought. Now, Fluttershy would be the first to admit to her own timidity, but she wasn't about to let Copper get away without her doing something special for him. Especially after giving her such a deep, sentimental gift. Acting entirely on impulse, right before Copper was about to board the train… "Coppermane?" Fluttershy called out. "Yeah, Fluttershy?" Copper said, turning around. Arguably the boldest thing Fluttershy has ever done, she walked up to the colt of her dreams, and kissed him on the cheek. Copper just stood there motionless for a while, stunned at what just happened. Had she really just…? She did. He took his hoof and just touched his cheek where she had kissed him, and his face turned bright red. Fluttershy blushed profusely at what she had just done, but she didn't regret it for a second. "H-Have fun, Copper. I-I'm so proud of you," Fluttershy said, fighting with every fiber of her being to not cry. "Th-Thank you…" Copper managed to say, still somewhat in shock. WHOOO! WHOOO! The train whistle! The train was about to leave…like…now! Copper snapped out of his trance, picked up his suitcase in his magic and rushed onto the train. He found a seat and immediately poked his head out the window and tried to get one more look at Fluttershy, imprinting every last detail of her captivating appearance in his mind, knowing he wouldn't see her again for a while. And just like that, she disappeared over the horizon. I was so close…so close…so close to telling her… Copper sighed, feeling sorry for himself. No…the moment wasn't right…I'll know when it is… Copper felt his cheek again where Fluttershy had kissed him. I'm never washing my cheek again. Copper couldn't help but shed a tear when he touched his cheek. It was only about one minute into the trip, and he already missed her. Sulk all you want, Copper. Once you get to the Crystal Empire, your focus needs to be on your mission okay? Copper knew this, but still… He took one more look out the window towards the horizon, and smiled with watery eyes. See you soon, Fluttershy. I…I love you… Fluttershy sat down as she watched the train hauling the colt of her dreams disappear over the horizon. I kissed him…on the cheek…I actually did it… That kiss was due to pure impulse, but Fluttershy didn't regret it for even a second. She looked down at her new cherry blossom necklace. The one that Copper had made…for her. She pictured the colt walking around the grove picking cherry blossoms off the ground, thinking of her. The thought warmed Fluttershy's heart. He's really…the sweetest colt…in all of Equestria… Fluttershy looked back at the horizon, and tears began to fall down her eyes. It had only been about one minute, and she already missed him terribly. The other five mares came up to the saddened mare and tried to comfort her. Applejack gave her a hug. "It's alright, sugarcube, he'll be back," Applejack said reassuringly. "You two are so cute!" Pinkie Pie said, unable to hold in her enthusiasm. Fluttershy's face went bright red, but she remained silent. "Oh, I knew you would like that necklace! He came to me and asked to help him make it. So sweet!" Rarity said, unable to contain her enthusiasm too. "Is that why you were late earlier today, Rarity?" Rainbow Dash asked, still sore about making her and the others wait. Rarity sighed in irritation, "Yes, but it was a noble cause, Rainbow." Rainbow couldn't exactly argue. Rarity continued, "Oh! And you gave him a kiss on the cheek! You are just the cutest thing, Fluttershy!" The five mares all began to comment on how much they loved Coppermane and Fluttershy together, but stopped once they heard Fluttershy sniffle from crying. Twilight put her hoof on Fluttershy's back, trying to comfort the sad mare. "He'll be back, Fluttershy, don't worry," Twilight said. Fluttershy remained silent. She kept looking at the cherry blossom necklace. The singular cherry blossom in her mane always warmed her heart because it reminded her of Copper. Now she had dozens of them. It still didn't change the fact that he was gone. Fluttershy silently began to cry again with her best friends around her, offering their sympathy. Applejack wiped the tears off her face, "How 'bout we take ya out to dinner. Would that make y'all feel better, sugarcube?" Fluttershy looked up at the orange mare, and around to her friends, her eyes still watery from…memories. But finally she spoke. "I…I guess I wouldn't…mind some food…" Fluttershy said weakly. Thinking logically, she hadn't really eaten at all today, and she was kind of hungry. The five other mares smiled and helped her get on her feet, then proceeded to walk her back to town. Fluttershy took one more look at the horizon, and smiled. Goodbye, Coppermane. I…I love you…