Only a handful of homes resided on the edge of town. They ranged from large farm houses like the one on Sweet Apple Acres, to small cottages like the Shys.

Applejack hadn't risen early nor meant to sleep late. Applebloom snuck out early with Big Mac to get to the morning chores before the rooster and she swore she heard Granny Smith muttering something about not waking her.

The walk from the farm wasn't long but reawoke her sore muscles. Shys parents owned this cottage and permitted her to move in over the summer leading into her senior year. She used it as an animal sanctuary, which was rather a halfway home for sick animals to get well and lost animals to be found. Or even a place for people to adopt.

Applejack hadn't ever been apprehensive about knocking on Shys door, or anyone for that matter. Today was different. She gently rapped her knuckles against the wood and winced immediately at the sound of stuff clattering.

"Fluttershy?" Applejack asked while knocking again.

Something else fell.

Applejack slowly reached for the door handle and gripped it firmly after hearing a frightened squeak.

"I'm coming in." Applejack warned.

She pushed the door open and peered into see a bucket and vegetables spilled across the rug.

"Shy?" Applejack called.

She shut the door behind her and carefully stepped over the spill as she nade her way to the hall. Applejack rushed over to the quivering mess beneath the junk that avalanched out of the closet.

"Aiee!" Fluttershy flinched away from her and cowered into the pile.

"C'mon out sugarcube." Aj said softly. "I'm not gon hurt you."

"Hurt me?" Fluttershy asked shocked. "I'm the one that hurt you." She sniffled. "That's why you have to leave. Leave before I hurt you again!"

She weakly tried to push Applejack back before sinking back down onto the floor.

"Why? Do you want to hurt me?" Applejack asked.

"No. Never." She replied quietly.

"And you are Fluttershy, right?"

She nodded.

"Then what makes you think you're going to hurt me?"

Fluttershy whimpered and shook her head refusing to answer.

"Look at me sugar, I don't bite." Applejack sighed seeing her coaxing was getting them nowhere. "Twi told me what happened after. And how you said you don't remember much, and how awful you must feel knowing that I was hurt. But look at me I'm fine!" She insisted.

"I remember everything." Fluttershy said softly. "I pleaded with her to erase it. I never wanted t-too.." she stammered off and started to cry.

Applejack wanted to pull her into a hug when instead reached forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. Gently rubbed her upperback in an attempt to soothe her.

"Please." Fluttershy begged. "I don't know what's going to happen. I can barely think straight when your around..."

"Look I know you have a crush on me, that's nothing to be ashamed of. I just want to be here for you, I'm not mad at you Shy. I don't think I nor anyone could ever be mad at you.".

Her cheeks burned as she turned her tear stained face up at Applejack. Fluttershy took her outstretched hand and slowly began to stand.

"That's it sugar, nice and easy."

"You're really not mad at me?
Applejack shook her head and barely had time to brace herself for the hug. She held Fluttershy as she cried and it was when she began to calm down Aj realized it wasn't as small as Twilight led her to believe.

Author's Note

Computers down. Writing these on my phone. Feedback is appreciated!