A/N: I'm back. Hello :)

For readers of years past, forget anything you know about Coppermane and Fluttershy previously. This is basically a ground-up redo of their Equestria Girls relationship.

Also, this takes place after Friendship Games and before Legend of Everfree. It helps the main 7's characters to be more fleshed out, and gets SciTwi in the story instead of having to get Princess Twilight out later.

Enjoy!

"Alright, this should be the last poster," Sunset said.

Fluttershy nodded, handing Sunset the last poster advertising the Fall Formal.

"Thanks for your help, Fluttershy," Sunset said. "And with a few minutes to spare before band practice."

"Of course," Fluttershy said. "I'm happy to help."

"Man, with the Fall Formal and the Musical Showcase coming up, things are gonna get pretty busy," Sunset said.

"It'll be busy, but fun too," Fluttershy said.

"Oh, absolutely," Sunset said. "Chaos, but fun chaos. So... do you have your eyes on anyone?"

"Hm? What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked.

"For the Fall Formal," Sunset said.

"...sorry, I still don't understand," Fluttershy said.

"Y'know... a guy?" Sunset said, smirking. "A date ?"

Fluttershy blushed.

"Oh! Oh my... um... I haven't even thought about that."

"No biggie," Sunset said. "I was just curious. I'm not that interested in a date either. I'm happy just to hang out with my friends."

Fluttershy smiled. "Me too."

"But y'know... I bet there are several guys in the school who are dying to ask you out," Sunset said.

"M-Me?" Fluttershy said, blushing again. "I-I don't know about that."

"C'mon, don't sell yourself short," Sunset said. "You're the sweetest girl in school, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous."

"Well... thank you, but... I don't know," Fluttershy said. "I haven't even thought about a relationship."

"Waiting for the right one to come along, huh?" Sunset said.

Fluttershy smiled. "Yeah, that's a good way to put it. I feel like when he comes around, he'll jump right out at me like an excited puppy."

Sunset giggled. "I hope you don't mean literally."

Fluttershy giggled too. "Of course not. That would be… kinda weird. But do you know what I mean? When I meet him, my heart will know."

Sunset smirked. "Who knew you had such high standards?"

Fluttershy pouted. "What's wrong with that?"

"Only teasing," Sunset said. "That just means you're more likely to end up with the right guy. Trust me, I've had a rough relationship before, and nobody deserves that."

"You mean... Flash Sentry?" Fluttershy asked.

"...yeah," Sunset said. "I mean, we both know he's a good guy, but I dated him for the wrong reasons. It felt shallow with no real potential to grow. You're staying true to yourself, which is the correct way to do it. I'm sure the right guy will have no problem asking you out. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the one to ask him out."

"Huh?! Oh gosh... I-I could never do that," Fluttershy cooed.

"You're bolder than you think, Fluttershy," Sunset said. "I wouldn't be surprised."

"Maybe," Fluttershy said, "but it'll happen when it happens. To be honest, I'm surprised nobody has asked you out, Sunset. You're way prettier than me, after all."

"Oh, no I'm not," Sunset said. "Let's not compare ourselves like that."

"Well, either way, I think you're beautiful," Fluttershy said.

"Heh… thanks," Sunset said. "But like I said, I'm not really interested in a relationship right now. Besides, I don't mind being single as long as I've got amazing friends like you."

Fluttershy beamed. "I feel the same way about you, Sunset."

"Thanks, girly," Sunset said. "C'mon, let's head to our practice room—"

BAM!

Sunset and Fluttershy flinched. It sounded like something—or someone—was slammed against the lockers around the corner.

BAM!

"Hah! You're even weaker than I thought!" a big voice said.

Sunset and Fluttershy inched closer to the corner to listen in.

"Ha! You gonna cry?" a different bigger voice said.

Was someone being ganged up on?!

Fluttershy heard an impact that sounded like a punch, immediately followed by the quieter voice yelping. And another. And another!

"Sunset!" Fluttershy whispered. "We have to do something!"

"This is what we do to shadowbolts around here!" the bigger voice said.

"Shadowbolts?" Sunset said. "Did a Crystal Prep student wander in somehow?"

The girls winced when they heard what sounded like someone being thrown to the ground... and the sounds of violence stopped.

"Don't forget your place here, punkass shadowbolt," one of the bigger voices said.

"No... we're too late," Fluttershy whimpered.

Suddenly their footsteps approached.

"They're coming!" Fluttershy cried.

"Don't worry. I have an idea," Sunset said, pulling out her phone and bringing up the camera.

Fluttershy followed suit.

"Act natural," Sunset said, looking down and pretending to text. Fluttershy did the same.

Fluttershy tensed upon seeing two big jocks turn the corner. They didn't seem to notice them, wearing smirks and gloating about their recent deed. In the dead silence of the hall, she could hear their victim coughing and whimpering... and her blood began to boil.

Gritting her teeth, she snapped as many pictures as she could. It took all her willpower not to call them out as they walked away. They turned another corner down the hall and left their sight, allowing Sunset and Fluttershy to relax. Though, their laughter could be heard echoing through the halls.

"I got some decent photos," Sunset said. "If they're jocks, Rainbow Dash oughta know them. We can ask her at rehearsal."

"Those... meanies!" Fluttershy cried. "How can anyone be so cruel?"

The sound of sniffling around the corner caught their attention.

"We have to help them!" Fluttershy said.

"Right. C'mon," Sunset said.

They turned the corner. Textbooks and loose paper were scattered across the floor, and sitting against the locker was a boy with his head buried in his knees. He wore all black: a hoodie with the hood concealing his face, black sweatpants, and black shoes. The only visible part of his body was his pastel white hands. He seemed more on the scrawny side, and definitely no match for those jocks.

He didn't move. The only sounds were the ventilation and his audibly shaky breathing.

Fluttershy's heart ripped at the sight. He looked totally broken.

She met Sunset's eyes. She looked equally heartbroken. She gave Fluttershy a nod before cautiously approaching...

"Hey, are you—?"

"GAH!" he screamed, scrambling back. He held his hands above his head, refusing to make eye contact. He looked like a frightened puppy. "N-Not again! Look, just... just get it over with, okay?!"

"Whoa whoa, we're not gonna hurt you," Sunset said.

"Bullshit!" he yelled. "I promise I won't fight back! Just get it over and done with! Please!"

Fluttershy and Sunset exchanged a look of confusion and horror. Such a visceral reaction...

"C'mon, already!" he shouted.

"Hey, I said we're not gonna hurt you," Sunset said. "Wait a sec..."

"Wh-What?" he beckoned.

Sunset studied him for a moment.

"...yeah! I knew you looked familiar! You're the new student! I'm Sunset Shimmer, remember? I gave you a tour on your first day."

He seemed to relax a little, but didn't lower his hands. He turned his head toward them. His hood kept his eyes concealed, but it was clear his nose was bleeding.

"Y-Yeah... I remember," he said in a much softer voice. "You... remember me?"

"Of course, I do," Sunset said. "You're name's Coppermane, right?"

He relaxed a little more upon hearing his name.

"Yeah... th-that's right," he murmured.

"C'mon, let me help you up," Sunset said.

She reached out to him, but he recoiled.

"I promise, we won't hurt you," Sunset said.

Fluttershy tensed up when he looked in her direction.

"Wh-What about her?" he asked.

"Oh, she's my friend, Fluttershy," Sunset said. "Don't worry, she wouldn't hurt a fly."

His head darted between them, still hesitant.

"It's okay," Fluttershy said. "We here to help you."

He suddenly fixated on Fluttershy. She wasn't sure how to read it. Was he looking at her? Or just in the direction of her voice? What's going through his head.

A few seconds of silence passed, and his hands slowly lowered. With a sigh, he looked back at Sunset and took her hand, allowing her to help him stand. He was just a little taller than them. When he stood, he folded his arms and was struggling to make eye contact. Unfortunately, his face was still mostly hidden by his hood, but this was progress.

"Th-Thanks," he said.

"Sure thing," Sunset said. "Are these books and papers yours?"

Coppermane nodded.

"Let's help him, Fluttershy," Sunset said.

"No no, I-I can get it myself," Coppermane said.

"I insist," Sunset said. "We can't leave you behind, can we?"

"Um... uh... o-okay," he said softly.

Sunset and Fluttershy both started gathering papers. Coppermane started too, but he started as far from them as possible.

Fluttershy caught him sniffling, then saw him roll his sleeve up and wipe his nose with his arm. She gasped when she saw a bright red streak appear.

"Oh, you poor thing," Fluttershy said, going over to him.

"U-Um!" he said, backing away from her and pulling his sleeve back over his arm to conceal the blood.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you," Fluttershy said. "Is your nose bleeding?

He turned away. After a few seconds, he nodded.

"I'll be right back," she said.

Fluttershy rushed off to the bathroom and brought some paper towels back for him.

"Oh... th-thanks," he said. He blew his nose, and a big red glob appeared in the paper towel. He used the dry parts to blot his nose and clean his arm before tossing it in the nearby trash can.

Then... he just sat there... silently. He didn't make eye contact. He just stared at the ground... motionless.

Fluttershy couldn't look away. He reminded her of an abused puppy arriving at the shelter... all afraid. A sight that never became easier to witness. This was no exception.

But just like those puppies, maybe he just needed some care.

She sat next to him.

"Where did those mean jocks hit you?" Fluttershy asked.

He didn't answer. He didn't move.

"Coppermane?" Fluttershy coaxed.

Still nothing.

Fluttershy grew worried. Did she offend him, somehow?

That's when she noticed his hands were trembling. He seemed to be gripping his knees.

And then... a shiny, clear drop fell from his hood.

...he was crying.

"Coppermane..." she said softly. "It's okay. We're here to help you. But... I won't force anything. I can help pick up your papers if you'd like to be left alone."

He looked tense. His hands kept trembling, as if he was fighting against his tears. She could barely hear struggled breathing, like he was trying to say something.

"I... I-I..."

Fluttershy perked up, but didn't speak. She didn't want to interrupt whatever was going through his head.

"...I... ngh... I..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...I-I got... p-punched a lot."

He was really struggling to talk. His voice was shaky. Fluttershy spoke in the gentlest voice she could manage.

"Where did they punch you?" she asked.

"Um... m... m-my stomach... and... m-my... m-my face..." he said.

"May I take a look?" she asked.

"Ah! I... u-um..." he stammered.

His hands were shaking even more now.

"I-I'm sorry!" Fluttershy said. "You don't have to if you don't want—"

"No... n-no, I... I-I should..." he said. "It's just... it's just that..."

He paused.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...I-I'm sorry. I know you just want to help. Um... c-can you just... make it quick?"

"Of course," Fluttershy said.

"O-Okay..." he said.

He lifted his shaking hands, grabbing the rim of his hood. He looked like he was about to lower his hood... but froze.

Fluttershy waited patiently, but couldn't help but worry. Was he trying to psyche himself up? Was it that difficult for him?

He took a deep shaky breath... and lowered his hood.

Fluttershy wasn't sure what she expected, but he was cute. Surprisingly cute, even. He held his hood close to his cheeks, concealing his neck, and he still refused to look at her. His guard was fully up. Nevertheless, Fluttershy was pleasantly surprised. His hair was medium length, kind of messy, coifed and parted to his right, and was a luxurious auburn color with red highlights... like copper. His skin was pearly white, making it easy to see that he was blushing a little. And his eyes were warm brown, like chocolate chips in a freshly baked cookie.

Cute as he was, there were clear signs of physical harm. There were hints of red inside his nostrils, likely from bleeding, his right eye was beginning to swell and blacken, and the left side of his bottom lip was split and swollen.

And despite their warm color, his eyes looked burdened with pain. Eyes that ask... "why me?"

"Oh, you poor thing," Fluttershy whimpered.

He just groaned and turned further away. More and more, he looked just like an abused puppy. Even more than she did a few minutes ago, Fluttershy felt a visceral instinct to help him.

"I'll be right back again," Fluttershy said, standing up. "Oh... you can put your hood back up now. Thank you."

Coppermane didn't hesitate, hiding his face without a second thought.

Fluttershy rushed to the bathroom again. She got more paper towels and soaked them in the coldest water the sinks could produce. Quickly returning, she handed them to Coppermane.

"Here," she said. "Your right eye looks swollen. This should help a little."

He placed it against his eye and sighed shakily.

"...th-thanks," he said.

"Okay, that should be everything."

Sunset's voice startled Fluttershy. She turned and saw Sunset zipping up Coppermane's backpack. The floor was spotless.

"Oh... I'm sorry, Sunset," Fluttershy said. "I got distracted."

"That's okay. It wasn't that much," Sunset said. "Here you go, Coppermane. I can't promise it's organized that well, but everything should be in there."

Sunset handed Coppermane's backpack to him.

"Th-Thanks," he said, standing up and slinging it over his back.

"I'm sorry this happened to you, Coppermane," Sunset said.

"...i-it's nothing," Coppermane said.

"What? It's definitely something!" Sunset insisted. "Do you know who did it?"

"I... I don't know," he said. "But I promise, it's not a big deal."

"It's a huge deal!" Sunset insisted. "I want to get to the bottom of who—"

"I said it's nothing!"

Coppermane's sudden outburst brought the conversation to a screeching halt. The air became heavy. Coppermane stood still. Almost... catatonic. His hand trembled. His hood kept his eyes hidden, but his mouth was hanging open, like he was taken aback by his own words.

"I... I... shit! I-I'm sorry, I... I'm so... I... ergh!"

He clutched his head with his hands.

"C-Coppermane?" Fluttershy said, reaching her hand out.

Coppermane gasped, stepping back.

"No... no! I... I... I'm sorry, okay?!"

Without another word, Coppermane ran.

"Coppermane, wait!" Fluttershy called out.

She took a few steps, wanting to give chase... but she stopped herself. It was no use. He was already too far. With no further acknowledgment, he kept running without pause. Before she knew it, he turned the corner and disappeared. His footsteps echoed through the hall, quieting with each step until she couldn't hear them anymore.

Just like that... he was gone.

Fluttershy stood there in shock. Suddenly, it felt like there was a void in her heart.

"W-Was I too pushy?" Sunset asked.

"I... I don't know..." Fluttershy said.

She couldn't look away from where he turned the corner. Was she hoping he'd come back?

"Well... we still have the photos," Sunset said. "C'mon. Let's head to rehearsal and show them to Rainbow Dash."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...Fluttershy?"

"Huh?"

Fluttershy blinked, coming back to reality.

"...did you say something, Sunset?" Fluttershy asked.

"Um... are you okay?" Sunset asked. "I think you zoned out."

"I-I did?" Fluttershy said. "Oh... sorry."

"It's alright," Sunset said. "I was just saying we should get to rehearsal and show Rainbow Dash the photos."

"...y-yes. W-We shouldn't keep them waiting," Fluttershy said. "After you."

Sunset led the way. They walked in silence, the air still weighing on them after the abrupt end to their encounter with Coppermane.

On the way, all Fluttershy could think about was him. She only saw his face for a few seconds, yet her memory was vivid. How could she forget those eyes of deep, unrelenting pain? She's never seen anything like it.

Several questions buzzed in her head. Why was he beaten up? Why was he so scared of her and Sunset? Why did he snap at them so viciously?

...and why did it break her heart so much to watch him run away?