Sweet and Delicate

by Nordryd

Ch.17: The Final Countdown

Time: 12:00 PM, Saturday, Sugarcube Corner, Days Until Celebration: 0

"AAH!" Pinkie Pie screamed in excitement, making Copper wince.

"Hehe, calm down Pinkie, it's not a big deal, really," Copper said with a blush on his face.

"Not a big deal?!" Pinkie gasped, "It's a huge deal! You're taking Fluttershy to the Celebration!" Pinkie was so excited she could barely stand still, and she hopped from behind the counter to give the blushing colt a huge hug. "I'm so happy for you two!" Pinkie Pie said, hugging Coppermane, "Fluttershy's going to have the bestest time ever!"

"Hehe, thanks, Pinkie," Copper said, hugging her back, his face blushing majorly.

Copper couldn't really argue with Pinkie Pie, it kind of was a big deal. Copper had finally gotten the courage to ask Fluttershy out to the Celebration, and she said yes! Copper couldn't be more excited to have the mare of his dreams as his date tonight. He had so much lost time to make up for, especially since he spent one extra day away from Ponyville thanks to the trains in Canterlot being out of service. Even more so because Fluttershy was sick yesterday, and as a result couldn't do much of anything. Copper still did everything in his power to take care of her yesterday, regardless of all his friends' warnings about getting sick from her. Copper would gladly get sick if it meant he could spend time with Fluttershy.

And guess what? Copper didn't get sick! I told you so, Twilight!

Copper couldn't wait for the Celebration today. Ponies from all over Equestria came for the Celebration to see Princess Celestia raise the sun, so Ponyville was making the Celebration big this year. Tons of carnival-type games to play, lots and lots of food (mostly courtesy of the Apple and Cake Families), and even some silent auctions, plus various other ponies setting up tents just for the heck of it. But one event in particular made Copper feel both excited and apprehensive. The second most important part of the entire Celebration: the live entertainment…starring him.

Pinkie Pie eventually released Copper from her hug, and went back behind the counter, "So, are you excited for your show today?" she asked, still bouncy with excitement.

"As ready as I'll ever be…" Copper said with a shaky breath, "I'm going to practice a bit before the actual show, just to be safe."

"Are you nervous?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"Well…I'm only performing for one of the most important events in Equestria, so…yeah, I might be a little nervous," Copper said, noticeably more uneasy than he was before, "Only a little…hehe…" he said, shaking a bit.

Pinkie Pie walked next to the panicking colt, putting a hoof on his back to try and comfort him, "Don't worry, Copper! I know you'll be fantastic. Everypony is going to love you!"

"Hehe, thanks, Pinkie Pie. It's just…well…" Copper trailed off.

"What?" Pinkie Pie asked, curious.

"It's just…I hope I'll be a good date for Fluttershy," Copper said, looking down with a face of remorse.

Pinkie Pie was confused, "What makes you think you won't?"

"Well…I don't normally go to these types of things. I don't really know how to be a good date at a festival-type event. Plus, what if I'm so busy that I can't spend time with her?" Copper said, sounding very remorseful.

"Copper, you're being ridiculous," Pinkie said in her more sensitive voice, "The point of the Celebration is to have fun! It'll come naturally to you. Fluttershy will be happy just to be around you."

"You…you think so?" Copper asked the pink mare.

"Of course!" Pinkie Pie said, "You know, Twilight told me something," she said with a smirk.

"What?" Copper asked.

"She told me that the first day you were gone, Fluttershy cried her eyes out," Pinkie said with a smirk. Copper immediately looked up at the mare.

"She did?" Copper asked. The thought of Fluttershy crying really tugged at his heartstrings, "W-Why was she crying?"

Pinkie Pie nodded, "Because she missed you, Copper."

Copper's eyes immediately widened, and felt tears building up behind his eyes, "She…she missed me…that much?"

Pinkie nodded, and laid a hoof on Copper's back again, "Copper, I can't even begin to tell you how much she missed you. Even after you had just left the train station, she began to cry. You mean a lot to her, Copper. So don't worry about Fluttershy not having a good time, okay? As long as she's with you, she'll be happy."

Copper was touched. He knew that Fluttershy had missed him, but not that much. So much that she cried about it. Copper felt a little guilty about being the reason Fluttershy was crying, but at the same time, he couldn't help but be flattered. He knew his friends missed him, but he never thought somepony would miss him so much that they cried about it. In some messed up way, it felt good to be missed like that. Knowing that you mean so much to somepony else that they just get so emotional when you leave for a little while. Especially when said somepony is the pony of your dreams. Copper actually shed a tear himself just thinking about that.

"I…I didn't know she missed me that much," Copper said, sniffling a bit from his tears.

Pinkie Pie hugged the crying, but happy colt, "Don't worry, Copper. She'll have an amazing time as long as she's with you."

Copper wiped some of his tears away, "Th-Thanks, Pinkie."

Pinkie Pie released him, and returned to her usual, perky self, "No problem! Besides, you don't want to go onstage thinking like that, right?"

Copper sniffled a little bit, and wiped some more tears from his reddened face, "Yeah…I-I guess you're right."

Pinkie Pie giggled, and adjourned back behind the counter. The two ponies talked for a little while longer before Copper had to excuse himself to go practice. Pinkie Pie hugged him goodbye, and he was on his way.

Copper headed for his favorite spot to practice at: The special hill in Sweet Apple Acres. The same one where he had met Applejack. The same one where he sang for his best friends for the first time. The same one where…his first date with Fluttershy happened. Thinking about that first date warmed Coppermane's heart. He actually chuckled slightly at the memory. Past Copper had no idea what his relationship with Fluttershy was to become. No idea that she was the mare of his dreams. No idea how much he would grow to love her.

With thoughts of Fluttershy on his mind, he cantered to the familiar hill to practice…

---

Time: 2:30 PM, Saturday, Carousel Boutique

"What do you think Opal? Too much?" Rarity asked her cat. She wanted to make sure she wasn't overdoing it for the Celebration tonight. She wanted to look nice, but didn't want to overdress. This wasn't the Grand Galloping Gala, so it didn't have to be spectacular. Opal was being unresponsive, as usual, when there was suddenly a knock on the door.

Rarity went over and answered the door to see Fluttershy standing on the other side.

"Fluttershy! How nice to see you!" Rarity said with a big smile.

"Hello, Rarity. Can…can you help me with something? I mean…if you're not busy…" Fluttershy said with a blush.

"Oh, I'm not busy at all, dear! Come on in!" Rarity said as she gestured for the mare to enter her boutique, "What do you need help with, dear?"

"Um…well…I want to know…what should I…wear tonight?" Fluttershy asked, "You know…for the Celebration."

"Wear for the Celebration? Oh, darling, you don't really need to. It's not the Grand Galloping Gala, you know," Rarity said.

"Oh, I know, but…I still want to…you know…look nice…" Fluttershy said, getting quieter towards the end of her sentence. She had a small blush on her face.

Rarity looked over and notice this, then started to put two and two together, "Wait a moment, darling," she said, looking over at the blushing mare, who began to blush even more, "Fluttershy?" she said with a smirk.

"…yes…?" Fluttershy said, her heart beat rising.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain…colt now, would it, dear?"

Fluttershy's face went bright red, and she recoiled her head, indicating to Rarity that she had hit the nail on the head.

"Oh it is, isn't it?!" Rarity asked, becoming very giddy, "You want to look nice for him, don't you dear?"

Fluttershy's face was still bright red, "Um…well…yes. He…um…he…"

"Asked you to the Celebration, right?" Rarity said, to which Fluttershy's bright red face immediately fixated on her.

"How…how did you know?" Fluttershy stammered.

"Oh, didn't he tell you? I helped him make your bouquet! He told me all about what he was planning, and I was happy to help him!" Rarity said.

Fluttershy looked down at the ground again. Oh yeah, he did say that.

"Fluttershy, dear, you don't have to wear anything fancy. I think the necklace he made for you will be enough."

"…Okay…" Fluttershy said. She looked at the ground again, looking somewhat remorseful.

"Fluttershy?" Rarity asked with concern, "Is there something wrong, darling?"

"Um…it…it's…nothing…" Fluttershy said, but Rarity was unconvinced.

"Fluttershy…what's wrong, dear?" Rarity said with a somewhat stern tone.

Fluttershy was silent for a moment, but eventually, "I…I just hope I won't be a bother for Coppermane," she said, to Rarity's surprise.

"Fluttershy, what are you saying?" Rarity asked.

"It's…it's just that…he has his concert to worry about. I feel like I might get in the way of his work. I…I just hope I won't be a bother to him," Fluttershy said, sitting down and looking at the ground, looking remorseful.

Rarity remembered something. She walked up to the depressed mare and sat in front of her, "You know, darling, Coppermane told me something about his trip to the Crystal Empire."

Fluttershy looked up at Rarity with slightly bloodshot eyes. Was she crying?

"What…what did he say?" Fluttershy asked.

Rarity smiled at the depressed mare, "He admitted to me that he missed you so much that he was in tears."

Fluttershy's eyes started to tear up, "He…he…cried?" The thought of Coppermane crying was almost too much for the mare's delicate little heart to handle.

Rarity nodded, "He told me that there was a mini cherry blossom tree in his room where he stayed, and he immediately thought of you, and how much he missed you. Even on the train, he said he was in tears the whole way there, wondering how he was going to last without you for the next few days."

Fluttershy was touched. She was kind of guilty that she was the reason Coppermane cried on his vacation, but she was touched that it was because he missed her. She knew that he missed her, but not that much. She had no idea that she meant so much to Copper that he cried when he knew he wasn't going to see her for a while. In a weird way, it felt really good to be missed.

"He…he missed me…that much?" Fluttershy asked, her eyes bloodshot from tears building up behind them.

Rarity nodded, "Darling, don't think for even a second that you would be a bother to him. If anything, you'll make his day so much better. I can't even begin to tell you how much he treasures his time with you, Fluttershy. He was willing to risk getting sick yesterday just to be with you, knowing full well that he might not be able to perform today by doing so. So please, dear, don't worry about bothering him, because you won’t. I guarantee it.”

Fluttershy let a tear run down her face. It was true. He risked his entire performance just to be with her yesterday. He was just…so sweet. There was nothing he wouldn't do, just to have even five minutes with her. It warmed Fluttershy's heart. She looked back up at Rarity through tear-stained eyes.

"Th-Thanks Rarity…" she managed to say. Rarity pulled her into a big hug.

"It's no problem at all, dear," Rarity said. The two enjoyed the embrace for a moment before Rarity released Fluttershy.

"Now…as far as looking nice for Coppermane…" Rarity said with a smirk. Fluttershy immediately dried her tears and listened intently to Rarity.

"I definitely think you should wear the necklace he made you, but I have something that I know he'll love," Rarity said.

Fluttershy blushed, "Um…what's that?"

"He brought a bunch of cherry blossoms with him yesterday, but he forgot them here. I have something that's simple, but he will absolutely love!" Rarity said, "Come with me."

Fluttershy blushed majorly, but followed Rarity, interested in what she had in mind…

---

Time: 6:00 PM, Saturday, Sweet Apple Acres

"Okay guys that was good. I think…I think we're about as ready as we'll ever be. Let's rest our voice until right before the concert. We'll warm up, and then…it's showtime," Copper told his duplicates, to which they nodded before Copper vaporized them for the time being.

Whew…calm down, Copper. You're going to be fine. Just breathe…you've still got a few hours. Just breathe…

Copper's thoughts were interrupted upon seeing a familiar orange mare walking back from Ponyville. Copper walked down the hill to meet up with her.

"Hi, Applejack!" Copper said.

"Oh, howdy, Copper! You practicin'?" Applejack asked, noticing the hill he came from.

"Yeah…I'm um…really, really, really nervous…" Copper said, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof.

Applejack chuckled, "Don't y'all worry none! Everypony's gonna love ya!"

"I-I can't help it. It's my first performance, and…it's a pretty big one. Wouldn't you be nervous too?" Copper asked.

Applejack laughed, "Can't really argue with y'all on that one."

"Well, in either case, what are you up to?" Copper asked.

"Ah'm busy helpin' ma family set up their stand at the Celebration grounds. Right now we're gettin' everythin' from here and takin' it down to there," Applejack said, wiping off beads of sweat from her forehead.

"Do you need help? I could use a distraction from my stress," Copper asked.

"Actually, we probably could use an extra pair of hooves. Thank ya kindly, Copper! Follow me, sugarcube," Applejack said. Coppermane smiled, and followed the orange mare back to her house.

---

Time: 7:30 PM, Saturday, Summer Sun Celebration Grounds

Applejack's family, with some help from Coppermane and his magic, were able to set up their stand with about an hour and a half to spare.

"Thank ya kindly for the help, Coppermane. We really appreciate it," Applejack said, wiping off beads of sweat.

"Ye-up!" Big Macintosh said.

"Alright, Big Mac, Ah think we're all good here. Go back home and get Granny Smith," Applejack said. Big Macintosh nodded and started back for Sweet Apple Acres.

Coppermane scanned the Celebration grounds, and he couldn't help but be impressed. Twilight was walking around lighting lanterns with her magic to illuminate the area, and all around were stands for just about everything. Pinkie Pie and the Cakes were setting up their stand of sweets, Coppermane had helped Applejack set up her family's stand of apples and cider, and everywhere you could see were a bunch of carnival-type games, including horseshoes, bean bag tosses, and Applejack's stand had an apple bob set up. And way off further in the distance was the area by the stage. It was a small stage with a large grassy area in front for everypony to congregate, along with three elevated pedestals for the princesses. It looked great during dusk, and it would probably look awesome when night fell, which wasn't too far from now.

Copper's eyes remained fixated on the stage though…growing more and more nervous…

Applejack walked over to Copper and placed a hoof on his back.

"Y'all are gonna be fine, sugarcube. Don't you worry none," she said.

"I'm trying to be calm, Applejack, believe me, I am," Copper said. Applejack was about to say something, but was interrupted by a purple mare approaching them.

"Hi, guys!" Twilight said, walking up to them, "Everything alright over here?"

"Darn tootin'! Thanks ta Coppermane, we have some time ta spare!" Applejack said excitedly.

"That's great!" Twilight said. She looked at the clock tower in the distance and grew worried, "Um…Copper?"

"Yeah, Twi?" Copper said, unaware of what was happening.

"Didn't you tell Fluttershy 8:00?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, I did. What time is it n—" he turned around to the clock, and his heart dropped, "Oh crap! Uhh…I'll see you girls later, I have to go!" Copper said before bolting off to his cottage.

Applejack was confused, "Tell Fluttershy 8:00?" she wondered. However, she immediately figured out what was going on, and her eyes went wide. She turned to Twilight, "Did Coppermane ask Fluttershy…?"

Twilight nodded with a giddy smile. Applejack let out an extremely giddy giggle, and hopped up and down with joy.

"Oh, Ah just knew he would!" Applejack said, happy as could be, "Ah'm so happy for them!"

"I know, right?" Twilight said, "Okay, I need to get back to work. Still a lot of things to check on."

"Ah understand. See y'all later!" Applejack said.

Twilight went back to overseeing Celebration preparations. Princess Celestia had asked her to oversee preparations again this year since she did such a great job last time. Only an hour and a half left, and dusk was already turning to night.

---

Time: 8:05 PM, Saturday, Fluttershy's Cottage

Coppermane facehoofed himself about ten times for not paying attention to the time, and now was late. It was only five minutes, but Copper's mind always made everything into a much bigger problem than it actually was. It was something he really hated about himself, but he also couldn't stop from happening every single time. He walked up to Fluttershy's door, his stomach filling with butterflies. He couldn't wait to see her. He knocked on the door, and the door opened, revealing the mare of his dreams on the other side…and Copper was completely captivated by what he saw. Just when he thought the most beautiful mare in Equestria couldn’t possibly get any prettier…

---

EARLIER TODAY: Time: 6:30 PM, Saturday, Carousel Boutique

"Oh, you look simply darling!" Rarity exclaimed.

"I…I guess it's okay…" Fluttershy said, blushing.

"Oh, don't be so modest, dear. You look adorable!" Rarity said.

Fluttershy looked at herself in the mirror. She never had the best self-image, so it was hard for her to agree with Rarity.

"I…I just hope he likes it…" Fluttershy said with a faint smile and blush.

"Fluttershy, I guarantee you, he's going to love it!" Rarity said, "Now, it's getting close to that time, so go home and get ready okay?"

"Rarity…th-thanks for your help…" Fluttershy said, smiling at her generous best friend.

"Oh, it's no trouble at all, dear. I'm always glad to lend a hoof! Now go on!" Rarity said with a smile.

Fluttershy began to walk back to her house, remembering her image in the mirror.

"I hope he likes it…" Fluttershy said to herself, still apprehensive, as she normally is.

---

PRESENT TIME

Just when he thought the most beautiful mare in Equestria couldn’t possibly get any prettier…

She was wearing the necklace Copper made for her, but that wasn't the extra touch. The extra touch were the two lines of cherry blossoms going down either side of her mane, evenly spaced, starting at her head, and going all the way down her flowing mane down to the ends. There were also some cherry blossoms in her long, graceful tail. In the grand scheme of things, it really that wasn't that big of a change, but to Copper, such a small change made Fluttershy look amazing.

"H-Hi, Coppermane," Fluttershy said, blushing upon seeing at the colt of her dreams.

She couldn't help but notice that Copper looked a little different himself. He had done something with his mane, parting it to his right a little bit. It still had that unkempt, messy style that Fluttershy loved, but the minute change made Coppermane look even more handsome than he already was to Fluttershy.

"H-Hi, Fluttershy. Um…wow…you look…um…" Copper tried to say, but was completely at a loss for words. Fluttershy blushed majorly.

"You…you like it?" Fluttershy asked bashfully.

"You look gorgeous" Copper managed to say, even though that was a huge understatement.

“Th-Thank you…” Fluttershy said, her face bright red. Thank you, Rarity.

“Are you ready?” Coppermane asked. Fluttershy nodded as she stepped outside beside Coppermane, her face still blushing.

"Sorry I was a little late. I was helping Applejack down at the Celebration grounds, and I lost track of time," Copper said, rubbing the back of his neck with his hoof.

"Oh, it's okay," Fluttershy said with a smile, "I-I'm just glad you're here."

Copper blushed, "I-I'm glad you're here too," he said, making Fluttershy blush as well.

The two stood there for a second, looking into each other's eyes before starting to head to the Celebration grounds, anticipating a wonderful night together…

---

Time: 10:00 PM, Saturday, Summer Sun Celebration Grounds

It was an hour in, and the Summer Sun Celebration was in full swing. The Celebration grounds were full of ponies from all over Equestria. Ponyville (obviously), Canterlot, the Crystal Empire, Cloudsdale, Trottingham, you name it. Little fillies and ponies were playing games, having a blast. Daisy, Rose, and Lily had set up a stand to advertise their flowers, and some ponies were checking out their arrangements. The Apples and The Cakes had tons of ponies in line to try their food. Some ponies were in the huge line to meet the princesses, and some were in line for the silent auctions. A lot of the more "important" ponies (particularly from Canterlot) were standing around and talking to each other, including Fancy Pants, his entourage, and the Wonderbolts. Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Melody set up a stand where they just jammed out together, and ponies gathered around to hear them. The entire Celebration was well illuminated by tons of magic lanterns scattered around the area, and everypony was having a great time.

Fluttershy and Coppermane came up and over the hill leading down to the Celebration, and it was truly a sight to behold.

"Wow…" Fluttershy said.

Coppermane began to panic. There were so many ponies down there. So…many…ponies…

He started to sweat, "Hehe…yeah…"

Fluttershy noticed that Copper was beginning to look a little shaky, "Coppermane…are…are you okay?"

"Um…yeah, yeah I'm…I'm fine…there's just…lots of ponies down there…" he said nervously.

Fluttershy knew exactly why that made him nervous. The audience that he was to perform in front of consisted of everypony down there. Fluttershy put her hoof of Coppermane's shoulder, making him jump a little. Copper looked over into Fluttershy's eyes.

"It's okay. I-I'm here for you…" Fluttershy said, her face blushing.

Copper looked into her captivating teal eyes, and suddenly didn't feel so nervous anymore. Knowing that she was there for him…it made some of that stress just fade away. He put his own hoof on hers and took a deep breath.

"Th-Thanks," Copper said, enjoying her touch.

The two of them lingered for a moment before walking down to the Celebration grounds together…their minds thinking only one thing…

You're telling her tonight, Coppermane. You've waited long enough. SHE'S waited long enough.

You have to tell him, Fluttershy. You’ve made him wait for long enough.

---

"Thank ya kindly! Enjoy your cider! Best cider in Equestria!" Applejack said to the customer in line. Her next customers were two familiar blue and purple mares.

"Howdy, Rainbow! Howdy, Twilight!" Applejack said, greeting her friends.

"Hi, AJ. I'm thirsty for some cider!" Rainbow Dash said.

"Ah figured as much," Applejack said with a giggle, "Y'all here for cider too, Twilight?" Twilight nodded and Applejack put two bottles of cider on top of the stand. Twilight and Rainbow Dash put their bits on the stand and took the cider.

"Thanks, AJ!" Rainbow Dash said, immediately gulping down her cider, to which Applejack laughed. The line behind them was empty (for now), so the two could linger for a minute.

"Hey, Twi, have y'all noticed the posters everywhere with Copper's face on them?" Applejack asked, a little concerned.

"Yeah, I made them. I figured I should advertise, y'know?" Twilight said, "If they see him walking around, they can ask him about it!"

"Okay…just wanted to make sure," Applejack said, secretly wondering what Copper would think of that. Rainbow Dash finished gulping down her cider.

"Ah…that's the good stuff…" Rainbow Dash said with a satisfied face. She scanned the Celebration grounds, "Hey, anypony seen Fluttershy and/or Coppermane yet?"

"I haven't seen them at all yet," Twilight said.

"Ah haven't seen 'em," Applejack said.

"Oh wait! I see them, I see them!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, pointing out, making Twilight and Applejack look that direction. In that direction, they spotted a unicorn and pegasus walking together.

"Aww, they're just so cute!" Twilight said.

"Yeah, they are," Rainbow Dash agreed.

"Hope Copper's doin' alright," Applejack said with concern, looking around at the sheer number of ponies here.

"Once he gets up there, he'll be fine," Rainbow Dash said, "I have no doubt about it!"

"Ah hope y'all are right, RD," Applejack said.

"I see the Wonderbolts! Gotta go!" Rainbow Dash said before dashing off in their direction, leaving Twilight and Applejack alone.

"Twilight, this Celebration is a huge success!" Applejack said with excitement.

"I know! Thanks!" Twilight said, before a random pony behind her spoke.

"Um…miss? Are you in line?" the stranger mare behind her said.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" Twilight said, "See you later, Applejack! We're all going to meet in front of the stage at 11:30 to get front row seats! Bye!"

"Bye, Twi! See y'all then!" Applejack said. Twilight then walked off, letting Applejack help her next customer.

---

Pinkie Pie was helping the Cakes run their stand, and was happy to see Rarity approaching.

"Hi Rarity!" Pinkie Pie said with vigor.

"Hello, Pinkie! How are you this fine night?" Rarity asked.

"Fantastic!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, looking at Rarity's outfit, "Nice outfit!"

"Oh, thank you, dear. It's nothing too fancy, but I wanted to look nice for an important event such as this!" Rarity said, proud of her work. It was just a simple purple dress with a glassy pattern to it with sky-blue lining.

"Well, it looks great!" Pinkie Pie said, "Hey, have you seen Coppermane and Fluttershy around yet?"

Rarity looked around, "I don't believe I have," she said, scanning the area, until finally, she spotted a familiar couple, "Oh! Over there!" Rarity said, pointing her hoof in their direction, prompting Pinkie Pie to look too. The two mares spotted a familiar unicorn and pegasus walking next to each other.

"Oh, aren't they just adorable!" Rarity said, looking at the two ponies.

"They sure are!" Pinkie Pie agreed.

"Do you know when Coppermane goes on, dear?" Rarity asked.

"Yep! Midnight, and we're all meeting in front of the stage at 11:30 to get front row seats!" Pinkie Pie said bouncing up and down. “I’m so excited!”

"Thanks dear," Rarity said, giggling at the excited pink mare. She scanned the area and saw Fancy Pants. "Oh! Fancy Pants is here! I'm going to go and say hello, it's been a while. Bye, Pinkie!" she said before heading in his direction.

"Bye, Rarity!" Pinkie Pie said, returning her attention to helping the Cakes.

---

Time: 10:30 PM, Saturday, Summer Sun Celebration Grounds

Coppermane and Fluttershy walked around the Celebration grounds, playing games and signing up for some silent auctions. Copper even walked over to Daisy, Rose, and Lily's stand and got a small red-rose carnation from them and put it in Fluttershy's mane for her. Fluttershy blushed when he put it in her mane. She loved it when Copper played with her mane.

They wandered around for a little while longer, and Coppermane and Fluttershy couldn't help but notice that some ponies around the fairgrounds were giving Copper weird looks and whispering to the ponies next to them. It made Copper a little uncomfortable, and he wondered why they were doing it…at least until Copper saw something that made him stop in his tracks…a poster with four of him on it advertising his performance. Fluttershy saw this too, and looked at Copper's stunned face.

"Are…are you okay, Copper?" she asked, worried.

"Um…well…I didn't expect to have my face plastered everywhere around the fair…" he said, obviously a little nervous.

Fluttershy giggled, "Well, they have to get the word out somehow, right?"

"I-I guess…" Copper said.

Suddenly, Copper heard the voice of a familiar little filly call his name.

"Hey, Coppermane!" the voice called out.

Copper and Fluttershy looked behind them to see Apple Bloom and her two friends Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Applejack had introduced him to Apple Bloom a while back, and the three fillies occasionally came into Sugarcube Corner for some treats when Copper was there for his daily visit. He smiled at the three fillies.

"Hey, Apple Bloom. Hi girls," Copper said.

"Hi girls," Fluttershy said with a smile.

"Hi, Copper! Hi Fluttershy!" the girls said.

"Copper, we're so excited to hear you sing!" Scootaloo said.

"Applejack told me you're great!" Apple Bloom said.

"Well…I'll let you girls be the judge of that," Copper humbly said with a slight blush.

Fluttershy giggled. She thought Copper was adorable when he blushed.

Sweetie Belle looked at Copper, then Fluttershy, then back to Copper, then back to Fluttershy, before asking a particular question.

"Are you two here…together?" Sweetie Belle asked with a big grin on her face.

Fluttershy and Coppermane's faces immediately went bright red, but Coppermane smiled because… "Um…yeah…we are…"

"Aww!" the three fillies said, making the two love-ponies blush even more. The three fillies were about to ask more questions until two unfamiliar voices to their right made the three cringe.

"Is that him?!" one of them said.

"It has to be! He matches the poster!" the other said.

"Oh no…not those two…" Scootaloo said.

"Why do they have to be here?" Apple Bloom said.

"Um…what's going on?" Fluttershy asked, confused.

Copper looked to his right to see two fillies, one pink with a tiara, and a gray one wearing glasses, and they were walking up to him.

"Excuse me, are you Coppermane?" the pink filly asked.

"Um…yes…w-why?" Copper asked, also wondering why the other three fillies looked positively disgusted.

The other two fillies gasped, "It is him!" the gray filly said, jumping up and down.

"You're performing at midnight tonight!" the pink filly said with excitement. The two of them looked over and saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, and immediately had grins on their faces.

"Oh! Look who's trying to get an autograph, Silver Spoon!" the pink filly said in a snootier voice.

"Hmph! Why don't you make room for the ponies with their cutie marks, blank flanks!" Silver Spoon said in an equally snooty voice.

"What's it to you, Diamond Tiara?" Apple Bloom sneered.

Coppermane and Fluttershy looked at each other with shocked expressions at the exchange that just happened. Where did this kind of attitude come from?

"Um…hold on a second," Coppermane said, stepping in, "These three weren't trying to get an autograph. They're my friends, and they were just saying hi."

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had shocked looks on their faces. The two looked at the three fillies, "You're friends with him?!" Silver Spoon said in disbelief.

"Um…yeah, we are," Apple Bloom said.

"I'm nopony famous, if that's what you're thinking girls," Copper said to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, to which they immediately got disappointed faces.

"Oh really? Okay, never mind then. Come on, Silver Spoon, let's go find somepony important!" Diamond Tiara said. Silver Spoon grunted in agreement, and the two walked off, leaving Coppermane and Fluttershy with confused expressions on their faces.

"Um…what just happened?" Copper said, completely confused.

"Sorry 'bout that, Copper," Apple Bloom said.

"That was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon," Sweetie Belle said.

"They like to pick on us because we don't have our cutie marks yet, and they do," Scootaloo said, looking down at the ground in shame, as did the two others.

Copper leaned down to look at them, "Hey, girls, listen. Don't let them get to your head, okay? You'll get your cutie marks one day. Everypony does, right Fluttershy?" he said, looking at Fluttershy, who nodded in agreement.

"We know, it's just hard," Scootaloo said.

"I know it is," Copper said with sympathy, "but it will happen, I promise. Now, if you'll excuse me girls, I have to get back to my…date," he said with a blush, and Fluttershy blushed too, but was flattered that he wanted to refocus on her.

"Okay, Copper! Thanks for the advice!" Apple Bloom said. “Bye Coppermane! Bye Fluttershy!” the fillies all said, giving the two ponies hugs before carrying on.

"Sorry 'bout that, hehe," Copper said.

Fluttershy giggled, "Don't worry about it," she said with a smile.

The two ponies wandered around for a little while before being approached by Mayor Mare.

"Oh, Coppermane!" she called out. Copper turned around to look at her.

"Oh, hi Miss Mare," Copper said.

"We need you to come to the stage, dear. It's getting close to that time!" Mayor Mare said.

Copper's heart dropped. Already? I guess he needed to get ready but…now? He looked at Fluttershy, who had a similar look on her face. Were they about to be separated again?

"Um…o-okay," he said nervously, looking over at Fluttershy, "I…I don't suppose she can come with me?" he asked the Mayor.

"I'm afraid she can't. Only you and a few other select ponies are allowed backstage," the Mayor said, much to Coppermane's sorrow.

He looked over at Fluttershy apologetically. He didn't want to leave her now. It was too soon. But it looked like he was going to have to. He walked over to Fluttershy, looking deep into her eyes.

"Fluttershy…I…I'm sorry…but…" Copper began to say.

"I-It's okay, Copper," Fluttershy said, looking like she was about to cry, "I…I understand."

Copper felt horrible that he wasn't going to see her between now and the concert, but he had no choice. The Mayor was waiting on him, and couldn't keep her waiting any longer.

"I'll make up for lost time, I promise," Copper said, looking at Fluttershy, and offering a warm smile. Copper looked at the Mayor, gesturing him to follow her. He took one more look at Fluttershy who gave him a warm smile, signaling him that he could go. And reluctantly, he did.

She watched as the colt of her dreams walked away to perform, and suddenly had this urge. She couldn't let him walk away without her lending him some encouragement. Fluttershy wanted to be next to him the whole way through until he got onstage, but it looked like it wasn't going to happen. The next time she saw him, he would be onstage, so this was her last chance. She started walking up to the colt.

"Coppermane!" Fluttershy called out.

"What?" Copper said, turning around to face Fluttershy.

And Fluttershy again, for the third time, kissed Coppermane on the cheek. Only this time, she pulled him into a big, warm hug next. Fluttershy had tears in her eyes. She didn't want to let him go, but she knew she had to. She reluctantly released him from the hug.

"I-I believe in you. We…we all do…" she said, trying her best not to cry.

Copper couldn't help but pull Fluttershy into another big hug, much to Fluttershy's surprise, but she didn't pull away one bit.

"Th-Thanks…" Coppermane said, trying his best not to cry as well. As much as he didn't want to, Coppermane reluctantly released Fluttershy, took one last glance at her, and walked away with the Mayor, leaving Fluttershy all alone…

I…I love you, Coppermane. You're going to be amazing...

---

Time: 11:30 PM, Saturday, Summer Sun Celebration Grounds (Audience)

It was almost time, and just as they planned, the main six were in the field in front of the stage. A perfect plan to, because nopony else was there yet. They laid down a few blankets in an ideal spot for them, and they all laid down together. The ponies couldn't help but notice how worried Fluttershy looked.

"Fluttershy, sugar, y'all okay?" Applejack asked.

Fluttershy looked up at the concerned orange mare, "…I…I just hope Copper's okay," she said, "I…I'm so worried…"

"I'm sure he's fine," Twilight said, "Don't worry, Fluttershy. He knows we're all here for him."

"And he'll be doubly okay once he sees you in the front row!" Pinkie Pie said with her signature cheeriness.

Fluttershy still looked down at the ground with a frown on her face.

"Don't be worried, Fluttershy, be proud!" Rainbow Dash chimed in, "Coppermane wouldn't want you to worry, he'd want you to be happy."

"Rainbow's right, dear," Rarity said, "Remember what he said in his letter. Frowns don't belong on that adorable face, dear."

Fluttershy thought back to that letter. She remembered that last comment so vividly: And…to Fluttershy…please just take care of yourself, and remember to smile. Frowns don't belong on that beautiful face.

Fluttershy looked up and smiled, "Y-You're right."

"There we go," Twilight said, "Don't worry, just smile, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy nodded and the main six chatted for a while as everypony else at the Celebration filed into the stage area, laying out blankets and chairs to sit on, and there were just so many…so many…

---

Time: 11:57 PM, Saturday, Summer Sun Celebration Grounds (Backstage)

Oh my gosh, I hear them all out there, there's so many of them. So many of them….so many of them…

Copper was on the verge of a panic attack in the stage-right wing. Hearing everypony out in the audience was giving butterflies unlike anything he ever felt before. Even though he was well warmed up, and had all of his songs ready, his nerves were still in overdrive. He tried to calm himself down, but he was having no luck. He was sweating, he was feeling unready, and he was feeling like he was going to collapse and just make a complete fool of himself out there.

Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder, making him practically jump out his skin. He looked beside him to see the Mayor.

"You ready?" the Mayor asked.

"Um…um…um…I…I don't know…" Copper said, hardly able to form a coherent sentence.

"Don't worry, you're going to be great. Just breathe," the Mayor said as she walked to the side of the leg curtain. Copper took deep breaths, but it wasn't working.

Suddenly, he saw the Mayor walk out onstage, and heard everypony cheer for her. Copper's heart stopped, slowly and shakily walking up to the side of the leg curtain, and listened to the Mayor begin her speech.

"Good evening, everypony! Is everypony having a good time tonight?" the Mayor said. Everypony cheered with agreement, "I'm glad, because this Summer Sun Celebration, we have something totally different for you. And to explain, I'm turning it over to the one and only, Princess Celestia herself!"

The audience went wild with applause upon seeing Princess Celestia fly up from her pedestal and land gracefully onstage.

Throughout her speech, Copper tried to focus his mind on happy thoughts to calm himself.

"Good evening, everypony. I'm so honored that so many of you have attended this year!"

Happy thoughts…happy thoughts. Performing for the girls for the first time…

"This evening, I have a special treat for all of you. Recently, I discovered that one of my students had an amazing talent."

All of their praise. All of their compliments…

"He takes his love of magic, and his love of music, and uses them to create his very own, and very unique barbershop quartet!" The audience oohed with intrigue.

Talking to Fluttershy for the first time. Your first date together…

"And I'll be the first to tell you, that he is absolutely fantastic, both as a student, and as a musician."

Your second date with Fluttershy. Cuddling next to her…

"I never expected it from such a usually quiet and reserved student." The audience laughed a little.

Fluttershy's smile…

"And now, citizens of Equestria, I want to share his amazing talent with you."

Fluttershy's eyes…

"And so, my loyal subjects, it is my honor to introduce to you…"

Fluttershy…Fluttershy…

"…for the first time ever…"

" I-I believe in you. We…we all do…"

"…my loyal student…"

…I love you so much, Fluttershy…

"…Coppermane!"

Coppermane heard the audience cheer loudly, and braced himself. It was time…

Author's Note:

Yep, I'm making you wait. MWAHAHAHAHAHA!
Thank you for reading! Please leave a comment, and if you enjoyed it, like and share! I'll see you all next chapter. Until next time...peace!

Comments

[mtf0330]

THAT IS MEAN MISTER/MISS!! YOU KNOW WHAT WE WANTED TO SEE AND YOU MAKE US WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW!! (oof, such fluff, much feels.)

[Nordryd]

6830530 lol, I know, that's why I did it

Don't worry, I won't make you wait till tomorrow. I'm going to upload it after I'm don't with my last class for the day, which is in about an hour.
And it's mister, for the record

[Captain Whatever]

If I were reading this as an incomplete story, I would say:
F**********CK!

[John the brony and yknow]

CLIFFHANGERRRR!!!