Time: 2:30 AM, Sunday, Summer Sun Celebration Grounds
"You ready, Fluttershy?"
"Mmmhmm."
"Alright, here we go," Copper said. His horn suddenly glowed white, the two ponies were enveloped in a magical white cloud, and with a flash of light…the two vanished.
Time: 2:30 AM, Sunday, Canterlot Outskirts
Fluttershy kept her eyes tightly closed, squeezing Coppermane's hoof with no intention of letting. She and Copper were surrounded by an aura of strange magic, distorted sounds playing all around them, and about ten seconds later, after another flash of white light, Fluttershy felt her hooves touching the grass again, and let out a small sigh of relief. She still didn't open her eyes, and gripped Copper's hoof tightly, still anxious about where she was.
"Fluttershy…open your eyes," Copper said with a gentle voice.
Still squeezing his hoof, Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes…and what she saw took her breath away…
She opened her eyes to find herself on a ledge with a spectacular view of the night sky, filled with millions upon millions of stars, unblocked by the artificial light of the Celebration. High in the sky, shining in its full glory in front of them, was a full moon. Below the sky was a grand view of Equestria, illuminated by nothing but moonlight, with the lights from the Summer Sun Celebration visible in the distance. Fluttershy looked above to see…of all things…cherry blossom trees. She looked around to see the green grass covered with fallen cherry blossoms. This place reminded Fluttershy of the cherry blossom grove Copper had brought her to before, only this place was ten times more breathtaking.
Copper watched as Fluttershy was stunned by the ledge's beauty, and smiled. He watched as she looked around at her surroundings with a face of complete amazement, and chuckled a little to himself. Fluttershy stood frozen in place, looking down at the grand view of Equestria.
"Coppermane…what…what…what is this place?" Fluttershy asked, still gawking at the view.
Copper chuckled and walked up behind the mare, "You…you like it?"
"I…I…love it…" Fluttershy said, looking at Copper. Copper couldn't help but notice how beautifully the night sky reflected in her eyes, almost taking his breath away.
"Hehe…I-I'm glad," Copper said gently, "I-I found this place the day before I left for the Crystal Empire. This is where I was g-gonna take you before I got the letter."
"You…You were?" Fluttershy asked.
Copper nodded, "I-I was looking around for a special place to bring you to. I found this place and…immediately thought of you."
Fluttershy looked around her, and then looked back at Copper, "R-Really?"
Copper nodded, "I found this place…and I thought it was…absolutely gorgeous. J-Just like you…" he said, his face going bright red.
Fluttershy's heart melted, "Copper…" she said, tears welling up in her eyes, "you…you're t-too sweet," she said with a smile.
Copper chuckled nervously, "Hehe…I-I try," he said, his face still bright red, rubbing the back of his neck.
The two ponies stood there for a second, just admiring how the other looked in the moonlight.
"Do…do you wanna…um…st-stargaze with me?" Copper asked nervously, blushing, hoping what he asked wasn't too stupid.
Fluttershy giggled, "I…I'd love that," she said with a smile.
Copper smiled back at the mare, and the two walked together to the ledge, and laid down in the cool grass, both of them amazed at the view. Copper had only seen this place in the daytime, and it was beautiful then, but it was a completely different, and more breathtaking place at night.
They sat separately from each other initially, mirroring their last date together, staring at the sky together, counting stars, while occasionally sneaking glances at each other. They sat in silence, just enjoying each other's company, but this time, it was Fluttershy who lingered with a gaze. Copper tried to sneak a glance at Fluttershy, only to have their eyes meet. Both ponies darted their heads away from each other, their faces bright red. They sat in silence for a few moments, both ponies embarrassed that they had been caught red-handed sneaking glances, until the silence was broken by Coppermane.
"Um…Fluttershy?" he asked nervously, still looking away from her.
"Y-Yes, Copper?" Fluttershy asked, looking over at the colt.
"Um…I'm…I'm sorry…" Copper said, still facing away from her.
Fluttershy was confused, "W-What?"
Copper looked at the mare, "I'm sorry."
"Copper…I…I don't understand…" Fluttershy said, still wondering what he was getting at.
"I'm sorry about today," Copper said.
"Copper…I…I still don't…what do you have to be sorry about," Fluttershy asked with a worried look. What does he think he did wrong?
Copper took a deep breath, "I…I'm sorry about not paying attention to you…as much as I should've today. I was called to the stage earlier than I expected, ponies kept coming up to me, and then when I went to talk to Princess Celestia…I…I just left you there…" he said, almost looking like he was about to cry, "I…I should've brought you with me. I knew you were upset…and…I just left you there. And I promised that I'd make up for lost time…and I feel like I've completely failed. I should've paid more attention to you…I've…I've been such a horrible date…I'm so sorry…I'm so—"
"Copper…" Fluttershy said, interrupting the colt on the threshold of hysterics. Fluttershy put her hoof on Copper's silencing him. Copper's eyes were filled with tears of shame and regret. Fluttershy sometimes forgot how delicate and sensitive he was. She couldn't believe that Copper legitimately believed he failed her today. It pained Fluttershy to see him cry. Whenever he cried, she felt like crying too. Copper looked up at the mare through tear-stained eyes, his breathing shaky.
"Copper…don't say that. You've been an amazing date. You had to do what you had to do when you left me alone, and I knew that. I was sad, yes, but I also knew there was nothing else you could do. You've been paying attention to me plenty tonight. I didn't feel ignored when other ponies came up to you. I was so happy that you were getting recognition for your performance. You deserve it. We spent time together in between the ponies coming up to you, right? Ponies asked you to come and hang out with them, and you said no to all of them because…you had to get back to me…" Fluttershy said, in a sweet voice. Then she did something that she had been meaning to do for a while now. She scooted over closer to the colt of her dreams, and snuggled up next to him, leaning against his shoulder. She looked up at the colt's tear-stained face, "You've been wonderful to me, tonight. The fact that you even asked me to be your date…means the world to me, Copper. So please…don't cry. You have nothing to worry about," she said with a smile.
Copper felt Fluttershy nuzzle him, making him shudder. He…hadn't completely failed her? She didn't feel ignored? Copper sighed in relief, leaning his head on top of Fluttershy's soft, fragrant mane. Now they were cuddling…exactly what he had been wanting to do this entire time, but couldn't summon up the confidence to initiate.
"Fluttershy…" Copper said quietly, "…Th…Thank you. S-Sorry to make you worry."
Fluttershy looked up and smiled, "Don't be sorry, Copper," she said softly, "This night has been wonderful," she said, "And besides, if you didn't go an talk to the princess…you would've had to go back to Canterlot."
Copper chuckled, "Yeah…yeah I guess you're right," he said. Fluttershy giggled at his timidity.
The two ponies found themselves in another familiar scene. They just laid there in silence, cuddling together, enjoying each other's warmth and company, with nothing except the cherry blossom trees rustling in the breeze making sound. The two ponies looked out at the spectacular view of Ponyville, the Celebration, and the night sky, taking in every last detail. So peaceful…so serene…so beautiful…and yet the two ponies found themselves distracted by each other yet again.
Fluttershy looked up at the colt of her dreams. She was cuddling with him again…and she was savoring every second. He looked so…handsome. The moon and stars reflecting in his warm brown eyes. His pearly, white coat and coppery mane softly shining in the moonlight, making him glow almost. Fluttershy thought about all of this. Thought about this moment they were sharing. He had found this…beautiful ledge…just because he wanted to take her somewhere special. Fluttershy pictured Copper searching all over Equestria, thinking of her the entire time. It warmed Fluttershy's heart. He really treated her like a princess. She remembered her cherry blossom necklace, and the beautiful bouquet of white firebloom when he asked her out. Fluttershy pictured him walking around the cherry blossom grove picking cherry blossoms…thinking about her. He would always go the distance for her, putting so much effort, so much time, and so much energy…just to make her happy. Just to make her smile. Just to spend even five minutes with her. She thought back to what he had told her on her first date…everything about his past. After years of torment, years of neglect, and years of exile, he didn't turn into a bitter pony. Coppermane was the kindest, sweetest, most thoughtful, most compassionate, most empathetic…most amazing colt in Equestria. He knew all of her flaws…all of her secrets…all of her fears…and he actually liked her more because of them. He made her feel so special. He made her feel safe. He made her feel beautiful. He made her feel loved. He made her…happy. He was Coppermane…and…she loved him…so much…
Fluttershy had a sudden urge to close the gap between their muzzles, but her timidity got the best of her again. As much as she wanted to kiss him…she just couldn't bring herself to do it. She couldn't bring herself to disturb the peaceful serenity of cuddling here with him. Still…all she would have to do is lift her head…and lean forward. He was right there…
Fluttershy, you have to tell him at some point….
I know…I know…but…I just love cuddling with him…
You've put this off for long enough. He deserves to know…
I know…I know…just…just let me savor this moment…just a little while longer…
Trying her best to suppress her urges, she somehow she managed to pull her gaze away from the colt of her dreams and turned to the slightly less breathtaking view from the ledge, but not before nuzzling Coppermane lovingly with her muzzle, smiling.
Coppermane felt Fluttershy nuzzle him, and shuddered in ecstasy. He loved cuddling next to her, but when she nuzzled him? It made Copper just melt every time.
Coppermane looked down at the mare of his dreams. He couldn't believe he was cuddling with her again. While the concert was an amazing experience, he had been looking forward to this moment all night…alone time with Fluttershy. Alone with no ponies interrupting them every two minutes. Just him and her. Copper wouldn't trade his time with Fluttershy for the world. He treasured every second he had with this mare. He couldn't help but notice how…breathtaking she looked. No…even breathtaking didn't do her boundless beauty any justice. The stars and moon reflecting so perfectly in her captivating teal eyes. The moonlight illuminating her soft coat, making her practically glow. Her soft, fragrant mane, still lined with cherry blossoms, and perfectly cascading down her body. And her smile…oh the lengths Copper would go just to see that heart-melting smile. Her beauty knew no bounds. There wasn't a doubt in Copper's mind…Fluttershy was the most beautiful mare in all of Equestria, yet somehow, she managed to get prettier every time he saw her. He didn't know how it was possible, but he didn't dare question it. Copper just couldn't take his eyes off of her. Her infinite beauty was absolutely intoxicating. But it was much more than that. Fluttershy knew his deepest, darkest secrets. She knew about his past, and the incident that happened in the schoolyard. She knew everything…and instead of running away in fear…instead of treating him like he was a monster…she was still right there beside him to show what he wanted more than anything…sympathy. She allowed him to let go of his past…let go of his mistakes…and move on. Fluttershy was the only mare who truly understood him. The only mare who lent a sympathetic ear when everypony else ran away in fear. The only mare to…accept him…in spite of his transgressions. Fluttershy was just so delicate, and Copper felt this instinctive need to protect her. Shield her from any threat that may present itself to her. Copper would always be there for her, no matter what. She made him feel like he was worth something. She's sweet, delicate, kind, generous, caring, she's the most breathtaking mare in Equestria, she made him feel happy. But most of all…she gave him the one thing he had craved his whole life…acceptance. She's Fluttershy…and…he loved her…so much…
Coppermane…tell her…you've been waiting for the perfect moment? Well, the moment is now…
Copper's heart began to beat harder and harder. Was he really going to do this? Well…what does he say? How does he begin?
Copper…you've put this off for long enough. She needs…no…DESERVES to know.
Okay…Copper was going to do this…really…right now…right…now…
He looked at Fluttershy, and couldn't speak. He just felt so…nervous…paranoid…hesitant…
His internal conflict, however, was interrupted by the sweetest voice in Equestria…
"Coppermane?" Fluttershy asked, pausing for a second, "why…why did you bring me here?"
"Bring you here? Um…what do you mean?" Copper asked.
"Why…why are we here instead of the Celebration?" Fluttershy asked.
"Oh…do…do you not like it up here?" Copper asked, slightly heartbroken by Fluttershy's comment.
Fluttershy realized what she just said, "Oh, no no no, I-I didn't mean it like that. I-I love being here with you…but…" she trailed off.
"…but…?" Copper said, coaxing her to continue.
"Is there…is there a reason why you brought me here?" Fluttershy asked, biting her lip, hoping she wouldn't have to flat out ask him if he…you know…
Copper looked away for a second…trying to process his thoughts. There was a reason. He had been planning this since he was in the Crystal Empire. This was the moment. This was the perfect time. And yet…he couldn't speak. He didn't know how to articulate his thoughts.
"C-Coppermane?" Fluttershy asked again.
Copper looked back at the mare laying right there next to him, her deep, teal eyes looking like they were about to cry. Copper couldn't bear to see her cry…it was too much for his heart. She really wanted to know why he brought her here. She looked almost desperate.
Copper…the moment is now, and you know it. Now stop being such a pansy, and TELL HER!
"Coppermane…please…" Fluttershy asked again, on the verge of tears from her desperation.
Copper looked at her face, her eyes beginning to well up with tears. Copper took his hoof and brushed her mane out of her face, making Fluttershy shudder in ecstasy at his touch.
"F-Fluttershy…h-have I ever told you…how much you mean to me?" Copper asked.
Fluttershy's eyes went wide, and her face turned bright red, "…um…no…I…I don't think you have…" she said with a smile.
Copper offered her a warm smile, and Fluttershy was all ears. He put his hoof on Fluttershy's, making her shudder at his touch. She looked down at her hoof, and then back up into Copper's eyes, and saw nothing but…affection.
"Fluttershy…you mean the world to me. You mean more to me than my love for music. More than my love for magic. You have done…so much for me. You lent me a sympathetic ear, when nopony else would. You gave me sympathy when nopony else would. You gave me…acceptance. Acceptance in spite of my transgressions. In spite of my past. In spite of…everything that has happened to me. You've allowed me to finally let go of my past, and just…move on with my life. Fluttershy…what you have done for me…goes…above and beyond…anything I could've ever imagined…anything I ever thought I deserved. You…you saved me, Fluttershy."
Fluttershy was fighting with every fiber of her being to not cry. She had no idea that she meant that much to him.
But he wasn't done.
"But…Fluttershy…the reason I brought you out here was because…um…because…" Copper looked away. Why was this so hard?
"…yes…?" Fluttershy asked, her heart filling with hope.
Copper slowly lifted his head up to behold Fluttershy's gorgeous face…so close to his…
Fluttershy froze at the sight of how close her face was to his…so close…
Time seemed to freeze as the two ponies stared into each other's eyes…captivated…hoping…
The two ponies suddenly felt their heads involuntarily leaning forward, their heartbeats skyrocketing. They stopped, their muzzles only centimeters away, staring into each other's eyes…
"C-Coppermane?" Fluttershy said silently, looking at Copper with adoring eyes.
Copper silently stared at her. Her dazzling eyes…her sweet voice…her breath on his lips…
"C-Cop—" Fluttershy was suddenly cut off by Copper's lips.
It was a short kiss, just a simple meeting of the lips, but it was a gentle, delicate kiss that left Fluttershy too stunned to kiss him back.
Copper leaned back, his face bright red from what he just did.
Coppermane…did you just…did you just…?
He did. He had finally kissed her.
Fluttershy was completely stunned. Had he just…
Fluttershy…he just…he just kissed you…
"C-C-Coppermane?" she said, looking at the colt of her dreams
"Fluttershy…I…I…I love you."
Fluttershy gasped, and looked deep into Coppermane's eyes. Had he…? Did he…?
"C-Coppermane…did…did you just say…?"
"Fluttershy…I love you. I love you so much," Copper said, looking at Fluttershy with nothing but affection in his eyes, "You are…the sweetest…kindest…most beautiful…most amazing mare in all of Equestria…and…I love you…and…I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but…I love you, Fluttershy…I love you so much."
Copper's brain went into overdrive. The floodgates just opened…and all his feelings just poured out. He looked at Fluttershy's stunned face, hoping to Celestia that he didn't just cross the line.
Fluttershy thought she was going to faint. He had said it. He loved her…he really did. She couldn't hold back her tears anymore, and they began to fall down her deliriously smiling face.
"Oh no, you're crying…I went too far didn't I? Oh no…I-I'm so sorry I—"
"No, no, no, Coppermane," Fluttershy said with a shaky voice, placing her hoof on his, "I…I…I…I…" she began to stutter by virtue of total happiness. She looked down at the ground, trying to dry her tears.
"You…what…?" Copper asked, so worried that he had just crossed the line.
Fluttershy looked up with adoring eyes, "Coppermane…I…I…I love you too."
Copper went from a state of complete worry, to a state of almost total happiness. No…it couldn't have been…did she just say…?
“Fluttershy…wha…what did you just say?” Coppermane asked in disbelief.
"Coppermane…y-you have no idea…h-how long I've been waiting for you to say that," Fluttershy said with the most heart-melting smile, and with nothing but adoration in her eyes, stained from tears of pure happiness, "You're…the kindest…sweetest…most thoughtful colt I've ever met. You…do so much for me. You make me feel safe…you make me feel special…you make me feel beautiful…you make me feel loved…and…you make me so happy…and…I…I love you, Copper…I love you so much…"
Coppermane felt like he was going to melt. She loved him. She really loved him. Copper had only one response for her. He leaned in, and gave her another, more passionate kiss. Her lips felt amazing. They were so sweet and delicate, just like her. He never thought he could feel so good in his life. With ever movement of her lips, shudders of pleasure ran through his body. He reached his hoof out to brush her silky mane as he was overtaken by bliss.
Fluttershy instantly fell into a state of euphoria upon feeling his lips on hers. It wasn't lustful, or greedy, it was gentle, sweet, and delicate…just like him. With each movement of his lips, waves of ecstasy rippled throughout Fluttershy's body. She felt all of Coppermane's love streaming from his lips like magic, and she could feel him brushing her mane. Fluttershy couldn't believe Coppermane was actually kissing her…and she was enjoying every second of it. Is this what love felt like? Fluttershy never thought she could feel this good in her life.
Only when they needed to breathe did their lips part, and they just stared back into each other's eyes with bright red faces.
Fluttershy had tears of total happiness streaming down her face. She went back to cuddling with Copper, nuzzling him lovingly. Copper reciprocated by leaning his head on Fluttershy's soft, fragrant mane.
After a few more minutes of cuddling, Fluttershy looked up at the colt of her dreams, euphoric tears still streaming down her face. Copper looked down at the mare of his dreams, and was met with her gorgeous face. He smiled at her, and gently caressed her face, brushing her mane out of the way, before giving her another tender, loving kiss, making Fluttershy melt in bliss.
They reluctantly pulled away only when they needed to breathe, and gave each other tender, loving smiles with nothing but affection in their eyes.
"I love you, Fluttershy," Coppermane said tenderly.
Fluttershy nuzzled him again, "I love you too, Coppermane."
And then, among the peaceful serenity of the cherry blossom ledge, the two ponies slowly drifted off to sleep together, still cuddling, their warmth being the only blanket they need.